Sorrento Art, History & Culture

Sorrento is an ideal location for those with an interest in art, history and culture. The local Correale Museum and the Museobottega della Tarsialignea (Wood Inlay Museum) provide an excellent overview of the art, history and culture of Sorrento. The Correale Museum is based in an 18th century villa with an excellent selection of Neopolitan paintings, decorative arts and porcelains. 18th century inlaid tables, Capodimonte porcelains, rococo miniature potraits, Roman and Greek archaeological artefacts together with others works of art make this an enjoyable visit. The villa is also set in beautiful gardens with panoramic views of the bay of Naples. Museobottega della Tarsialignea is located in the heart of Sorrento with a fascinating collection of inlaid furniture and objects from past to present. There is a video and slideshow in the Video Gallery and the museum has an excellent website. Addresses for these and other museums, including Archaeology and Mineralogy, are in the Directory. Remains of the Greek defensive wall can be seen below the road level at Porta Parsano Nuova on Via Sersale. Two other locations where small parts of the wall can still be seen are at Via Sopra Le Mura and the Marina Grande Gate.

Other main tourist attractions in Sorrento's Historical Centre are listed below and there is a slideshow and a video showing most of them in the Video Gallery. There is also a separate video and slideshow of the Cathedral itself. Cathedral and Belltower Fifteenth Century House The Church of Carmine Basilica of St Antonino Church of St Mary of the Miracles Church and Cloister of St Francis Part of the House of Tasso Church of the Rosary Church and Monastery of St Paul Dominova Seat Valley of the Mills

Examples of contemporary art and design can be seen in local exhibitions and galleries, with craft workshops continuing to practise traditional wood inlay and ceramic skills.

Within walking distance, or a short bus ride, from the centre are the Roman ruins of Pollio Felice's Villa. It is a beautiful setting and you can swim in the sea at 'Queen Joan's Baths' or walk further along the coastline using the wooden pathway. Another short bus ride takes you to the village of Termini from where you can walk to Punta Campanella and see the ruins of its 1st century villa and lighthouse apparently built on the site of a Greek temple dedicated to Minerva. Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Cassino and The National Archaeological Museum of Naples are all within comfortable reach of Sorrento for anyone wishing to explore the history and culture of the region.

There is a discount card available called Artecard which offers a range of reductions on some public transport and entrance fees to specified sites, events, shows and exhibitions throughout Campania.

A recently published book, In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Jordan Lancaster, provides a fascinating introduction to the cultural history of Naples from its origin to the 1990s.

Book suggestions

Pompeii by Robert Harris is a novel based on the days leading up to the destruction of Pompeii. ISBN No: ISBN  0-09-177925-1 Publisher's website:  www.randomhouse.co.uk In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Jordan Lancaster provides a cultural history of Naples from its origin to present day. ISBN No: 1-85043-764-5 Publisher's website:  www.ibtauris.com

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