Experience a fusion of heritage buildings, narrow laneways, great cafés and a vibrant atmosphere in the antique centre of this ancient Italian city.
A walk through the cobblestone streets of Sorrento Historic Town will take you past boutique designer shops, artisan workshops, Italian restaurants, ancient palaces and medieval monasteries. This vibrant old town is at the heart of the city and is one of the most popular places to visit in Sorrento.
Many of the stone buildings here date from Roman times and there are also many examples of medieval Gothic and Byzantine design to be found among the warren of narrow laneways. The city’s main square Piazza Torquato Tasso, built in 1866, lies at the heart of the area and was named after Torquato Tasso, the renowned Renaissance author of “Jerusalem Delivered” who was born in the city. Follow the signs from the plaza to the House of Cornelia Tasso, the former residence of the famous poet’s sister.
Fans of religious buildings will find plenty to keep them occupied here and the Chiesa de San Francesco, St Mary of Carmine and the Basilica of St Antonio all offer interesting architecture and ancient artworks. The Sorrento Cathedral, the town’s largest church, is a millennium old and has an impressive triple-tiered bell tower. Step inside to see the marble bishop’s throne, vivid frescoes and decorative wooden choir stalls, crafted in the intarsia inlay style unique to the region.
You’ll see more examples of this style among the huge collection of inlaid wooden furniture and crafts at the Museo Bottega, a palace which dates back to the 18th century. If you want to pick up a few souvenirs or browse the local designer boutiques then head to Via di San Cesareo, where you’ll find a multitude of Neapolitan Baroque shops selling local arts and crafts. On a corner of this shopping street is the Sedile Dominova. This domed, open-sided 14th-century building is where the local noblemen met to discuss politics hundreds of years ago – the last remaining such noble seat in the region.
As the evening closes in, the cliffside Villa Comunale park is a wonderful spot for sunset views across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. If you get peckish during your visit, head to Piazza San Antonino where you can choose from an array of classic Italian restaurants, serving the best seafood, pastas and pizzas.
