The Grotta del Turco and Montagna Spaccata, one of Italy's most surprising sites, reopen.

The Turk's Cave and the Split Mountain are evocative places. According to legend, the latter split into three massive blocks of rock at the moment of Christ's crucifixion . The Turk's Cave, however, owes its name to a different story: a Saracen commander, incredulous at the sacredness of the place, struck the rock with his hand, leaving a mark still visible today, known as the "Turk's Hand."

For ten years, the cave, also known as the "Sanctuary of the Split Mountain," was closed for safety reasons due to the risk of falling rocks from an overhanging wall. Visitors could only descend a few steps and admire the colors of the sea from afar. Now, starting August 15, 2025 , it will finally reopen to the public in all its beauty.

The reopening of the Turk's Cave after 10 years

On Friday, August 15, 2025 , in the height of summer and on the feast of Ferragosto (August 15), Gaeta will celebrate a long-awaited event: the reopening of the Grotta del Turco, part of the evocative Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata . This date was not chosen by chance, but rather linked to the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated in the presence of the Rector of the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, Father Daniele Belussi, the Fathers of the PIME community, and the Mayor of Gaeta , Cristian Leccese.

In recent years, the area has undergone careful restoration : from the Chapel of the Crucifix to the façade and sacristy of the Church of the Holy Trinity . These interventions have brought new life to this place suspended between sea and sky, and now allow visitors to discover, or rediscover, one of Italy 's most fascinating marine caves, nestled on the western slope of Mount Orlando.

The new path

The path leading to the cave winds along approximately 300 steps , now completely redone and made safe, along with the rock walls and railings, thanks to the work of specialized personnel. A descent that offers, step after step, spectacular views: the turquoise waters that meander between the white cliffs, the salty breeze, and the call of legend. The Turk's Cave is not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty, but also a space steeped in symbolism and spirituality , where the boundaries between history, myth, and faith dissolve between the echo of the waves and the silence of the rock.

As Father Daniele Belussi, rector of the sanctuary and of the missionary community of Gaeta, stated: “The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions has decided to invest a significant sum to renovate the entire Montagna Spaccata complex, not only to enhance its importance as a place of the Spirit , but also to bring out, in all its splendor, the beauties of creation that, in this place, have been entrusted to us by the Lord.”

Opening hours and prices for the Grotta del Turco

The Grotta del Turco will be open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday , from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm . It will be closed on Mondays for its weekly rest day, while admission is by donation , an open invitation to everyone to experience the thrill of this unique place by leaving a voluntary contribution for its protection and conservation.