Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gallipoli
POP 21,100
Though not as iconic as the Turkish town of the same name, this Gallipoli (meaning
'beautiful town' in Greek) fills an island in the Ionian Sea and is connected by a bridge to
the mainland and modern city. It's a picturesque town surrounded by high walls, which
were built to protect it against attacks from the sea. An important fishing centre, it feels
like a working Italian town, unlike more seasonal coastal places. In the summer bars and
restaurants make the most of the island's ramparts, looking out to sea.
Sights & Activities
Gallipoli has some fine beaches, including the
Baia Verde
, just south of town. Nature en-
thusiasts will want to take a day trip to
Parco Regionale Porto Selvaggio
, about 20km north -
a protected area of wild coastline with walking trails amid the trees and diving off the
rocky shore.
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
(Via Antonietta de Pace; hours vary)
In the centre, on the highest point of the island, is this
17th-century baroque cathedral, lined with paintings by local artists. Zimbalo, who im-
printed Lecce with his crazy baroque styles, also worked on the facade.
CATHEDRAL
Frantoio Ipogeo
( 338 1363063; Via Antonietta de Pace 87; 10am-12.30pm & 4-6.30pm Jun-Sep, to midnight Jun &
Jul)
This is only one of some 35 olive presses buried in the tufa rock below the town. It's
here that they pressed Gallipoli's olive oil, which was then stored in one of the 2000
cisterns carved beneath the old town.
HISTORIC SITE
Museo Civico
( 0833 26 42 24; Via Antonietta de Pace 108; adult €3; 9am-1pm & 4-9pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat)
Founded in 1878, the museum is a 19th-century time capsule featuring fish heads, ancient
sculptures, a 3rd-century-BC sarcophagus and other weird stuff.
MUSEUM
Farmacia Provenzana
(Via Antonietta de Pace;
HISTORIC BUILDING
8.30am-12.30pm & 4.30-8.30pm Sun-Fri)
A beautifully decorated phar-
macy dating from 1814.
