The best running trails around Parco regionale urbano Monte Orlando

It was probably erected in the 6th century during the Gothic War or in the 7th century when the maritime areas of Lazio and Campania were the object of the expansionist ambitions of the Lombards. In the Gaetan documents of that period, Gaeta began to be referred to by the epithet "Kastrum". Certain news of the existence of the Castle of Gaeta dates back to the time of Frederick II of Swabia, who, during the period of struggles with the papacy, stayed in Gaeta on several occasions, and, sensing its strategic position, had the castle fortified there in 1223. The structure we admire today, approximately 14,100 square meters in size, is called the Angevin-Aragonese Castle because it consists of two communicating buildings built at two different historical moments, one lower down called "Angevin", built during the French domination of the Angevins, and one higher up called "Aragonese", commissioned by Emperor Charles V along with all the other military defense works that strengthened the Fortress of Gaeta. Until a few years ago, the Angevin wing was the seat of the Gaeta Military Prison; it is currently owned by the Municipality of Gaeta, closed pending restoration, and there is a memorandum of understanding signed between the City of Gaeta and the University of Cassino (FR) which intends to designate this wing of the castle in the future as the seat of university faculties for maritime disciplines. Until the end of World War II, the Aragonese wing was the seat of a Carabinieri Cadets Battalion; today, however, it houses the Guardia di Finanza's Nautical School. In the dome of the highest tower of the castle is the Royal Chapel, commissioned by King Ferdinand of Bourbon in 1849.

The Park of Monte Orlando covers an area of 89 hectares, of which 59 are land area and 30 are marine area. Located within the territory of Gaeta, the Park represents the terminal part of the Aurunci mountain system. This protected area is managed by the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park Authority together with the areas of the Gianola and Monte di Scauri Suburban Regional Park and the Natural Monument of Sperlonga. With a typically rounded shape, Monte Orlando is connected to the mainland to the north by a thin strip of land and ends in the south with a high rocky coast characterized by spectacular cliffs. The territory is affected by the corrosive action of water; in fact, rain penetrating the rocks dissolves the calcium carbonate contained within them, giving rise to numerous and typical erosive forms. The sea has also contributed to shaping the promontory and, over the centuries, through wave motion, has modeled and etched the rocks, leaving fossil traces, recognizable signs of the ancient sea level. Human intervention, in different historical eras, has left its mark on Monte Orlando. Particular attention should be paid to the military fortifications, built both outside and inside the current Park, which made Gaeta a fortress of strategic importance for the Kingdom of Naples. At the summit, we find the Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus.

Great place to spend a day in nature

Early morning around 7:00 am

Preferred time for jogging early in the morning, 6:00 a.m.

Gaeta seafront: possibility of jogging or biking on the cycle path

Climb of about 2km closed to traffic. There is a paved road that reaches the top

One of the 4 rural Marian Chapels of Gaeta