Sorrento Historic Town is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, artisan workshops, Italian restaurants, ancient monasteries and centuries-old palaces. Take your time to wander around the charming town center on the cliffs and explore the stone buildings originally dating from Roman ages, with later medieval Gothic and Byzantine influences.You’ll soon find Piazza Torquato Tasso, the city’s main square. It dates back to 1866 and is named after a famous local author who is best known for Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered). Look for the signs to the House of Cornelia Tasso, the sister of the Renaissance poet. If you are interested in religious buildings, also visit the Chiesa di San Francesco, St. Mary of Carmine and the Basilica of St. Antonino. The site of the Sorrento Cathedral with its triple-tiered bell tower has been a principal place of worship for almost a thousand years. Take a close look at the dramatic frescoes, marble bishop’s throne and decorative wooden choir stalls made in the local intarsia inlay style. For more examples of this particular technique, visit the Museo Bottega, an 18th-century palace that showcases a large collection of inlaid wooden furniture and crafts.On the corner with Via di San Cesareo stands the 14th-century Sedile Dominova, a place for noblemen. While on Cesareo’s Street, hunt for local wares in the boutique stores and workshops. This was once Sorrento's central thoroughfare. Its Neapolitan Baroque shops are now stocked with arts and crafts. Choose from locally made leather goods, ceramics, lacework, woodwork and citrus-infused soaps and liqueurs.Perched on a cliff is Villa Comunale park, a great spot for sunset views of Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.End your tour of Sorrento Historic Town with a "passeggiata" (stroll) around town to find classic Italian restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood, pastas and pizzas. Find some of the town’s best dinner options in and around the picturesque Piazza San Antonino.
Sorrento Historic Centre
Popular places to visit
Piazza Tasso
This main square in Sorrento is a great place for people-watching, admiring Baroque architecture and learning about the local history.
Sorrento Lift
Built into the cliffs of Sorrento, this elevator provides quick access from the city’s beaches and marina to the Old Town.
Deep Valley of the Mills
In the heart of Sorrento, behind central Tasso Square, lies an almost hidden treasure: an ancient and overgrown ruin in a lush ravine.
Sorrento Cathedral
Decorative chapels and a dazzling collection of frescoes by notable Italian artists beautify the interior of this 15th-century religious monument.
Villa Comunale Park
Marvel at the gorgeous views across the Bay of Naples from this attractive park perched on top of Sorrento's cliffs.
Chiesa di San Francesco
Visit an ancient church full of artistic treasures and the adjacent cloister with its mix of architectural styles.
Things to do
Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Guided Tour
Day Trip to Capri, Anacapri and Blue Grotto with a Small Group
Small Group Tour of Capri & Blue Grotto from Naples and Sorrento
Sorrento Historic Centre Hotel Deals
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Other neighborhoods around Sorrento Historic Centre
Sorrento City Centre
The fantastic nightlife and breathtaking beach views are just a few highlights of Sorrento City Centre. Make a stop by Sorrento Marina or Chiesa di San Francesco while you're exploring the area.
Priora
If you're spending time in Priora, you might enjoy its seaside views and restaurants. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Piazza Tasso or Villa Fiorentino.
Capo di Sorrento
If you're spending some time in Capo di Sorrento, La Pignatella Beach and Baths of Queen Giovanna are top sights worth seeing.
- Places of interest
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- Other vacations you might like
- Piazza Tasso
- Sorrento Beach
- Sorrento Lift
- Deep Valley of the Mills
- Sorrento Cathedral
- Villa Comunale Park
- Piazza Sant'Antonino
- Chiesa di San Francesco
- Villa Fiorentino
- Basilica di Sant'Antonio
- Sedile Dominova
- Tasso Theatre
- Chiostro di San Francesco
- Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
- San Francesco Beach
- Sorrento Foundation
- Bastion of Parsano
- Marcello Aversa Workshop
- Corso Italia
- Sorrento Marina