Attractions and Places To See around Parco regionale urbano Monte Orlando - Top 8

This famous archaeological site is the tomb of Lucius Munatius Planco, a Roman consul and founder of Lyon and Basel. The mausoleum is located on the summit of Monte Orlando, from where you can also admire the entire Gulf of Gaeta, the Aurunci mountain range, Monte Circeo, the Pontine Islands, and Vesuvius. Lucius Munatius Planco, a lover and admirer of these places, fascinated by their beauty but also attracted by the strategic position and natural fortifications of Gaeta, chose Monte Orlando, wanting once again to excel and ensure his protection. Unlike the mausoleum, which is in good condition today, so much so that it is considered one of the most important existing Roman funerary art artifacts, his sumptuous villa has almost completely disappeared. Few remains of it are left in the area of the Sanctuary of the SS Trinità. The construction dates back to 22 BC and is perfectly circular in shape with a tumulus covering. Inside, this monumental tomb consists of four cells accessible from a circular corridor (ambulatory) and arranged according to the 4 cardinal points. The cells house an antiquarium of artifacts from different historical eras found in the area of Gaeta, and in the main one at the entrance, a copy of the original statue of the consul can be admired, which is currently in Rome. The diameter of the structure is 29.54 meters, while the external circumference measures 93.10.

This famous archaeological site is the tomb of Lucius Munatius Planco, a Roman consul and founder of Lyon and Basel. The mausoleum is located on the summit of Monte Orlando, from where you can also admire the entire Gulf of Gaeta, the Aurunci mountain range, Monte Circeo, the Pontine Islands, and Vesuvius. An admirer and connoisseur of these places, fascinated by their beauty but also enticed by the strategic position and natural fortifications of Gaeta, Lucius Munatius Planco, by choosing Monte Orlando, wanted, once again, to excel and ensure his protection. Unlike the mausoleum, which is in good condition today, so much so that it is considered one of the most important existing Roman funerary art artifacts, his sumptuous villa has almost entirely disappeared. Few remains of it are left in the area of the Sanctuary of the SS. Trinità. The construction dates back to 22 BC and is perfectly circular in shape with a tumulus covering. Inside, this monumental tomb consists of four cells accessible from a circular corridor (ambulatory) and arranged according to the 4 cardinal points. The cells house an antiquarium of artifacts from different historical eras found in the area of Gaeta, and in the main one at the entrance, a copy of the original statue of the consul, currently in Rome, can be admired. The diameter of the structure is 29.54 meters, while the external circumference measures 93.10.

Wonderful and Fascinating Place The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity at Montagna Spaccata is a place of deep spirituality, immersed in the extraordinary natural setting of Monte Orlando, in Gaeta. It stands on the remains of the Roman villa of Lucius Munatius Plancus, and owes its name to three imposing fissures in the rock, two of which are visitable. Founded around 930 AD by Benedictine monks, the sanctuary has always been a center of prayer and meditation. It is a place of attraction for pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, fascinated by the sacredness and history of the place. In addition to the suggestive Chapel of the Crucifix, the Church of the Sanctuary, and the Grotta del Turco, the complex offers visitors a spiritual journey between faith and nature, with breathtaking views of the sea. A point of reference for those seeking a moment of recollection and inner peace, immersed in an environment that combines religion, history, and the wonders of creation.

Great place to admire Gaeta from above

An incredible place for glimpses and lights

Nice climb of about 2km with acceptable gradients (4/5% average). The road that leads to the mausoleum is all asphalted but there is also the possibility of taking dirt sections. It is closed to traffic.

This circular mausoleum stands right up in the middle of Monte Orlando. It actually dates back to 22 BC, who would have thought that? But it looks very well preserved. It has a diameter of almost 30 meters. An impressive sight. You can't go inside, but you can peek in through a lattice door. You should do that!

When I was there the mausoleum was closed. The views along the route certainly make the climb worth it