The town is located by theIonian Sea, on the west coast of theSalento Peninsula. The town of Gallipoli is divided into two parts, the modern and the old city. The new town includes all the newest buildings including a skyscraper. The old town is located on a limestone island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century.
The municipality borders withAlezio,Galatone,Matino,Sannicola andTaviano.[3] It counts the hamlets (frazioni) of Baia Verde, Lido Conchiglie, Lido San Giovanni, Rivabella and Torre del Pizzo.
According to a legend, the city was founded in ancient times byIdomeneus ofCrete.Pliny the Elder attributes the foundation to theSenone Gauls, while more likely it was aMessapic settlement. Historically, what is known is that Gallipoli was a city of the Greater Greece, ruling over a large territory including today'sPorto Cesareo. In 265 BC it sided withPyrrhus andTaranto againstancient Rome, suffering a defeat which relegated it to aRoman colony (later amunicipium).
In the earlyMiddle Ages, it was most likely sacked by theVandals and theGoths. Rebuilt by theByzantines, Gallipoli lived an economically and socially flourishing period due to its geographical position. Later it was owned by the Roman Popes, and was a centre of fighting against the Greek monastic orders.
In the 11th century Gallipoli was conquered by theNormans and, in 1268, it was besieged byCharles I of Anjou, causing numerous inhabitants to flee to the nearby Alezio. The city was repopulated around 1300, under the feudal rule of theprincipality of Taranto. In 1484 theVenetians tried to occupy it, but without results. KingFerdinand I of the Two Sicilies started the construction of the port, which in the 18th century became the largest olive oil market in the Mediterranean.
After theunification of Italy (1861), Gallipoli was capital of acircondario, together with Lecce and Taranto.
Angevine-Aragonese Castle, built in the 13th century by the Byzantines. It was largely remade under theAngevins and theAragonese, who added a polygonal wall fortified with round towers. The main additions were carried on byFrancesco di Giorgio Martini, who worked for KingAlfonso II of Naples. In 1522 an eastern bastion, known asRivellino, was built which is defended by waters on three sides.
14th century walls (renewed by the Spaniards in the 16th century). Originally they had 12 towers or bastions.
BaroqueCathedral of Sant'Agata (17th century). It has a richly decorated façade incarparo, a local limestone, with niches featuring statues of saints. The interior is on the Latin cross plan, with Baroque altars, including a polychrome high altar byCosimo Fanzago.
Church of St. Francis of Paola (1621)
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 13th century but renovated several times later. It is home to a stonenativity scene byStefano da Putignano (late 16th century)
Church ofSan Domenico al Rosario (late 17th century), annexed to a formerDominican convent.
Church of the Holy Crucifix (1750)
Church ofSanta Maria della Purità (1661). The richly decorated interior houses, at the marble high altar, a canvas byLuca Giordano depicting theMadonna della Purità between st. Joseph and St. Francis of Assisi.
Greek Fountain (16th century), once believed to date to the 3rd century BC. It has bas-reliefs with mythological figures and, on the other façade, the insignia ofCharles III of Spain.
Palazzo Pirelli (16th century), with mythological-theme decorations in the vault of former entrance archway which was converted to a pharmacy in the 19th century.
Church ofSan Pietro dei Samari, outside the city. It was built in by a Crusader knight, Ugo di Lusignano in 1148.
Nearest airports are Brindisi, 88 kilometres (55 mi), and Bari, 200 kilometres (120 mi). Gallipoli can be reached from both of them via a freeway, the state road 101.
In past times the economy of Gallipoli was based on the international wine and oil commerce. Nowadays its most important activities are based on fishing and tourism.
Tourism is enjoyable throughout the year, due to the mild climate. Numerous festivals, both civil and religious, are also held. These include the Carnival, Easter and all the parades, Sant'Agata, and the Santa Cristina celebrations in July.
Gallipoli also boasts a very recently built harbour for private boats, located just steps from the bottom of the main Corso Roma.
The summer season starts in May and ends in October, when the weather is almost invariably hot and clear.
A sophisticated gay scene has developed around Gallipoli, often referred to as “Gay-lipoli”. The city is particularly well known as a destination for the Italian gay population[4] and has become “Italy’s gay summer paradise”.[5] A vibrant nightlife means Gallipoli draws an international gay crowd over the summer months, with visitors also being drawn by the nearby naturist beaches and the popular lidos at Baia Verde.However, it is a very discreet presence mixing harmoniously with the other holiday makers in a seamless manner.
The local football team is theGallipoli Calcio. The team won the 2005–06Serie C2/C championship. They were promoted toSerie B for the first time in the club's short history after winning the 2008–09Serie C1/B championship, although were instantly relegated and then refounded due to financial issues.
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