As soon as you arrive at the ferry terminal in Sorrento the Grand Hotel
Excelsior Vittoria makes its presence felt. This elegant building has welcomed visitors
for over 170 years and sets the tone for what makes Sorrento so special. The oval frame on
the left shows a goauche picture of the hotel as it was in 1886 and is proudly displayed
in the reception area.
To see a larger image of this picture click here.
But should you arrive at the main square its presence is known
only because of the name on the elegant archway which tempts you into the perfumed gardens
before finally leading you to the hotel entrance. One minute you are in the hustle and
bustle of Sorrento's main square, the next in an oasis of calm and tranquillity.
If you would like to see a video clip click here.
Such 5* luxury has been enjoyed by royalty and celebrities for generations, but even
for those who choose not to stay, its architectural style and history is something that
can still be appreciated. It is fact officially recognised as an historical landmark.
Three distinct buildings make up the hotel. La Vittoria is the oldest and was built
in 1834, La Rivale built in 1882 and the swiss chalet styled La Favorita in 1860. There
was also a fourth named La Caporiva which was built in 1924 but demolished in 1980 because
of damage resulting from the 1980 earthquake. There are plans to rebuild this after 2006.
Another feature of the Hotel no longer evident was the funicular railway which
transported guests between the hotel and the port in the early 1900's. A tunnel dating
back to the Roman period was used for this purpose, the entrance of which is still
visible. An elevator now provides this service.
To see an old photograph of the four buildings and the Lift entrance, click here.
The Hotel is apparently built on the same site as the villa of Emperor Augustus.
Indeed many archaeological pieces from the 4th and 5th centuries BC., were uncovered in
the hotel's grounds. Many of these were donated by the Fiorentino family, who have always
owned the Hotel, to the local Museo Correale where you can view these and many other
items. The most recent finding was the ruins of a roman swimming pool discovered during
the refurbishment of the hotel's swimming pool in 2004. These are now visible to guests as
an integral feature of the new pool layout.
This association with Sorrento's history is evident wherever you turn, with marble
busts and statues gazing out from the terraces over the Bay of Naples towards Vesuvius, or
statues and columns adding to the serenity of the gardens.
This appreciation of past beauty and elegance continues inside the hotel with
careful restoration under the tender care of Luca Fiorentino and his wife Lydia. Together
they have retained the splendour of a Victorian setting but with the comforts of the
modern world.
Examples include the trompe l'oeil frescoes on the main
staircase which were painted by the Belgian artist Thierry Bosquet to represent the four
seasons. Original frescoes from the 18th Century were also found and restored. Original
1930 ceramic tiles adorn the walls and antique furniture invite you to sit and absorb the
atmosphere.
More information and photographs about the Hotel's history, interior design and
gardens can be found on their website. www.exvitt.it |
