Italy in Photos

Corso Italia, 80067 Sorrento, Italy (May 2018)

Sorrento

Sorrento, a picturesque town perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, is one of the most iconic destinations in southern Italy. Nestled between the sea and the dramatic cliffs, Sorrento offers a blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, charming streets, and proximity to some of Italy’s most famous attractions, Sorrento serves as the perfect gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri and Ischia. The town of Sorrento has long captivated visitors with its beauty. Its dramatic cliffs provide sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance. The clear blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea meet the lush greenery of the surrounding hills, creating a stunning contrast that defines the region. Sorrento’s natural beauty has inspired poets, artists, and writers for centuries, making it a popular destination for both leisurely travellers and those seeking cultural enrichment. Sorrento’s historic centre is a charming network of narrow streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and traditional shops selling local products like limoncello, a famous lemon liqueur made from the region’s abundant citrus groves. The town is known for its lemons, and you’ll find lemon-themed products everywhere, from soaps to ceramics. The Piazza Tasso, the main square, is the vibrant heart of Sorrento, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the many restaurants offering traditional Neapolitan cuisine, such as gnocchi alla Sorrentina or fresh seafood dishes. Sorrento’s historical significance dates back to ancient times. The area was originally settled by the Greeks, and later, it became an important Roman colony. Today, visitors can explore remnants of this rich past in the town’s churches and museums. The Duomo di Sorrento, a Romanesque-style cathedral, is one of the most significant landmarks, with its beautiful frescoes and elegant bell tower. Another must-visit site is the Museo Correale, housed in an 18th-century villa, where visitors can admire collections of fine art, archaeological artifacts, and furniture from the region’s noble families. One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the Cloister of San Francesco, a serene and beautiful 14th-century monastery with a tranquil garden. The cloister’s peaceful atmosphere and lovely arches make it a popular venue for weddings and art exhibitions. The nearby Villa Comunale offers a spectacular viewpoint, providing some of the best panoramic vistas of the bay and the distant islands.

Sorrento is ideally located for those looking to explore the wonders of the surrounding region. The town is a short ferry ride away from Capri, known for its stunning Blue Grotto and luxurious atmosphere. The enchanting island of Ischia, with its thermal spas and lush gardens, is also nearby. Sorrento serves as a starting point for exploring the legendary Amalfi Coast, home to iconic towns like Positano and Ravello, with their pastel-coloured houses clinging to cliffs above the sea. For history lovers, Sorrento is just a short distance from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the ancient Roman cities that were famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. These archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life, with remarkably preserved homes, frescoes, and public buildings. Sorrento also offers access to some of the best hiking trails in the region. The Path of the Gods, a scenic route that runs along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, provides hikers with jaw-dropping views of the coastline and is a favourite for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the area. Sorrento is much more than just a beautiful town with panoramic views. Its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and ideal location make it a perfect base for exploring the wonders of southern Italy. Whether you’re wandering its charming streets, sipping limoncello on a sunny terrace, or setting off on an adventure along the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Italy’s southern charm.

Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo, 80067 Sorrento, Italy (May 2018)

Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo is a charming and historic square in Sorrento, a coastal town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking sea views, and deep-rooted history. Nestled within Sorrento’s labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, the piazza offers a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage, combining architectural beauty with an atmosphere of timeless Italian elegance. Named in honour of Saint Francis Xavier Gargiulo, a local religious figure who left a lasting legacy on the community, the square serves as a tranquil gathering place for locals and visitors alike, embodying Sorrento’s warm, welcoming spirit. The piazza’s most prominent feature is the Church and Convent of San Francesco, a historic complex that dates to the 14th century. With its simple yet captivating facade, the church stands as an exquisite example of medieval architecture adapted over centuries to reflect changing styles, including Baroque and Renaissance elements. The attached convent, still active today, holds an enchanting cloister that is one of Sorrento’s hidden gems. Surrounded by elegant arches and lush greenery, the cloister often hosts concerts, art exhibits, and weddings, making it a favoured spot for those seeking to experience Sorrento’s cultural offerings in a serene setting. The cloister’s peaceful ambiance and architectural beauty create an oasis of calm, drawing visitors to pause and soak in the area’s unique historical character. Around the edges of Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo, visitors will find a blend of small cafes, artisan shops, and family-owned establishments that sell local crafts and souvenirs. These shops offer an array of handmade goods, from intricate ceramics and inlaid woodwork to bottles of Limoncello, a lemon liqueur that Sorrento is famous for. The piazza itself is bordered by classic Italian buildings with colourful facades and flowering balconies, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down, enjoy a coffee, or simply people-watch as they take in the rhythms of everyday life in Sorrento.

The square’s location near Sorrento’s waterfront makes it a popular stop for travellers exploring the town’s scenic highlights. Just a short stroll from Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo, visitors can find stunning viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Naples, with vistas that stretch toward Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Ischia and Capri. The piazza is also close to the Villa Comunale, Sorrento’s public garden, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, especially enchanting at sunset. The Villa Comunale offers direct access to the Marina Piccola via a winding path or elevator, making the piazza an ideal point of orientation for those wishing to explore the town’s beaches and port area. Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo is not only a place of beauty but also a living testament to Sorrento’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Throughout the year, the square hosts local festivals and religious processions, which offer a deeper insight into the customs and traditions that have shaped Sorrento over centuries. These events bring a lively energy to the piazza, allowing visitors to feel a part of Sorrento’s vibrant community life. For anyone visiting Sorrento, Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo provides an enchanting introduction to the town’s historic core, merging centuries-old tradition with the charm of modern-day Italian life. It is a place where history, art, and community come together in a beautiful setting, offering an experience of Sorrento that is both tranquil and inspiring.

Photo Gallery of  Walk 1 – Corso Italia to Piazza Torquato Tasso
Approximately 0.69 km – 0.43 miles

The walk starts in Corso Italia (West of Piazza Torquato Tasso) – Villa Fiorentino, Corso Italia – Cattedrale di Sorrento – Corso Italia – Piazza Torquato Tasso

Photo Gallery of  Walk 2 – Via S. Cesareo to Basilica di Sant’Antonino Abate
Approximately 1.25 km – 0.78 miles

The walk starts in Via S. Cesareo – Chiesa dell’Addolorata – Societa Operaia Di Mutuo Socorso – Largo Padre Reginaldo Giuliani – Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani – Via Vittorio Veneto – Piazza della Vittoria – Via Vittorio Veneto – Via S. Francesco – Piazza San Francesco Saverio Gargiulo – Convento di San Francesco – Chiostro di San Francesco – Via S. Francesco – Piazza Sant’Antonino – Basilica di Sant’Antonino Abate

Photo Gallery of  Walk 3 – Via Correale to Via Bernardino Rota
Approximately 1.67 km – 1.04 miles

The walk starts in Via Correale – Parco Lauro, Via Correale – Via Correale – Museo Correale di Terranova – Via Aniello Califano – Via Bernardino Rota

Photo Gallery of  Walk 4 – Piazza della Vittoria to Via Marina Grande
Approximately 3.01 km – 1.87 miles

The walk starts at Piazza della Vittoria – Hotel Imperial Tramontano, Via Vittorio Veneto – Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani – Largo Padre Reginaldo Giuliani – Corso Italia (West of Tasso) – Via Capo – Traversa Prima Capo – Via del Mare – Via Marina Grande – Parrocchia di Sant’Anna, Via Marina Grande – Via Marina Grande