View in Gaeta, with the church of St. Erasmus, 1860. Engraving from a drawing by Samuel Read. The position of Gaeta is extremely beautiful, and its rich orange, lemon, and citron groves give it a peculiarly southern character. It is the chief city of a district, and the see of a bishopric. It has 14,000 inhabitants, including the garrison. The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Erasmus, contains the standard presented by Pius V. to Don John of Austria, the commander of the Christian army at the battle of Lepanto...The military defences of Gaeta have been immensely strengthened and extended of late years, and it is now one of the strongest places in Italy. Of late it has formed the favourite residence of the Sovereign. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.