Hidden Gems in the City Center
Sorrento is surrounded by fascinating pieces of history, particularly in archeological sites with ruins of Greek and Roman settlements.
I had the opportunity to study and visit some places in and around Sorrento that I would recommend visiting if you’re interested in history.
Vallone dei Mulini, The Valley of the Mills
This area is right by Piazza Tasso, the main square of Sorrento, but has an entirely different feeling than the busyness of the square and the surrounding area.
For centuries, this valley used to have sawmills, mills, oil mills, and wash houses that utilized the water running through the area for energy.
However, the high level of humidity after Piazza Tasso was built at the beginning of the 20th century caused the valley to be abandoned.
This gorge is now home to the remains of a mill and sawmill and plant life that thrives in this extreme humidity, in particular the Phyllitis Vulgaris, a rare type of fern.
While you cannot visit the ruins themselves, you can look down into this valley and ruins from above on Via Fuorimura.
Sedil Dominova, Dominova Seat
Sedil Dominova, or the Dominova Seat was where the aristocrats of Sorrento would meet.
This was constructed in the 14th century and is the only surviving noble seat in Campania Region.
Located on one of the streets parallel to Corso Italia, this important site is on Via San Cesareo.
It is beautifully decorated with frescoes that include depictions of columns, archways, cherubs, and above the door is the Sorrento coat of arms.
The archway frescos create a sort of optical illusion as it follows the curve of the structure making it appear to be deeper than it actually is.
Now, it is home to Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso, the Worker’s Aid Mutual Society.
Il Bastione di Parsano, The Bastion of Parsano
The Bastion of Parsano is part of the remains of the old walls of Sorrento, and this intimidating structure acted as a defense system of protection from invaders.
I visited the Bastion of Parsano when it was closed, but I still got to see it from the outside.
It stands right off of Corso Italia, and I was surprised to see this so close to where I walked many times.
Prior to visiting, I had expected it to be further away from parts of Sorrento I had been in since I had never noticed it, but it was quite close by.
The walkway above the ancient walls has recently been opened to the public. Click here to learn more.
Palazzo Correale, Correale Mansion, and Ancient Pilaster
Sorrento is also full of small pieces of history simply incorporated into or used as modern buildings.
Just walking around you might walk past a piece of history and not even realize it!
One of these sites is Correale Mansion (Palazzo Correale), from the 15th or 16th century featuring Late-Gothic and Catalan traditional architecture.
It was owned by the Correale family, the noble family, as referenced in the name.
This building is now home to a school, but the historical architecture is evident from the outside of the building, particularly in the doorway and windows.
In addition to historical buildings being used as modern ones, there are parts of them incorporated into modern buildings such as this one, a pilaster likely from an ancient cathedral.
This is a part of the corner of a gelateria in Piazza Tasso.
From the big to the small, Sorrento is rich in places to visit that are full of history.
This is the first part, dedicated to the historic center of Sorrento.
Don’t miss the upcoming articles, where I’ll share more stories and historical gems from the area!
Ciao!
Justine