Excursion Split montain & gaeta walking tour tour at Gaeta

As the ship will be alongside in Gaeta, guests will disembark ashore to meet their guide at the tender pier. Once assembled, board your private motorcoach and begin the scenic drive to one of the area’s most remarkable landmarks.

Scenic Drive and Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain)

Depart the pier for the short drive to the so-called Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain). This extraordinary site takes its name from a massive cliff that legend says was split in two by an earthquake at the moment of Christ’s death. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk down to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, built into the rock face and offering breathtaking views over the Gulf of Gaeta. To reach the Sanctuary and viewpoint, guests must descend approximately 50 steps each way. Take in the spiritual atmosphere of this unique place before re-boarding your coach.

Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Gaeta

Proceed towards the city centre and begin your walking tour at the gates of Gaeta, including the one opened by Carlo III in 1737 and two others constructed by Carlo V in 1538. Enter the old quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow alleys, medieval portals, towers, and small squares that reflect centuries of history.

Church of the SS. Annunziata & Cappella d’Oro

Pause at the Church of the Annunziata, a Gothic monument renewed with Baroque decorations in 1621. Its façade, designed by A. Lazzari, features a clock and bell gable, while the original Gothic portal remains from the early structure. The church also houses the celebrated Cappella d’Oro, renowned for its golden coffered ceiling and Renaissance frescoes, including Scipione Pulzone’s Immacolata Concezione. Pope Pius IX prayed here, inspiring the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Cathedral of San Erasmo

Continue to the Cathedral, originally built between the 10th and 11th centuries and consecrated in 1106 by Pope Pasquale II. The church, located at the base of the medieval quarter, is admired for its remarkable architecture and distinctive bell tower.

Angevin-Aragonese Castle

Proceed uphill to admire the imposing Angevin-Aragonese Castle. Dating back to the Ducal period, the fortress was later developed through the Norman, Suevian, Angevin, and Aragonese eras. Once a royal residence, it recalls centuries of noble and military history.

Church of San Francesco

Conclude your walk at the neo-Gothic Church of San Francesco, built after 1850 on the site of a 13th-century convent in honor of Pope Pius IX during his exile in Gaeta before reboarding your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Gaeta, Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain), Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, Gulf of Gaeta, Old Town Gaeta

Note

Please Note: During April 2026 the underground Roman Cistern will be temporarily closed for restoration. During this period, the visit of the underground Roman Cistern will be replaced by a guided walking tour of Gaeta’s historic streets and landmarks instead.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.5 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, inclines, and approximately 50 steps at the Montagna Spaccata. Walking in Gaeta and Formia is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the Sanctuary; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour. Public restrooms are available at selected stops and may require a small local fee.