Gallipoli

Gallipoli was originally inhabited by the Messapi and then by the Greeks who called it Kalé Polis, beautiful city. During this period Gallipoli ruled over vast territories, coining its own currency, until it was subdued by the Romans in 265 B.C. becoming a military station and a municipality.

During this period, thanks to the Trajan Way that joined the town to Brindisi, the town acquired a new strategic importance. After the fall of the Roman empire Gallipoli was frequently attacked by the Saracens who finally occupied the town in 915.

With the coming of the Normans, the Diocese of Gallipoli once more came under the jurisdiction of Rome, although the Greek rites were celebrated until 1513. Like other towns in Puglia it was ruled by the Swabians, the Angevins and the Aragones.

Under Spanish domination it enjoyed a period of peace and was embellished with churches and noble residences. It was the time of the golden age of the Salentine Baroque, during which the Castle was restored and the Cathedral rebuilt.

The Cathedral dedicated to S. Agatha, is a fine example of the Salentine Baroque. The splendid façade was completed in 1696 and a number of important paintings from the 17th and 18th century Salentine School are kept inside.

One should see the Fontana Ellenistica (Grecian Fountain) rebuilt in 1560 and recently restored bears witness to the town's Grecian past. Also to be seen the 16th century Castle which incorporated the earlier Angevin fortifications and includes lunettes surmounted by a round tower and the splendid Della Purità Church, richly decorated in stucco, its walls hung with exceptionally large paintings.