Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

St. John at Sea Church

(Also known as San Giovanni a Mare)

Gaeta, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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The sea side town of Gaeta, Italy has a long history with the origins of this particular church dating back to the Middle Ages.

San Giovanni a Mare or St. John at Sea is a 10th-century church located in Gaeta, in the region of Lazio, Italy.

For many years the church was sponsored by the guild of carpenters. Because of this, and because St. Joseph was a carpenter, this church was also known as San Giuseppe.

The building both inside and out is a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Medieval architecture.

Sign inside the church

This church has gone through many renovations over the years bringing in a little of this and taking out a little of that.

Located in the heart of medieval Gaeta, it is located on the seafront with the facade facing the beautiful Gulf of Gaeta, only a few steps from the Cathedral.

Since it was built so close to the sea, the pavement in front and also the inside of the church has a slight downward slope to facilitate the flow of water at high tide.

Looking at the main altar

This slight incline also created a perspective of looking up at the altar with its sacredness implied.

It was during the restoration of 1928 that the main altar was replaced by the top slab of a Roman tomb with detailed carvings of hippogriffs.

Hippogriffs are creatures that are a blend of eagles and horses.

This Roman sarcophagus is from 400 AD.

Restored Frescos on the walls

These frescos are from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The color is still so vivid!

The church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1213, and also suffered serious damage during the Second World War.

Music concerts and church services continued from 1975-1980, but then was closed again for renovations.

Roman columns

These Roman columns are of different heights and were built up and decorated with cement and stucco.

You can see one of the frescos to the left in the photo.

Vibrant fresco

This fresco shows an image of the Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary and on either side are Archangels St. Michael and St. Gabriel.

St. John the Baptist is on the far right.

It's a simple church with a rich history and architecture of note.

If you enjoy history and architecture, you will enjoy San Giovanni a Mare Church

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San Giovanni a Mare

Via Bausan, 26

Gaeta LT, Italy

Tele: +39 0771 462255

Only open on weekends

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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