Sorrento Landmarks and Monuments

(Sorrento, Campania, Italy)

Although many people visit Sorrento to simply enjoy the perfect beach holiday, other visitors like to explore the city's history and extravagant landmarks. Known as either the Duomo or simply Sorrento Cathedral, this is without doubt one of the city's most important landmarks, despite its relatively unassuming and understated architecture.

The winding lanes around the old historical city centre remain relatively untouched with regards to tourism and feature a number of beautiful churches and very old monasteries, amongst other landmarks and significant monuments. Noteworthy churches in the city include both the Basilica di San Antonino and the Chiesa di San Francesco, famed for its magnificent cloisters, while there is also plenty to see around the Piazza della Vittoria, the Piazza Tasso and along the Corso Italia.

Sorrento Cathedral (Duomo)

Address: Corso Italia, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 081 411 842
The Duomo is located on the Corso Italia, next to the Via Pietà, and boasts a bright facade, which gleams in the sunshine and makes this church quite hard to miss. However, the simple exterior of Sorrento Cathedral really bears no correlation with the exuberance found inside, where visitors discover some wonderful historic frescoes created by local Neapolitan artists. Also inside is a dramatic Crucifixion, which stands high above the altar. Supported by a rather grand archway and three classical Italianate columns, the triple-tiered bell tower is another important element.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 12:00, 16:30 to 20:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

St. Anthony Basilica (Basilica di San Antonino)

Address: Piazza San Antonino, Sorrento, Italy, IT
An imposing church presiding over the Piazza San Antonino and just a short walk from the Piazza Tasso, the city's famous landmark is the Basilica di San Antonino, which was constructed during the 10th century to honour St. Anthony. Attractions inside the Baroque interior of the basilica include a number of valuable art works and a very noteworthy crypt, where the tomb of St. Anthony resides. The side aisles and central nave and separated by a series of ancient columns, while the Vestry may also be of interest, being home to an area of antique majolica tile paving and a beautiful nativity scene from the 17th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Piazza della Vittoria

Address: Piazza della Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Visitors arriving on the Piazza della Vittoria will be able to enjoy some excellent views across Sorrento's bay and coastline, while others may simply like to sit back and watch the goings on. Both locals and tourists frequent the Piazza della Vittoria, which is thought to have been built on the actual spot where once a Roman temple to the god Venus once stood, many centuries earlier. The prominent Via Marina Grande is close by and to the north-west.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Piazza Tasso

Address: Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, Italy, IT
The Piazza Tasso is a bustling public square denoting the very heart of Sorrento. Surrounded by many glorious examples of historical landmarks, such as both the Palazzo Correale and the Chiesa del Carmine, the Piazza Tasso is very much an attraction in its own right. Tourists will find a large choice of bars, cafes and restaurants around the square, along with some very noteworthy pizzerias. The Piazza Tasso is a good place to find touristy horse and carriage rides, while others come here to catch one of the regular buses travelling to the marinas and the Cape. There is always something of interest happening around the Piazza Tasso, particularly during Easter, when an array of colourful parades and festivities are staged here.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Sedil Dominova

Address: Via Reginaldo Giuliani, Sorrento, Italy, IT
This ancient structure has long been an important landmark in the city of Sorrento and is to be found directly next to the cathedral's bell tower. Dating back to the middle of the 15th century, the Sedil Dominova features particularly elaborate architecture and some rather impressive 18th-century frescoes adorn the inner walls. Standing high above the arcaded loggia, the crowning cupola is particularly Italian in its nature and clad in bright majolica tiles, which form a rich pattern of yellow and green.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Saint Francis Cloisters / Church (Chiesa di San Francesco)

Address: Villa Comunale, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Close to the Villa Comune park and is stunning scenery, the Chiesa di San Francesco has an interesting history, being restored and remodelled a number of times over the years. At a result of this, each period has added something different and although the architecture features noticeable elements of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as a whole, the overall appearance seems to gel quite well. The 14th-century cloisters alongside the Chiesa di San Francesco are a real highlight, currently still serving as a home to Franciscan monks.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 20:00
Admission: free