Gallipoli historic center
Gallipoli from the classical Greek “beautiful city” is known as the “Pearl of the Ionian” thanks to its privileged position along the Ionian coast of Salento, its heavenly beaches and the architectural and cultural beauties of the “old city” (i.e. the historic center).
What to see in the historic center of Gallipoli
1) The Castle of Gallipoli
The majestic Angevin Castle stands to welcome you in the “old city” of Gallipoli, almost completely surrounded by the sea, a defensive structure full of charm in which past and present merge.
The manor was built after 265 BC to protect the city, but was most likely destroyed or seriously damaged in the 5th century. It was then rebuilt during the Byzantine rule and today houses the civic museum, with a vast collection of archaeological artifacts and art objects. A visit to the castle is a must for tourists who want to discover the history of Gallipoli. Even today, however, it is possible to observe the cannons and catapults of the past up close, but also visit the various tunnels, prisons and large internal rooms: the latter have a rather high ceiling with very beautiful barrel and cross vaults. Consider taking a walk along the walls of the Angevin Castle in order to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire historic center of Gallipoli, with its ancient buildings, picturesque alleys and the crystalline sea that surrounds the city. Furthermore, during the summer, the castle becomes a place of cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions, which attract visitors from all over the world.
2) Greek Fountain
After visiting the castle, reach the second stop: the Greek Fountain near the bridge that connects the “old city” of Gallipoli to the new part.
The fountain contains an incredible history that has its roots in the most remote eras. Its exact dating is still a matter of debate. According to Gallipoli tradition, it is believed that it was built by the Greek populations in the distant 3rd century BC. and, if this theory were correct, the Greek Fountain would be the oldest in Italy!
Some critics, however, believe it is more plausible to attribute the architectural work to the Renaissance period. From 1548 to 1560, the fountain was located near the disappeared Church of San Nicola, and was then moved next to the Gallipoli Bridge in 1560, where it is still located today.
Admire the 5 meters high fountain and the two facades. On one there is the coat of arms of Gallipoli and the insignia of the sovereign Charles III of Bourbon and on the other the four caryatids, bas-reliefs with mythological figures and the coat of arms of the king of Spain Philip II.
3) The churches of Gallipoli
Once outside the Castle, many suggestive streets open up in a maze together with a series of churches, including the cathedral of Sant’Agata, one of the main monuments of the Baroque expression of Salento. The church, built in 1629, has a Latin cross plan and is located at the highest point of the historic center, clearly visible even from some streets away. On the outside, the façade is characterized by alternating niches and stone statues of saints, among which the figure of Saint Agatha stands out, obviously. The interior, however, is a triumph of Baroque art: the high altar, for example, is a small masterpiece made of marble of different colors and delimited by an elegant and imposing balustrade.
Next to the Basilica of Gallipoli visit the Diocesan Museum of Gallipoli where you can see the silver busts of Saint Agatha and Saint Sebastian, paintings, treasures, ecclesiastical vestments from 1600-1700, collections of statues and furnishings.
Another stop not to be missed is the suggestive church of San Francesco D’Assisi, famous because it houses, next to Christ, the statue of the Malladrone (the bad thief) dressed in rags, a work particularly appreciated by d’Annunzio.
4) Spiaggia della Purità
You can’t say you’ve truly enjoyed Gallipoli without spending at least an afternoon on one of the beautiful beaches in the area. One of these, very close to the town, is Purità Beach: it is a small bay nestled between the turrets and bastions of the old city, therefore particularly suggestive. The fine sand and transparent water make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a break, even for those traveling with children!
Near the beach, don’t miss a visit to the Rectory Church of Santa Maria della Purità located in the historic center. On the outside, the simple façade is decorated with a 19th-century majolica triptych depicting the Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Joseph. The interior, however, offers a spectacle of great pomp, with eighteenth-century paintings and sumptuous stuccos decorating every surface.
5) The Palaces
Another stop not to be missed during the visit to the historic center of Gallipoli is a walking tour of the most beautiful palaces in the city, most of which date back to the period between the 15th and 18th centuries. Among these, the majestic Palazzo del Seminario stands out, a three-story Baroque triumph, built in the 18th century and characterized by a carparo facade. Currently, the palace houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Furnishings.
Palazzo Balsamo, located a few meters from the Purità Beach, is an eclectic and curious building that today serves as a hospitality facility.
We also find Palazzo Pirelli, dating back to the 15th century and located near the Cathedral, which houses a Pharmacy. Palazzo Senape de Pace, on the other hand, can be visited on the first floor and welcomes tourists in its rooms on the second floor. There is also Palazzo Venneri, a house whose architecture combines Doric elements with Baroque ones; Palazzo Tafuri with its characteristic Spanish windows, Palazzo Romito and Palazzo Doxi.
What to eat in the historic center of Gallipoli
If you are on vacation in Gallipoli you must try the exquisite cuisine of Gallipoli and Salento. Gallipoli is not only an undisputed destination for fun and summer nightlife on the beach, but is also full of tasty delicacies such as purple shrimp and the many traditional local dishes. Taste rustici, calzones, pasticciotti and fish-based first courses in the best bars and restaurants in Gallipoli. And if you want pizza or are a lover of street food and aperitifs you are spoiled for choice.
Particularly appreciated are the raw seafood: mussels, sea urchins, shrimp, oysters and all the best that the rich and “tasty” Ionian Sea gives to fishermen. There are many activities that guarantee excellent aperitifs and lunches based on raw fish. Among these are La Lampara in via Incrociata, and La Spingula, on the Nazario Sauro seafront, both in the historic center.
Don’t miss the typical dessert of Gallipoli: the spumone. It is a dome of artisanal ice cream that holds inside a very sweet heart with sponge cake soaked in Strega and faldacchiera. Among the most famous and characteristic places to taste the typical artisanal spumone is the bar “da Maria”, in via XXIV maggio, in the historic center.