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Gaeta Cathedral and its bell tower: a masterpiece borrowing from Rome and the Orient
In the Medieval part of Gaeta, an unmistakable tower rising to a height of 57 metres dominates the city's skyline: the Bell Tower of Gaeta. This Arab-Norman masterpiece, with its crown of coloured majolica tiles, is the symbol of Gaeta Cathedral. Its history is a tale of transformation, beginning with its base, built using marble salvaged from an ancient Roman mausoleum. It is a piece of Rome in the heart of the old town.
From the tower to the cathedral
Originally, the bell tower served as the main entrance to the church. Climbing the staircase, visitors can still spot two medieval bas-reliefs depicting the story of Jonah and the whale. A recent restoration has brought back to light the medieval appearance of the cathedral, which is dedicated to Saints Erasmus and Marcianus and to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption, with its original columns and Cosmati decorations.
The hidden treasure of the crypt
The real surprise, however, lies beneath the altar. The Cathedral’s crypt, known as the Succorpo, is a 17th-century space clad in polychrome marble that creates a uniquely theatrical effect. Designed by Neapolitan architects, it houses frescoes by Giacinto Brandi and the relics of St Erasmus, the city's patron saint. A true hidden treasure, one that survived the bombing raids of 1943.
The cathedral is an active place of worship. Visitors are advised to check opening times for tourist visits — especially for the crypt — on the website of the Archdiocese of Gaeta, as they may be subject to change. The building is not accessible to visitors with disabilities due to the presence of stairs.
