There is a side of Gaeta that many visitors miss, hidden behind the doorways of the medieval village. For July and August 2026, the Basilica Cattedrale di Gaeta has extended opening hours for its cultural heritage through the «Porte Aperte» initiative: churches, crypt, and even the climb up the bell tower, all with free admission.
The good news for anyone visiting the city right now is that opening times are much broader compared to the rest of the year. The Cathedral and the Crypt, for example, are now open to visitors every day.
Opening hours, site by site
| Location | When it is open |
|---|---|
| Cattedrale e Cripta | Every day 16:30–18:30 Friday and Saturday also 10:30–12:30 |
| Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista a Mare | Every day 16:30–18:30 |
| Tempio di San Francesco d’Assisi | Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 16:30–18:30 |
| Terra Santa di San Domenico | Sunday 18:00–20:00 managed by the Confraternita del Rosario |
| Santuario della SS.ma Annunziata | Managed by Istituti Riuniti del Lazio the Parish manages openings for liturgical services |
Climbing the bell tower: two dates only, by reservation
This is an opportunity not to be missed. The Cathedral’s Norman bell tower—visible from across the gulf, with its colorful majolica tiles and ancient Roman lions at its base—can only be climbed on specific dates. For August, there are two remaining dates:
- Sunday 16 August 2026, 16:30
- Sunday 30 August 2026, 16:30
Reservations are required: simply email ars@cattedralegaeta.it. Places are limited, so it is best to book well in advance.
What you will see
The Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Erasmo has been the spiritual heart of Gaeta for nearly a thousand years: consecrated in 1106, it houses the Stendardo di Lepanto and the famous 13th-century Cero Pasquale, a marble candelabrum sculpted with dozens of sacred scenes. Beneath it, the Cripta holds the relics of the patron saint and a cycle of frescoes well worth a visit in its own right.
A short distance away, the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista a Mare is one of the most fascinating examples of medieval architecture in Gaeta, featuring a floor that slopes gently toward the sea. The Tempio di San Francesco, on the other hand, overlooks the city from above: 19th-century Gothic style, a monumental staircase, and a view that makes the climb entirely worth it.
These are all stops in the medieval quarter: if you only have one day, you will find them already included in our one-day itinerary in Gaeta.
How to get there and where to park
The medieval quarter is pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot. If you are arriving by car, the most convenient parking is Parcheggio Gaeta Medievale (Piazzale 5 Febbraio), marked with blue lines at 2 € per hour or 15 € for the full day. Keep an eye out for the historic center’s ZTL (restricted traffic zone): operating hours change throughout the year, so check them before driving into the narrow streets.
A practical tip: afternoon openings start at 16:30, the perfect time to enjoy your visit during the cooler hours and end the day with a sunset along the waterfront promenade.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Cattedrale di Gaeta open?
In July and August 2026, every day from 16:30 to 18:30, and on Fridays and Saturdays also from 10:30 to 12:30. The same hours apply to the Cripta.
Can you climb the Cathedral’s bell tower?
Yes, but only on specific dates and by reservation: for August 2026, on Sunday 16 and Sunday 30, at 16:30. You can book by writing to ars@cattedralegaeta.it.
Is there an admission fee?
No, the «Porte Aperte» openings feature free admission.
Which churches can you visit in Gaeta during the summer?
Cattedrale e Cripta di Sant’Erasmo, Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista a Mare, Tempio di San Francesco d’Assisi, Terra Santa di San Domenico, and Santuario della SS.ma Annunziata, according to the schedule listed above.
Not sure what is open today? Ask Enea, Gaeta’s digital guide: he knows the up-to-date opening hours for all the city’s attractions.
