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About 45 minutes north of Naples is the town of Gaeta. We like to go there when we need a break from crowded Naples. 

This lovely city sits right on the water.  There are sidewalk cafes and fish markets along the water front. 

It also has Montagna Spaccata, a mountain that is said to have split in the earthquake on the day of Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51).  However, scripture does not specify which rocks split.

A flight of 35 steps (left) runs down from the chapel to the shrine.  At the right side of the 28th step we see an imprint of the  "The Turk's Hand" under which we find  the following translated words,

"An infidel refused to believe the truth that fame acknowledges; but the rock, which melted at the touch of his fingers, proves it."

It is believed the Turk stated if this story is true, my hand will pass through this rock.  Do you believe?  Is it a miracle or a fluke of geology?

There are over 270 steps down into the grotto that was formed (below).   This was used as a medieval pirate hideout.  It is a beautiful, cool and quiet place.  

 

Here is a picture of a shopping alley in Gaeta.  This is how it appears between 1:00pm and 4:00pm during "riposo."  This is the time when the families gather for meals and rest in the afternoon.  The shops will reopen around 4-5:00pm and will close at about 8:00pm.  This alley may appear vacant. Trust us.  There is a little old lady in black standing at the back of the alley.  We did not see her until after we took the picture!