Defensive stone walls once surrounded Sorrento to protect the city from attacks during Ancient times.
This was a key factor in Sorrento and Naples’ history as they protected the sought-after port from multiple military invasions.
The walls can still be seen today and have recently been recovered and restored from Bastione Parsano and the Bastione St. Valerio to be open to the public.
The History of Sorrento’s Ancient Walls
They were built in the 4th century B.C. by the Greeks, who inhabited the land in pre-Roman times.
They proved effective, stopping the Samite invasion in 420 B.C. from advancing further to Naples.
A few sections of the ancient walls survived until the 16th century A.D., when the Spanish were in Sorrento.
The Spanish rebuilt the Ancient walls to be what we know today, and they were used to repel the Saracen invasion.
The Inauguration of the Patrol Walkway
On November 7th, 2024, Mayor Massimo Coppola inaugurated the patrol walkway between the Bastione Parsano and the Bastione St. Valerio, opening this area to the public.
Admission to the Bastione Parsano is free within hours of operation of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The “Fund for Culture” and Municipality of Sorrento
This recovery and restoration of the patrol walkway was funded by the Italian larger program called “Fund for Culture” (by the Cultur Ministry) and the Municipality of Sorrento.
Their goal is to preserve the historical and archeological heritage of Sorrento!
Walking among the ancient defense walls is a luxury to have in Sorrento as it gives a glimpse into the past.
The newly restored patrol walkway offers a new perspective and an amazing view of the city!
Ciao,
Emma