The best hikes from bus stations around Parco dei Monti Aurunci

This famous archaeological site is the tomb of Lucius Munatius Planco, a Roman consul and founder of Lyon and Basel. The mausoleum is located on the summit of Monte Orlando, from where you can also admire the entire Gulf of Gaeta, the Aurunci mountain range, Monte Circeo, the Pontine Islands, and Vesuvius. Lucius Munatius Planco, a lover and admirer of these places, fascinated by their beauty but also attracted by the strategic position and natural fortifications of Gaeta, chose Monte Orlando, wanting once again to excel and ensure his protection. Unlike the mausoleum, which is in good condition today, so much so that it is considered one of the most important existing Roman funerary art artifacts, his sumptuous villa has almost completely disappeared. Few remains of it are left in the area of the Sanctuary of the SS Trinità. The construction dates back to 22 BC and is perfectly circular in shape with a tumulus covering. Inside, this monumental tomb consists of four cells accessible from a circular corridor (ambulatory) and arranged according to the 4 cardinal points. The cells house an antiquarium of artifacts from different historical eras found in the area of Gaeta, and in the main one at the entrance, a copy of the original statue of the consul can be admired, which is currently in Rome. The diameter of the structure is 29.54 meters, while the external circumference measures 93.10.

The powder magazines are an important historical testament to human presence and activity on Monte Orlando in past eras, and they are part of the complex of fortifications and military construction artifacts dating back to the Aragonese and Bourbon dominations (14th-18th centuries). Even in more recent times, as indeed already in Roman times, the extraordinary strategic position of Monte Orlando was appreciated. The powder magazines enclose, within mighty walls, installations where war material (mainly gunpowder) was stored. Today, the Carolina, the Ferdinando, and the Trabacco are preserved in good condition and clearly visible.

This famous archaeological site is the tomb of Lucius Munatius Planco, a Roman consul and founder of Lyon and Basel. The mausoleum is located on the summit of Monte Orlando, from where you can also admire the entire Gulf of Gaeta, the Aurunci mountain range, Monte Circeo, the Pontine Islands, and Vesuvius. An admirer and connoisseur of these places, fascinated by their beauty but also enticed by the strategic position and natural fortifications of Gaeta, Lucius Munatius Planco, by choosing Monte Orlando, wanted, once again, to excel and ensure his protection. Unlike the mausoleum, which is in good condition today, so much so that it is considered one of the most important existing Roman funerary art artifacts, his sumptuous villa has almost entirely disappeared. Few remains of it are left in the area of the Sanctuary of the SS. Trinità. The construction dates back to 22 BC and is perfectly circular in shape with a tumulus covering. Inside, this monumental tomb consists of four cells accessible from a circular corridor (ambulatory) and arranged according to the 4 cardinal points. The cells house an antiquarium of artifacts from different historical eras found in the area of Gaeta, and in the main one at the entrance, a copy of the original statue of the consul, currently in Rome, can be admired. The diameter of the structure is 29.54 meters, while the external circumference measures 93.10.

Wonderful and Fascinating Place The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity at Montagna Spaccata is a place of deep spirituality, immersed in the extraordinary natural setting of Monte Orlando, in Gaeta. It stands on the remains of the Roman villa of Lucius Munatius Plancus, and owes its name to three imposing fissures in the rock, two of which are visitable. Founded around 930 AD by Benedictine monks, the sanctuary has always been a center of prayer and meditation. It is a place of attraction for pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, fascinated by the sacredness and history of the place. In addition to the suggestive Chapel of the Crucifix, the Church of the Sanctuary, and the Grotta del Turco, the complex offers visitors a spiritual journey between faith and nature, with breathtaking views of the sea. A point of reference for those seeking a moment of recollection and inner peace, immersed in an environment that combines religion, history, and the wonders of creation.

Well-maintained seafront, with an excellent cycle path for safe cycling, even for the less experienced.

Fra' Diavolo, born Michele Pezza, 1771 - 1806

Located directly on the Via Appia Antica, it's a lovely place to take a break, even though there are no benches. There's a very comprehensive explanation of the building in Italian and only a brief one in English.

Please note the opening hours. Parking was under construction and the entrance was very narrow.