Gallipoli: Undying Religious Festivals
Gallipoli, Italy, which literally means “beautiful city”, is a small town in Lecce Province. Legends have it that the town was founded by Idomeneus of Crete. Since then, it has gone through a series of conquests before it finally became a commune when Italy was unified in 1861. The easiest way to visit the city when traveling by air is through 2 airports, the Lecce/Galatina, and the nearby Brindisi - Salento Airport.
Best Time to Visit
In July, Gallipoli, Italy celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Saint Cristina. The main town street of Corso Roma becomes a massive place of celebration filled with decorations and colors. Several stalls and street artists flock the street. The experience is made complete with a lot of good food and wine. Then, every August, the main religious festival in Alezio, Madonna della Lizza, is observed. Marching bands, street performances, and different stalls flock the streets of the village to celebrate.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Inaugurated in July 2004, the Diocesan Museum of Gallipoli is a commemoration of Italian culture and local church. It stands on the site of the old Seminary next to the Sant‘Agatha Cathedral. In recent years, new collections have been added to the museum, along with some restoration efforts on the building’s architecture. It is open year-round, with varying operating hours daily, from June through September and from October through May. Do not miss visiting the Parco Acquatico Splash and the Gallipoli Castle. Guests may stay at the beautiful Palazzo Mosco Inn or at the XilHotel, two of the best Gallipoli, Italy hotels in the area.