What to do · Sperlonga and Gaeta
The Montagna Spaccata and the Grotta del Turco, in Gaeta
Information
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- From age 6; many steps, no pushchairs
What it is
At the tip of Monte Orlando, above the sea, stands the sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, from the 11th century. Beside the church, a staircase goes down a vertical and very narrow cleft in the rock: tradition says the mountain split at the earthquake of Christ's death. At the bottom, a chapel of the Crucifix built over the water. Another staircase, outside, goes down between rock walls to the Grotta del Turco, a cave open to the sea where, according to legend, pirates hid.
How to visit
The sanctuary is at Via Santissima Trinità, 3, on the outskirts of Gaeta, with parking next to it. The hours change with the season and there are closing slots at midday: check them on the sanctuary's website before you go. Allow an hour and a half for the cleft, the chapel and the descent to the cave.
Tips
- Go in shoes with grip Both staircases are narrow and the one to the cave has many steps.
- See it from the sea too The boat trips from Sperlonga and Gaeta pass beneath the cleft and the cave.
As a familyWith teenagers
