Where is Gallipoli located?
Gallipoli is a municipality in Italy located in the region of Apulia, in the province of Lecce. It is situated on the western coast of the Salento Peninsula, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The city benefits from its position on the Gulf of Taranto, providing access to both maritime and land trade routes.
The population of Gallipoli is approximately 21,000 people, occupying an area of 40 square kilometers with an average population density of 529 people per square kilometer. This is a relatively significant figure compared to other small resort towns.
The official currency is the euro (EUR).
History of the city of Gallipoli
This city carries traces of various civilizations and nationalities. Founded by the Greeks, it has passed through the hands of the Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Venetians, and Spaniards at different times. Gallipoli was a coveted prize not only because of its favorable location but also due to its fertile lands, access to the sea, and pleasant Mediterranean climate.
Today, the city's coat of arms features a crowned rooster, which once adorned the shield of the Greek hero Idomeneus. According to legend, Gallipoli was founded thanks to the mythical Idomeneus.
Given its eventful past, the modern resort town offers insights into medieval history. Initially belonging to the Greeks, it later became a Roman colony. After passing to Byzantium, Gallipoli experienced a period of prosperity. In the 11th century, the city came under Norman rule and from 1268 to Charles I of Anjou. Finally, in the 18th century, the city joined the Kingdom of Naples, and Ferdinand I of Bourbon issued a decree for the construction of a port for exporting olive oil.
The wanderings of Gallipoli ended in 1860 when the resort officially became part of the unified Italy.
