Sorrento Experience
San Francesco cloister
In the Sorrento church, rich in history, a picture representing the pregnant Magdalene. The religious building lies next to the Public Gardens of Sorrento and is part of the wonderful 14th-century cloister.
Close to the Public Gardens of Sorrento which offers some splendid sights of the Gulf of Naples and one of the most suggestive viewpoints of Sorrento, there is the Church of San Francesco.
The Cloister of San Francesco next to it, besides its beauty, is dear to a greater and greater number of foreigners who – as well as Italians – address to the municipality of Sorrento to celebrate their own civil wedding in Sorrento.
Villa Fiorentino
The villa, also known as Villa Fazzoletto (Handkerchief) because the property of spouses Fiorentino Antonino and Lucia Cuomo two dealers Sorrentini known throughout the world for their prestige beautifully embroidered handkerchiefs.
The villa was built by the couple at the beginning of the thirties of the last century, in an area of about 10,000 square meters purchased, between the Italian course and the ancient walls of the city.
The villa, completed only the 1935-36, is now in full centor historical and enjoys a front area arranged in the garden (with many rose bushes) and the back (with the dwelling farmhouse inserted into the ancient walls) remained with citrus - was furnished with great taste and richness of furniture antiques.
In the garden of Villa Fiorentino there is an ancient one majolica dedicated to St. Francis.
Port of Marina Grande
The picturesque Port of Marina Grande, nestled into a charming nook of the Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast), has the atmosphere of a forgotten world. Despite being one of the most popular holiday resorts in Italy, the Port of Marina Grande has maintained its rustic charm, original identity, and sense of community.
The port's secluded atmosphere stems from its sheltered position, created by the promontory which separates the city of Sorrento from this delightful hidden harbor. The Promontory was once the site of a Roman villa belonging to the Emperor Augustus' nephew.
Ancient walls of Sorrento
Sorrento since roman times, had a solid defence system ensured by its imposing walls encircling the town, and it is only in fairly recent history that the walls have been in their current, partly preserved state.
During Spanish rule, the town was he centre of intense activity to guarantee a strong defence system in the inhabited centre, as it was exposed to the risk of Saracen invasion which, especially during the 16th century, devastated much of southern Italy's seas.
Sedil Dominova
In front of the bell tower annexed to the cathedral, the Via Reginaldo Giuliani opens up and leads to the Sedil Dominova (15th century), one of the two loggias where the representative of an aristocratic party used to seek advice. The city coat of arms as well as those of the various families of the Sorrento aristocracy are displayed in its interior.
It has a quadrilateral form with two corner arches in piperno (lava) permitting the view of the interior of the cupola and the end walls with 18th century frescoes. The pilasters and polystyle arches with their capotals are in archaic style.
The 17th century cupola is formed by green and yellow majolica roof tiles.
Sorrento Cathedral
The main church in Sorrento is il Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo, which is right in the centre of town in Corso Italia.
Il Duomo dates as far back as the 11th century but was completely rebuilt in the 15th century in Romanesque style.
It is well worth going to have a look at the magnificent interior, which has three naves separated by pillars and an ornate ceiling.
Il Duomo houses some rare 14th century bas-reliefs, paintings by artists of the 17th century Neapolitan school and a fine 16th century archbishop’s throne in marble.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna
“I Bagni della Regina Giovanna” (The baths of Queen Joan) is one of the most beautiful beaches of Sorrento. Due to its position, the beach is only reachable by foot and accordingly it is less crowded in respect to all the other beaches of Sorrento. For this reason, it is not recommended for children.
In this area, there was once a majestic seaside villa of the Roman era from the first century BC. Today, it is only possible to visit the ruins.
Torquato Tasso poet
Torquato Tasso was born on March 11th 1544 in Sorrento – Died in Rome (on April 25th 1595) was an Italian poet of the 16th century, best known for his poem La Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered, 1581), in which he depicts a highly imaginative version of the combats between Christians and Muslims at the end of the First Crusade, during the siege of Jerusalem. He suffered from mental illness and died a few days before he was due to be crowned as the king of poets by the Pope. Until the beginning of the 20th century, Tasso remained one of the most widely read poets in Europe.
Museo Correale Sorrento
The museum is situated in a patrician villa, surrounded by a citrus grove, with a terrace of Belvedere that overlooks the Gulf of Naples. The villa is owned by Pompeo and Alfredo Correale, the last descendants of the family.
The museum exhibits collections of Neapolitan painters dating from the 17th and 18th century. It contains valuable Capodimonte and Sèvres ceramics, Murano glassware, Bohemia crystals and a collection of watches. There is also an archaeological collection. Some works date from the 19th century and the mansion displays tables, furnishings and finely inlaid jewel cases. In the library there are works by Torquato Tasso.
