Split mountain of Gaeta

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Gaeta is one of the most popular summer destinations for Italians: crystal clear water, beaches, nightlife or a quiet stroll for families, fish restaurants. But Gaeta hides one of what we like to call “unmissable places”: it is the Split Mountain.

Three cracks of which the central one is the most suggestive and famous one which, according to the Christian tradition, would have formed at the death of Christ.

This crack is obviously protected by parapets and is accessible only up to a certain point: some gates block the entrance to the rocks, obviously to keep visitors safe.

Right inside this mountain, the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity is kept, which would have “welcomed” moments of prayer and spiritual retreats of illustrious personalities, including San Filippo Neri.

Also visible is its stone garden, the uncomfortable “bed” of this saint loved for its simplicity and complete devotion and abandonment to the faith.

But certainly noteworthy, which will leave you really impressed, is the hand of the Turk: on the wall of the Split Mountain of Gaeta, marked on the rock, you will see the deep imprint of the fingers of one hand.

According to tradition, that footprint belonged to a disbelieving Turkish seafarer who, resting his hand on the rock, felt it become incredibly soft as sand and was converted.

The Latin inscription reads precisely: “An unbeliever refused to believe what tradition relates, this rock softened at the touch of his fingers proves it.”

The small church guarded in the belly of the mountain, which is accessed through a crack with steps, wet and narrow, is very small, silent, devoid of any useless ornament or decoration.

Our Tiktok Video to quickly show you the Split Mountain and the Hand of the Turk

Some useful information on the Split mountain of Gaeta

Access to the church and the split mountain is completely free but an offer is welcome at the entrance.

For obvious reasons related to the pandemic situation, the entrance to the Split Mountain is staggered, in order to avoid gatherings in the rather narrow spaces that characterize it.

The complex of the Split Mountain of Gaeta has public toilets.

Not particularly difficult trekking complexes branch off from the complex from which to “steal” truly impressive glimpses of the sea.

Google Maps coordinates to get to the Montagna Spaccata di Gaeta

From Geata you can also leave for the discovery of Ponza: discover our itinerary