Gallipoli is today, the most important tourist center in the province of Lecce, and the most sought after International vacation destination of the Salento. Of ancient origins, Gallipoli grew from a small village, which developed around the commercial activity of the port due to its strategic position. Its historic center is still perfectly intact, and appears almost like an island connected by a bridge to the new city. Among the most important sites of Gallipoli: the 16th century Castle which acts as a gateway to the city, the Ellenistic Fountain and the Civic Museum E.Barba. There is a flourishing tourist industry, linked to the sea with opportunities for water ski-ing and underwater fishing. Not to be missed: the gastronomic traditions of Gallipoli, all linked to principal holidays: the zzeppole and ciciri e tria ccu li frizzuli (St Giuseppe); lu spazzatu' of lamb and li milaffanti (Easter); gli gnocculieddhi cu la cernia (St Cristina); le pittule (St Lucia); pustraddhuzzi and pitteddhe (Christmas Eve).