 
|
|
This information was found in an information booklet provided by the Navy Family Services Center Gaeta, Italy. Their website, containing many beautiful pictures and information may be found here.
About Gaeta:
The region was first settled in prehistoric times by Italic peoples and visited by Greek traders from Paestum (in southern Italy) and Syracusa (in Sicily). The town became an important resort area for the Romans as they expanded southward in the 1st Century BC. Named after the Greek nurse of Aneas' (Caeta), the town reached it fullest importance in the 2nd and 3rd century AD. Many wealthy Romans were attracted to the lush rolling countryside and breezy seaside villas whose remains can be seen to this day. Geata's proximity to the Via Appia (a two day ride to Rome) as well as the large commercial centers of Formae (Formia) and Mintumae (Minturno) made the property even more desirable. The mausoleum on top of Monte Orlando dates from the beginning of the empire, and houses the remains of M. L. Plancus, one of I. Caesar's favorite generals.
After the collapse of the Empire and at the end of the Middle Ages Gaeta became an independent duchy and a regional power. The strong fortifications (begun in the 8th century and still visible today) and relative inaccessibility of the peninsula created a defensible capital. The period, however, was marked by serious regional confrontations and the city knew very little peace, though (until 1944) it never fell to an invader. If you look closely you will find traces of the reign of the Bourbon's and the Aragonese' dukes in place and street names and inscriptions. Most of the churches date from this era, most notable are the Church of St. Erasmus (lower sections and clock tower, the remainder was rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1700's) and the Amiunziata Church (though the interior was redone in the baroque style). The splendid St. Glovanne di Mare from the 10th century is, unfortunately, closed to visitors due to its poor structural condition. The Trinitia Church is built on the site of one of the miracles attributed to Christ. The legend is that Monte Orlando is one of the mountains that split asunder when he was crucified, each year the site (named the Turkish Grotto) is visited by thousands of pilgrims.
Another leftover of the era is the winding "Via Indepcnza". This narrow road (called "Piccolo Alley" by the American community) used to be the main route into town up to the 1950's. The street (which starts from "Via Europa" in new Gaeta and runs to "Via Calegna") is now mostly a pedestrian walk way (though keep an eye out for the ubiquitous Vespas) which winds through numerous small alley ways past shops and pizzaria's, all worth a visit.
Gaeta's modern form comes from two major events: the Second World War, and the 1950's urban renovation. The bombardment by American forces offshore in August of 1944 heavily damaged many structures, and left gaps in old Gaeta that are still visible. The renovation of the city in the 1950's removed large portions of the old city wall and replaced it with the "Lungomare Caboto" (yes, it is named after the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto who we know as John Cabot, who was bom here and went on the explore much of our country) opening the city and the Serapo Beach to the throngs of Italian tourist who flock here in the summer time. Via Europa was expanded at the same time, and became the center of New Gaeta, full of shops and people on most evenings.
Gaeta Traditions:
The city is a very pleasant place to live, and a world apart from the frenetic activity of Naples. The people of the city...are very patient with our butchery of the Italian language and our lack of knowledge of Italian traditions and culture. They are exceptional hosts, and being invited to dinner is an experience not to be missed. Some specific traditions you may observe:
Passagata:
Most evenings, if the weather is not too bad, you will see most of the town walking in the city, along the water, in the old town square. Frequently stopping to talk to friends and relatives, especially over an Espresso (never a Cappucino, as this is only for the momings), exchanging the news of the day.
Riposo:
From the hours of 1 to 4 most businesses shut down as the Gaetans return home to have lunch (and a long nap) with their families. For us this is the heart of the work day, but never fear as most days the shops will reopen from 5 to 8.
Summer vacation:
Possibly the most maddening thing to Americans is the fact the entire country if Italy shuts down in the month of August. It will be impossible to get through traffic except early in the morning and during riposo in the afternoon.
Monday closed (Lunedi cluso):
Since the Italian stores are open at least Saturday morning, most of them will remain closed on Monday.
Meals:
There are some things Italians do not rush, one of them is meals. Do not be surprised to see many people reading the newspapers for hours in the morning over a Cappuccino and a "Cometto" (we call it a croissant, filled with fruit "marmalade", chocolate "ciccolate" or cream "crema". During dinner it is expected that you will enjoy many things, like conversation, atmosphere, or the football match, in addition to the meal itself. If you start going too fast you may get a friendly smile and a cheerful "piano" (slow down). Dinners can consist of an "ante pasta" (appetizer, sometimes offered in a buffet "dal bufet"), "prima" (pasta course), a "secundo" (meat or fish) and "contomi" (vegetables or a salad), just a pizza, or any combination of the previous. The portions are somewhat large, so do not be bashful about ordering one serving with 2 plates ("con due piatti') or a half portion ("mezzo portione"). Geata, being on the coast, has a large (and tasty) seafood selection year round. Usually it is proper to have wine with dinner (mandatory if you are invited into an Italian home) though beer is acceptable especially with pizza. Be prepared to have a "digestivo" (digestif) the most common being "limoncello" (a lemon liqueur), also available are "amaro" (cafe liqueur), manderincino (mandarin liqueur), and "campari". Be prepared to stay 2 hours over dinner, "piano" it is very relaxing when you get used to it.
Gelato:
It is not very usual for Italians to take desert in the restaurant, especially on warm days. After eating and paying the bill they go for a walk to their favorite "gellateria" (ice cream stand) for desert. There are dozens in Gaeta (including "II Molo", voted the best in Italy last year) and most of them are quite good. Well made gelato is a treat for the gods, comes in a rainbow of flavors and is served in different kind of cones "cono" (just point to the flavor you might like and ask for a taste, though you will have to pay for them "picolino" is Italian for small) Some places will even offer fresh crepes, but usually only in summer.