Gallipoli, Coastal commune in Province of Lecce, Italy
Gallipoli is a coastal town in the Province of Lecce in southeastern Apulia, divided between a small limestone island and the opposite mainland. A stone bridge from the 16th century connects both parts across the Ionian water and separates the old town core from the modern quarter with its wider streets and newer buildings.
The settlement began as a Messapic colony and later became part of the Roman Empire in 265 BC after conflicts involving Pyrrhus and Tarentum. During the 18th century it developed into the Mediterranean's main trading centre for olive oil under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.
The name derives from the Greek Kallipolis, meaning beautiful city, and the old town still reflects this in its whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes. Fishermen mend nets along the harbour walls in the early morning, while cafés open their doors onto small squares where residents gather.
The old town on the island is best reached on foot across the bridge, while the modern quarter on the mainland offers more parking spaces and wider pavements. Plan to explore both areas separately to experience the narrow lanes of the island without rushing.
Beneath many buildings in the old town lie underground oil mills from the 17th and 18th centuries, where lamp oil was pressed for export across Europe. Some of these hypogeum chambers are now open to visitors and still show the original stone presses and basins.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
