The city of Gallipoli, founded by Greeks, was formerly called Kallipolli, which means “beautiful city.” The only one original building we can still find from this age is the Fontana Greca. In the medieval period, the town belonged to the Roman Pope, and later Normans settled here. In the 18th-century, a port was built in the city and Gallipoli became one of the most significant importers of olive oil. The city is divided into two parts, an old town, and a new town. The old town, the historic center, is located on an island, which is connected to the new city by a 16th-century bridge. Read the interesting facts about Gallipoli and let yourself be inspired by things to do on your next trip.
1. Castle of Gallipoli
The Castle of Gallipoli is situated in the eastern part of Siena, surrounded by the sea. The building, built in the 14th-century, was designed by Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. From the original construction, the castle went through changes and reconstructions. Nowadays, the castle has a quadrangular shape, with four towers and one adjacent fifth tower. The fifth “lookout” tower was erected to defend attacks in the 16th-century. Today, in the summer months, the fifth tower holds the movie theater.
Castle of Gallipoli
Address: Rampa Castello, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
Website: Castle of Gallipoli (in Italian)
2. Splash Parco Acquatico
The Gallipoli Water Park sprawls over a vast area and first opened in 1989, and has been providing fun for people for a successful 28 years. The whole park is situated in between tropical vegetation. In the waterpark, you can find various swimming pools with different depths and different water slides. The wide range of water slides includes Toboga, Boomerang, Kamikaze, Twister, Rainbow Cannons, Baby Toboga, Magic Castle, Boomerang, and Vortex. The pools offer attractions for the kids, such as the Tsunámi area or area with a beach. The park features large grassy areas where you can relax while your children enjoy water fun.
Adjacent to the water park is Fabilandia Park, an amusement park which offers some non-aquatic attractions made for children. The waterpark also offers some public events such as concerts and Zumba fitness. There is also a restaurant and bistro on site to buy a drinks and food. Splash Parco Aquatico is the perfect place to enjoy a summer day with the whole family.
Splash Parco Acquatico
Address: Litoranea S.Maria al Bagno, 73014 Località Rivabella, Gallipoli LE, Italy
Website: Splash Parco Acquatico
3. Lido Punta della Suina
Lido Punta Della Suina lies in the middle of the natural park of Gallipoli. The beautiful coast, featuring two fully equipped sunny beaches, is surrounded by an endless pine forest. The place offers great views for sunsets over the crystal azure water. A local restaurant is the perfect place for a fresh salad, sandwich or just a cup of coffee or a drink. The area is popular for tourists and for locals and the beaches holds many events and festivals, especially during the warm summer nights. The Lido Punta della Suina is the perfect place for relaxing, partying or for taking a romantic walk while the sun is going down.
Lido Punta della Suina
Address: Punta della Suina Litoranea Gallipoli, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
Website: Lido Punta della Suina *in Italian
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4. Museum Civico E. Barba Gallipoli
This museum was founded in 1823 by Carminé Forto, who donated his book to Gallipoli. A convent added the first donations to the museum, and later the museum was in the hands of scientist and professor Emanuele Barba, who founded a “zoo office” (a laboratory with animal researchers). Today you can find here collections of weapons and clothes, and part of the exhibition is also the collection of painter, Giovanni Andrea Coppola. The museum includes some archeological artifacts, such as vessels, and inscriptions or sarcophagus. The museum will bring you back in time through the history of Gallipoli and the ancient life of the famous people who lived here.
Museum Civico E. Barba Gallipoli
Address: Via A. de Pace, 108, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
5. Fontana Greca
The Greek fountain stands close to the bridge that connects the old town with the new town. The fountain was built in the 3rd-century, and it is the oldest fountain in Italy. Originally, the fountain was situated in the part of the city called “Fontanelle,” the old SPA area. In 1548 it was relocated next to the Church of St. Nicholas. In 1560 the fountain was again dismantled to be moved to the current location. The fountain consists of three, lavishly adorned 5 meter (16 foot) tall parts. The stone structure is sculpted to represent the metamorphosis of the myths.
Fontana Greca
Address: Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
6. Lido Blue Bay Beach
The beautiful Blue Bay Beach offers bright azure water. The golden warm sand and the fully equipped beach make a sensational place to spend the summer days. The beach features a restaurant with fresh meals, such as salads and seafood and also a café. When the sun is strong, there is the possibility to rent a deck chair and parasol. The sunny coast is ideal for a walk or for watching the sunset while drinking your cocktail in the bar.
Lido Blue Bay Beach
Address: Baia Verde, Gallipoli, Italy
Website: Lido Blue Bay Beach
7. Chiesa di San Domenico al Rosario
This Catholic church was built in 1696 by Dominicans and constructed by a designer, Valerio Margoleo. The elegant facade is made from commonly used material in Siena, Carpar. Inside the church, you can find the beautifully decorated interior. The hall features paintings from the 17th-century; masterpieces of Giovanni Domenico Catalano. Nowadays, the church is a seat of Rosary Confraternity. The beautiful church is worth a visit when traveling to Siena.
Chiesa di San Domenico al Rosario
Address: Via Rosario, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
8. Samsara Beach
Samsara Beach is a party beach and the centerpiece of the biggest parties and summer concerts of famous Italian artists. However, this place is not popular only in the summer, with events such as the New Year’s Party also popular in the winter. The beach offers golden sand, clear blue sea, and sunshine throughout the day. During the summer there are countless parties, especially attractive among young people. In addition to the perfect beach and great fun, Samsara offers friendly and quality service. This place is the only choice if you are keen for a party while staying in Siena. Warm sun, perfect beach, and endless fun; that’s what Samsara means.
Samsara Beach
Address: Lungomare Galilei, 73014 Baia Verde, Gallipoli LE, Italy
Website: Samsara Beach
9. Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto
The Santuario is situated close to the stone bridge that leads to the old town and Fountain Greca. The Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto was built in the late 17th-century and was dedicated to St. John. The entrance to the church is accessed by a porch of three front arches. The lavish interior is divided into three aisles, featuring coffered wooden ceilings with an icon of Virgin Mary and flower patterns. The Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto is a beautiful building, overlooking the pond of the Seno del Canneto, the ancient port city.
Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto
Address: Piazza Aldo Moro, 0, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
10. Taste the local cuisine in La Puritate
Italian cuisine is a favorite through the whole world! Their food is fresh and just delicious. Are you curious about the traditional meals of Siena? Trattoria La Puritate, with its beautiful location and view over the coast, is the best place to explore the tastes of Italy. The menu consists of traditional meals of Italian cuisine, and the best quality and freshness is guaranteed. There is a wide range of meals to try such as fresh pasta, seafood and some desserts. Besides the food, you can enjoy any of the Italian wines. All of this is strengthened by friendly staff, as known fact about Italians. La Puritate is a lovely and attractive place to have a nice dinner.
La Puritate
Address: Via Sant'Elia 18, 73014, Gallipoli, Italy
Facebook: La Puritate
"The Pearl of the Ionian Coast"
Gallipoli is also known as “The Pearl of the Ionian Coast.” There are many things to do here, whether you want to explore culture and history or you want to enjoy a party on the beach. The city has impressive monuments and perfect coastlines, and all the beauty of Gallipoli will be even more enjoyable with delicious cuisine and welcoming Italian people. Need we say more? Start planning your visit now!
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