Self Excursions in ITALY

a brief history and description of Sorrento, its monuments and places of cultural and natural interest, the beaches and the coast

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SORRENTO
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Sorrento, "Surriento" in the Neapolitan dialect, is surnamed "La Gentile" (the gentle one).
It is situated on tufo rock and rises 50 meters above the sea overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Believed to be of Etruscan or Greek origin, it was frequented by the Romans for the sake of its scenic beauty and mild climate.
In the 19th century, it was a favorite winter residence of foreigners.
Contributing, no doubt, to the fame of Sorrento is the popular melody "Torna a Surriente, (Return to Sorrento).
Its most illustrious son is Torquato Tasso (1544-1595), author of"Gerusalemme liberata", the famous epic poem. Sorrento has dedicated its main square to this poet with a monument of him standing with his right hand resting on the book of his immortal poem. Piazza Tasso, is a busy place lined with outdoor cafes.
Sorrento has been a popular resort ever since the time of the Romans, and has long been a favorite of foreign vacationers-especially the British.
Its many hotels in all price ranges make it an ideal base for exploring the coastal region south of Naples- From the north side of the square, there is a ramp leading down to the Marine Piccola, a harbor with boat service to Capri, Ischia, and Naples.
A stroll down Via Luigi De Maio brings you to the attractive Piazza Saint Antonino near the tourist office.
Turn left to the baroque Church of San Francesco, noted for its 14th century cloisters now used by an art school.
Take a peek in, then walk out into the adjacent public gardens for a wonderful view across the bay.
Worthwhile to visit is the Cathedral (1479 - the facade was rebuilt in 1912-1924) and the "Musea Correale", open to the public. Housed in an 18th century villa, it contains superb examples of regional decorative arts for the 15th through the 18th centuries, including furniture, porcelains and paintings. There are also some local archaeological findings as well as rare editions of the works of Torquato Tasso.
Be sure to visit the lovely garden behind the museum, which accesses to a belvedere overlooking the bay.
The museum is usually open daily except Tuesdays, holidays and Sunday afternoons; from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., with shorter hours in winter. The whole district of Sorrento is noted for its oranges, lemons, walnuts, the town for its inlaid wood and lace.Sorrento is well connected by streamers and hydrofoils to Capri and Naples.
Shopping in Sorrento
The shops and restaurants listed below are qualified by having friendly service and quality merchandise.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants in Sorrento. However these are two with good prices combined with charm and elegance:

Vagabond -

charming, wine-cellar atmosphere. Cheap tourist menu (with choices).

Circolo dei Forestieri
-
on Via L. Maio 35.
The entrance is on the road going down to the port. There is an excellent bar service and light lunches are served in the tae garden which overlookes the bay of Naples.

Linens
Gargiulo & Jarutuzzi -
Large selection of hand-embroidered linens and laces.

La Botteyuccia
- New items of hand-made linens, laces and children's clothing at reasonable prices.

Gloves
Concetta Pane - Two shops. Amazing selection of colors, styles, linings of leather gloves. Also a wide selection of handbags, belts and other items.

Inlaid Wood
A. Gcarmdo & Jannuzzi - Wide selection of items, styles, colors and finishes. Large pieces such as tables, chairs, desks, beds, etc.

Notturno
- Large showroom with wide selection of gift items and furniture.

Coppola-Petagna
- Boxes, trays, tables, plaques. Good selection and prices for pictures.

Gabriella
- Good selection, some unique items such as bookends, music boxes, trays with inlaid wood scenes of Sorrento.

La Botteguccia
- High quality. New line of furniture with several finishes available. Many Americans know the owner. Jasmine, who is very friendly and helpful.

Mayflawer
- Friendly sales staffwilling to give a demonstration of the inlaid wood process. Good selection- Many other Italian and European gift items available. (The adjacent snack bar has great cappuccino!)If you decide to buy a piece of inlaid wood, shop around! Most of these shops give discounts. Most of these shops look similar when you enter, comparing quality, color, finish, you can find exactly what you want. Or, most shops accept special orders. Also, compare prices after the discounts