Four Great Things to do in Sorrento

Sorrento is one of Italy’s hidden gems. It is a little off the beaten track, so has not turned into a tourist trap like some other destinations have. This town has managed to retain much of its unique character while still catering very well for those visitors who take the time to travel there.

As you will see, there is plenty to do and see in Sorrento. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Go to the opera

Sorrento opera tickets are not expensive, but not that many performances are held, each year. Therefore, if you want to enjoy opera while staying Sorrento you will need to plan ahead and make sure that you book your stay for when there are operas being held. The venue is the Museo Correale di Terranova. It is an intimate space, which makes the experience all the more special and memorable. The fact that the show is a mix of arias and Italian songs means it is ideal even for those who are not serious opera fans. Most people will recognize many of the songs.

Enjoy some fine arts

For centuries the Correale family collected fine art and donated many of the best of them to the Correale di Terranova Museum. If you like 17th and 18th-century painting you will be overwhelmed by the exhibits at this museum. They also have a nice collection of European porcelains and Murano glass. You will also be able to enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Visit Villa Fiorentino

In the gardens of this villa, which is located not far from Sorrento, is a very interesting archaeological museum. There you can enjoy displays of sculpture, decorative arts, day to day items and many other types of artifacts. You can find out more about this fascinating place and plan your visit by clicking this link.

Enjoy the beautiful religious buildings

If you like architecture you will be very impressed by Sorrento. Building work on the cathedral started in the early 15th century and continued right through to the early 20th century. The base of the bell tower dates back even further to the 12th century.

There is a lot to see in this cathedral including beautiful wood marquetry, so it is well worth a visit. You can see even more examples of this beautiful craft by visiting the Museo-Bottega della Tarsia Lignea.

The Basilica of Sant’Antonino dates back even further to the 11th century. Over the centuries this building was reformed many times. At times, elements of other buildings were incorporated into it, including some stunning Roman columns. If you have not got long to visit the basilica, head to the crypt. There you can see examples of art produced by local people as offerings. Also, take the time to see the whalebones. They are an unusual feature and the story of why they are there is an interesting one.

It is also worth visiting the Cloister of San Francesco. Again, over time this building was modified and features from other buildings incorporated into it. For example, the three columns that were originally part of a pagan temple.

You can visit Sorrento any time of the year, but it can be a bit quiet in the winter. As a result, most people visit between April and September.