Gaeta · Sights
The Split Mountain and Turk's Grotto
Updated 22 October 2026A mountain cut by three fissures that drop to the sea, an 11th-century sanctuary and legends passed down for centuries: Gaeta's most striking place.
What the Split Mountain is
On the Monte Orlando headland, the rock is split by three great fissures that reach down to the sea. Beside them stands the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, founded in the 11th century, where popes and saints have prayed, including Pius IX, Bernardino of Siena and Philip Neri.
The legend
Tradition says the mountain split in the earthquake that followed Christ's death. On the way down into the fissure is the "Turk's Hand": legend says a disbelieving Saracen pirate leaned on the rock, which turned soft and kept his handprint. A Latin inscription beside it recalls the story.
A Way of the Cross in majolica tiles lines the walls, and the sanctuary shows "Saint Philip Neri's bed", a stone where the saint is said to have slept.
Turk's Grotto
Nearby, a long staircase leads down towards Turk's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave where, by tradition, Saracen pirates hid. For safety reasons not all the steps are always open: check on site. The best way to see it is from the sea, on a boat trip.
The caves and the Split Mountain seen from the sea are a sight.
Boat tours in GaetaGetting there and tips
- The sanctuary is on Monte Orlando, above Serapo: reach it by car or on foot from the centre.
- It's a place of worship: dress respectfully and keep quiet.
- Comfortable shoes: there are lots of steps.
- Combine the visit with Monte Orlando park and the Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus at the top.
FAQ
Why is it called the Split Mountain?
Because the rock of Monte Orlando is cut by three great fissures that reach the sea.
What is the Turk's Hand?
A handprint in the rock: legend says a disbelieving Saracen pirate touched it and the rock turned soft.
Can you visit Turk's Grotto?
There's a staircase down, but not all steps are always open for safety. It's best seen from the sea by boat.