Gallipoli
Gallipoli, the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, has a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants. It is situated in the Province of Lecce, in the Apulian region, in the western part of the Salento Peninsula, on the Ionian Sea. Gallipoli is made up of two different parts: the Borgo, the most recent area with its glass palace or skyscraper, and the Centro Storico (Historic Centre) a small island with a limy soil, connected to the coast by a bridge, also linking the commercial area of the most ancient part. Gallipoli is called the Pearl of the Ionian Sea due to its natural beauties and for its important buildings such as the Castello Angioino (Castle), the Cattedrale di S. Agata (Cathedral) and the Fontana Greca (Greek Fountain) once considered to be the most ancient fountain in Italy. The monumental architecture of the city centre bears the traces of various dominations. From Via De Pace, crossing the whole historic centre, you can admire the marvellous Palazzo del Seminario (a palace in Baroque style), Palazzo Balsamo and the Cattedrale di S. Agata, housing various important paintings.