- GALLIPOLI (LE) ITALY EU -

THE STORY - HISTORY

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During 265 BC, Gallipoli was conquered by the Romans, who at that time were one of the major powers in Italy. They improved the city's communication systems, connecting Gallipoli to the Via Traiana, which allowed for rapid passage to the Balkans, and also expanded and developed port activities, thus transforming the city of Gallipoli into a military center, and later into a municipality.

Subsequently, it was occupied by the Barbarians, in 450, who sacked the city, marking one of the most terrible and cruel moments in the history of Gallipoli. During the 500s, Gallipoli, along with most of Salento, was dominated for 42 years by the Byzantines.

Later, in 542 AD, Gallipoli was rebuilt from top to bottom by the Roman Empire of Onesti, which strengthened it with defensive structures, such as the construction of the castle to defend the historic center of Gallipoli. Gallipoli became one of the most important naval and military centers of the Ionian Sea. In this period, moreover, Gallipoli, like all of Salento, learned the Greek-Orthodox religion, the traditions, and the language of the Byzantines. In 710, Gallipoli was visited by Pope Constantine, who passed through during his journey from Rome to Constantinople.

During the 11th century, Gallipoli and Salento were occupied by the Normans, who freed the city from the Greeks, and subsequently, after a period of tranquility, the city suffered a very fierce siege by King Charles I of Anjou, which lasted until 1268. Afterwards, it found the strength to expand, thanks to the continuous increase in port activities.

After various short-term dominations, Gallipoli passed under Spanish rule. During this period, there was an increase in artisan activities, trade became increasingly important, such as the trade of lamp oil, in short, the city became increasingly rich and important.

Subsequently, Gallipoli became part of the Kingdom of Naples, and Ferdinand I of Bourbon began a series of improvements for the city, the most important of which was the construction of the port.

During the subsequent Bourbon period, it became the district capital, and later with the Unification of Italy, it became the head of the district, together with the cities of Lecce and Taranto.

Gallipoli today has become one of the most important tourist cities in Salento and certainly in Italy as well. It has learned and is perfecting itself, giving more and more importance to tourism, without neglecting the history and traditions of the people of Gallipoli.

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