Giornate FAI d’Autunno 2026 in Gaeta: Castello Angioino and San Giovanni Battista alla Porta

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, the Giornate FAI d’Autunno return, opening two sites just steps apart in the heart of Gaeta Medievale: the Castello Angioino and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista alla Porta. Visits are by free donation and no booking is required.

Opening hours

• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October: 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00 at both locations.
• In the morning, the last tour departs at 12:30; in the afternoon, the last entry is at 17:30.

Castello Angioino

The tour leads inside the ancient fortress and the former military prison: courtyards, historic rooms, cells, and detention spaces, up to the Chiesa di San Teodoro and the panoramic terraces overlooking the gulf. Some rooms are interactive thanks to the CHANGES project by the Università di Cassino, which now owns the Castello. Entrance on Via Angioina, visit lasts about 40 minutes, fully accessible.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista alla Porta

A little-known church off the beaten track: it sits below the level of Via Aragonese, right in front of the Castello tower. Documented as early as 963, it was enlarged between the 11th and 12th centuries, ceased functioning as a parish church in the late 1920s, and was restored in the early 2000s. Via San Giovanni 5, visit lasts about 20 minutes, partially accessible. Tours are led by the Apprendisti Ciceroni of IIS Fermi di Gaeta, alongside the Delegazione FAI di Gaeta.

Things to know before you go

The Giornate FAI are a fundraising initiative: admission is by free donation. Entry is not guaranteed in the event of high visitor turnout; FAI members, or those who join on-site, receive priority access. FAI notes that the program is subject to change: check the official pages before visiting. If arriving by car, read the guide to parking and the ZTL first: the historic center is pedestrian-only.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Giornate FAI d’Autunno 2026 in Gaeta?

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00.

Which sites are open in Gaeta?

The Castello Angioino, with the former military prison and panoramic terraces overlooking the gulf, and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista alla Porta, just a few steps from the Castello.

Do I need to book?

No. FAI states that no booking is required: simply turn up and enter, subject to capacity.

How much does it cost?

Visits are by free donation: visitors leave a contribution to FAI. FAI members enjoy priority access.

Sources

Official Giornate FAI portal: Castello Angioino listing, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista alla Porta listing, open sites in Gaeta (consulted on 5 October 2026).

All events of the month can be found in what to do in Gaeta in October. Have a question? Message Enea on WhatsApp.