On the island, Gallipoli's 17th-century cathedral is a baroque beauty that could compete with anything in Lecce. Not surprisingly, Giuseppe Zimbalo, who…
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Gallipoli
Like Taranto, Gallipoli is a two-part town: the modern hub is based on the mainland, while the older centro storico inhabits a small island that juts out into the Ionian Sea. With a raft of serene baroque architecture usurped only by Lecce, it is, arguably, the prettiest of Salento’s smaller settlements.
The old town, ringed by the remains of its muscular 14th-century walls, is the best place to linger. It’s punctuated by several baroque chapels, a traditional fishing port, a windswept sea drive, and narrow lanes barely wide enough to accommodate a Fiat cinquecento (500).
Explore Gallipoli
- CCattedrale di Sant'Agata
On the island, Gallipoli's 17th-century cathedral is a baroque beauty that could compete with anything in Lecce. Not surprisingly, Giuseppe Zimbalo, who…
- FFrantoio Ipogeo
This is only one of some 35 olive presses buried in the tufa rock below the town. It was here, between the 16th and early 19th centuries, that local…
- MMuseo Civico
Founded in 1878, this dusty museum of history and natural history is a 19th-century time capsule, featuring fish heads, ancient sculptures, a 3rd-century…
- FFarmacia Provenzana
Now housing a cosmetics and fragrance shop, this beautifully decorated pharmacy dates to 1814.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Gallipoli.
See
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
On the island, Gallipoli's 17th-century cathedral is a baroque beauty that could compete with anything in Lecce. Not surprisingly, Giuseppe Zimbalo, who…
See
Frantoio Ipogeo
This is only one of some 35 olive presses buried in the tufa rock below the town. It was here, between the 16th and early 19th centuries, that local…
See
Museo Civico
Founded in 1878, this dusty museum of history and natural history is a 19th-century time capsule, featuring fish heads, ancient sculptures, a 3rd-century…
See
Farmacia Provenzana
Now housing a cosmetics and fragrance shop, this beautifully decorated pharmacy dates to 1814.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Gallipoli
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