The mysterious sea grotto of Montagna Spaccata, or Split Mountain, is a natural wonder found on Monte Orlando, a protected natural park in Gaeta.
According to local stories, God was so distraught at the crucifixion of Christ that He made the earth shake and let out a lightning bolt which created three giant cracks in this mountain. The Sanctuary of Santissima Trinità, or Holy Trinity, was built during the 11th century by the Benedictine monks to honor this event.
Gaeta is a picturesque port city on the coastline of Italy in the province of Latina. It is located on a promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in what is known as the Ulysses Riviera (la riviera di Ulisse), also known as the Gulf of Gaeta, where according to legend, Ulysses, or Odysseus in Greek mythology, came to meet the enchantress Circe on his way back from the Trojan War. It is a popular seaside resort town which dates back to ancient Rome, known for its beautiful beaches such as Sérapo and Sant’Agostino, and where the famous purplish black olives originated from.
Serapo beach, Gaeta, seen from the top of the sanctuary at Montagna Spaccata.
Gaeta has many wonderful natural and historical attractions one should visit.
The grotto at Montagna Spaccata
One such place that is not to be missed is the mysterious natural sea grotto, Montagna Spaccata, or Split Mountain, where the Sanctuary of Santissima Trinità is located. According to local stories, God was so distraught at the crucifixion of Christ that He made the earth shake and let out a lightning bolt which split this mountain in two. A chapel was built upon this location to honor this event.
Torre di Sant’Agostino, Gaeta
The tower at Sant’Agostino beach is one of the many lookout points that were set up so that towns along the coastline could warn each other of invaders.
The medieval Castello Angioino Aragonese
Castello Angioino Aragonese is a medieval castle that was built around the 6th century to protect against invasions. The lower part was built during the rule of the House of the French Anjou and the upper part by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. It served as a fortress during the Goth Wars and then during the invasion of the Lombards, and most recently served as a military prison.
Via Flacca
Via Flacca is the scenic coastal road that connects Formia to Terracina, and leads into Via Appia to Rome in the north, and to Naples in the south.
Nato naval base (white building on left)
It is also where NATO’s US naval base of operations is located.
Gaeta as seen from Formia
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