Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SANT'AGATA SUI DUE GOLFI
Perched high in the hills above Sorrento, Sant'Agata sui due Golfi is the most famous of
Massa Lubrense's 17
frazioni
. Boasting spectacular views of the Bay of Naples on one
side and the Gulf of Salerno on the other (hence its name, 'St Agatha on the two Gulfs'),
it's a tranquil place that manages to retain its rustic charm despite a fairly heavy hotel
presence. For information on the village and surrounding countryside, stop by the small
Tourist Office
( 081 533 01 35;
www.santagatasuiduegolfi.it
; Corso Sant'Agata 25;
9am-1pm & 5.30-9pm)
on the main square.
For hikers, this area offers around 22 marked and well-maintained trails, stretching a
total length of some 110km (66 miles). The tourist office can provide details. If you fancy
a relatively easy stroll which doesn't require a compass or hiking boots, there's a pictur-
esque 3km trail between Sorrento and Sant'Agata. From Piazza Tasso, venture south
along Viale Caruso and Via Fuorimura to pick up the Circumpiso footpath, marked in
green on the walking maps available from tourist offices. The walk should take approxim-
ately one hour.
Sights
Chiesa di Sant'Agata
(Piazza Sant'Agata; 8am-1pm & 5-7pm)
Located in the centre of the village, enjoy the
cool decorative interior of this 17th-century parish church, famed for its 17th-century
polychrome marble altar; an exquisite work of inlaid marble, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli
and malachite.
CHURCH
Convento del Deserto
( 081 878 01 99; Via Deserto; 8.30am-12.30pm & 4-9pm)
This Carmelite convent
is located 1.5km uphill from the village centre, so read on carefully before striding out. It
was founded in the 17th century and is still home to a closed community of Benedictine
nuns. While of moderate interest (unless you are one of the nuns), it is the 360-degree
views that should make that knee-wearying hike worthwhile.
CONVENT
Eating
For such a small place, Sant'Agata offers a surprisingly sophisticated culinary repertoire.
