Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 081 877 19 42; Via San Nicola 28; admission €8; 9.30am-1pm & 4pm-6pm Tue-
Sun)
Since the 18th century, Sorrento has been famous for its
intarsio
furniture, made
with elaborately designed inlaid wood. Some wonderful examples can be found in this
museum, housed in an 18th-century palace, complete with beautiful frescoes.
There's also an interesting collection of paintings, prints and photographs depicting the
town and surrounding area in the 19th century. If you're interested in purchasing a new in-
tarsio piece, visit Gargiulo & Jannuzzi, one of the longest-established specialist shops in
town, who are happy to ship.
Chiesa di San Francesco
(Via San Francesco; 8am-1pm & 2-8pm)
Located next to the Villa Commun-
ale Park, this is one of Sorrento's most beautiful churches. Surrounded by bougainvillea
and birdsong, the evocative cloisters have an Arabic portico and interlaced arches, suppor-
ted by octagonal pillars. The church is most famous, however, for its summer program of
concerts featuring world-class performers from the classical school. If this strikes a chord,
check out the schedule at the tourist office. There are also regular art exhibitions.
CHURCH
Il Vallone dei Mulino
(Via Fuorimura, Valley of the Mills)
Just behind Piazza Tasso, a stunning natural phe-
nomenon is on view from Via Fuorimura. This deep cleft in the mountain dates from a
volcanic eruption 35,000 years ago. Sorrento was once bounded by three gorges, but today
this is the only one that remains. It is named after the ancient wheat mills that were once
located here, the ruins of which are still clearly visible.
HISTORIC SITE
Basilica di Sant'Antonino
(Piazza Sant'Antonino; 9am-noon & 5-7pm)
Named after the patron saint of
Sorrento, the oldest church in town dates from the 11th century. A few Roman artefacts
have ended up here, as well as some dark medieval paintings and the oddity of two whale
ribs. Apparently, the much-loved saint performed numerous miracles, including one in
which he rescued a child from a whale's stomach. The saint's bones lie beneath the
baroque interior in an 18th-century crypt.
CHURCH
