Things to do in Gallipoli | Top 10 must see highlights
Things to do in Gallipoli | Top 10 must see highlights
What to do in Gallipoli? Gallipoli is bursting with things to do and see. For example, main sights are the Cathédrale de Gallipoli, Fontana Greca and Castello di Gallipoli.
Wondering what else you should do in Gallipoli? Read on quickly for all our tips and things to do in Gallipoli.
Things to do in Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a beautiful old town full of history. The old part of Gallipoli is an island still connected by bridge to the new part.
Walk along ‘Corso Roma’ to the old part. There you will first see Fontana Greca and Castello di Gallipoli.
Then continue walking through all the narrow and cozy streets. This way you’ll get right to the other sights like the Cathédrale de Gallipoli and the Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria Della Purità.
Other attractions in Gallipoli are the following:
What to do in Gallipoli?
Cathédrale de Gallipoli
The Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is the most beautiful and important cathedral in Gallipoli.
Construction of this Baroque cathedral, made of the local stone Carparo, began in 1629. It took until 1696 for the construction to be completed.
The Cathédrale de Gallipoli reminds you of the beautiful Baroque architecture in Lecce and is one of the fine examples of Baroque in Salento.
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata stands on the remains of a church formerly dedicated to St. John Chrysostom and later in 1,126 to St. Agatha, the patron saint of the village.
Unfortunately, this old church was destroyed and it was necessary to build the new Cathédrale de Gallipoli. At night, the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata looks beautifully illuminated.
About 75 years ago, the Cathedral of Gallipoli was elevated to “basilica” by Pope Pius XII, giving it an even more important status.
Be sure to go inside as well! I found it a magnificent church with many beautiful paintings and frescoes by local artist ‘Giovanni Andrea Coppola’. Entrance is free.
Fontana Greca
Fontana Greca is also called the oldest fountain in Italy!
In fact, the fountain located on the square Piazza Aldo Moro, dates back to the 3rd century.
At least, that’s what we thought. In fact, thorough research has shown that the Fontana Greca was created during the Renaissance. To this day, the year of contruction is still unknown.
Although the fountain may not be that old, it is still worth visiting because of how beautiful Fontana Greca looks! For instance, there are some beautiful Greek myths depicted on the fountain. You can see 3 stories of the 3 Greek mythological figures Salmace, Dirce and Biblide.
The Fontana Greca is very imposing at 5 meters high. You will find the fountain just outside the old center of Gallipoli. Around 1560 the fountain was moved to this new spot.
Castello di Gallipoli
One of the things you should definitely do in Gallipoli?
Go to Castello di Gallipoli! This magnificent castle comes from the 14th century and was expanded over the years. Among other things, the Aragonese built a fifth tower in 16th century.
These towers used to protect the city from attacks from the sea. But today the castle is used for events. For example, in the summer, one of the towers of Castello di Gallipoli is used as a cinema where you can watch a movie.
The fortress in Gallipoli is still in good condition and gives a unique view of the city and the sea that surrounds Castello di Gallipoli.
Tickets for Castello di Gallipoli:
Adults: €7,-
Children: €4.
An optional audio tour costs €3.
Chiesa di Santa Teresa
This sight is located in the old town of Gallipoli, next to the Carmelite Monastery. The Chiesa di Santa Teresa is somewhat less noticeable than the Cathédrale de Gallipoli.
Construction of the Chiesa di Santa Teresa began in 1687. Yet it took until 1690 for this church to be completely finished.
Market in Gallipoli
Every day between 6:00 and 9:00 in the morning you will find a fish market in Gallipoli. Here you can find really tasty fish, just fresh from the sea.
While you buy the fish, you will see some fishermen emptying their nets or preparing the fresh fish. Even without eating fish, it is worth visiting the market in Gallipoli. Furthermore, you’ll see the port, full of cute blue fishing boats.
Gallipoli City Wall
Another sight not to miss in Gallipoli (and almost impossible to miss), is the city wall. The city wall that surrounds the entire city dates back to the 15th century.
The city wall served to protect Gallipoli from enemy attacks. In the 19th century, the wall was torn down to the states level.
The wall is still in good condition and offers a beautiful view over the sea. Especially, from the beach ‘Spiaggia della Purità‘, where you will have an incredible view.
Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria Della Purità
This beautiful church build in 1660 can be found almost directly on the beach ‘Spiaggia della Purità‘. The combination of the church with the beautiful view of the beach and sea, make this sight one of the thing you must see in Gallipoli.
From the outside, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Purità is not the most beautiful church. What really matters here is the inside! Also named by many the most beautiful church in Gallipoli.
A real surprise you will find when you walk into the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Purità. Inside the church you will find beautiful frescoes and decorations. Lastly, don’t forget to admire the unique floor.
Spiaggia della Purità
Gallipoli has a beautiful city beach, right in the historic center. Spiaggia della Purità is clean, there is plenty of space to lie down and the water is crystal clear.
It is a free sandy beach, about 200 to 300 meters wide. When we were there, there was plenty of space to lie down. During busier periods, you may have to be on time.
You can rent umbrellas and a beach bed for about €5 each.
Porto di Gallipoli
Also be sure to check out the port of Gallipoli. In the port you will find cute authentic blue boats and see some fishermen bringing the fresh catch on shore.
Porto di Gallipoli can be found just before you enter the old town. Near the castle ‘Castello di Gallipoli’.
Does Gallipoli have nice beaches?
Other nice beaches near Gallipoli that are worth visiting are the following:
- Punta della Suina
- Torre Lapillo
- Porto Cesareo
- Punta prosciutto
Why is Gallipoli so famous?
When you say Gallipoli, you say olive oil and oil presses. The city has traditionally been known for its oil presses. For example, in Gallipoli you will find no less than 35 underground oil presses, some of which have been excavated. Gallipoli was so important that in the 17th century it had one of the largest olive oil productions in Italy.
Would you like to visit an underground chamber where olive oil was produced? Then go to Frantoio Ipogeo. There you can book a tour where you get to visit the underground chambers and will be informed about the history of olive oil in Gallipoli.
Food in Gallipoli
In Gallipoli you will find several delicacies you must try! For example, Gallipoli is known as the city of fish, with fresh sea urchins being the specialty.
Other dishes worth trying are marinated fish with saffron and Gallipolina fish soup.
What to see around Gallipoli?
In the surroundings of Gallipoli there are plenty of things to do. For example, you will find several beautiful beaches but also some nice villages such as Nardò and Galatone.
Gallipoli parking
You cannot enter the old center of Gallipoli by car. So make sure you park it in the new part of town.
We parked our car at Parcheggio cimitero. Then you can walk along Corso Roma to the old center. By doing this, you can also see the sights of the new part of Gallipoli.
