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 Home > Italy > Lazio > Torre delle Rose |
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Gaeta is a lovely and ancient coastal town 85 miles south of Rome and about 50 miles north of Naples. It offers coastal beauty, lovely beaches, interesting history and access to all the sites of interest between Rome and Naples. There are traces of many civilizations, including the Moors and the Normans. Gaeta's Duomo, for example, was begun in the 10th century and is noted for its Romanesque Moorish campanile with glazed earthenware that resembles the bell towers of Amalfi and Sicily. Near the Duomo is an appealing and medieval quarter with narrow streets not wide enough for cars. Gaeta's castle was begun in the 8th century but underwent periodic changes according to the tastes and needs of later conquerors. Nearby Sperlonga (10 miles) sits on a rocky outcropping containing caves and a beautiful beach. There are wonderful possibilities for sightseeing day trips towards Rome to Anzio and Terracina (about 30 miles away), and south to Naples and Sorrento (1 to 2 hours away). From nearby Formia (5 m.) one can take the ferry to the pristine Isola di Ponza and from Puzzuoli (west of Naples about 12 miles) one can access the posh Isle of Ischia. From Naples, ferries leave for Ischia, Capri, and Sorrento regularly. Best yet, one can find one's own favorite towns and gardens to explore. La Torre della Rose is in the medieval area of the city and overlooks an ancient church showing both Norman and Moorish influence. The tower is accessed by a flight of stone stairs (outside) to reach the level of the garden and entrance. After climbing a few stairs, one enters from the garden (filled with lemon trees) into the foyer. To the right is a small kitchen with stove, refrigerator, sink and table. Doors from the foyer and the kitchen lead into the dining/living room with a fireplace, a table, sofa, phone and easy chair. Also from the foyer are stairs leading up to the bedroom, a large space with queen-sized bed, a sofa, a television, and an en suite bathroom with shower. At the top is a lovely roof terrace, where one has a magnificent view of the harbor. This is a charming and very special place to spend a week living as an Italian in an ancient town, yet near the beach and accessible to Rome and Naples. It is a particularly romantic nest for honeymooners. The caretakers live in apartment on the property below the tower. Although they do not speak English, they are pleasant and helpful. Guests will also have the phone number of the English-speaking owners, who live in Rome but also have a house on the property that they visit on weekends during the season. Arrival Day: Saturday |
TORRE
DELLE ROSE
