Visit to Sorrento, Italy
I was thrilled to find that Sorrento was a short train ride from the railroad station just outside of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. With tickets in hand I made my way there, fully drained from a day of walking. Even my phone battery was empty so that meant no pictures as I walked around and explored. Quickly I made my way to the bluff overlooking the water, to capture the famous Sorrento sunset. Seeing couples trying to get the perfect photograph made for an entertaining aside. Eventually I did manage to get some charge on my phone allowing me to document my visit.
Sorrento Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, is a prominent Roman Catholic church in the historic center of Sorrento. The cathedral is known for its beautiful and ornate interior, which features extensive woodwork, decorative chapels, and detailed wall decorations. The image displays an ornate religious carving or inlay featuring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surrounded by elaborate decorative motifs.
Chiesa dell’Addolorata in Sorrento, Italy, is a Baroque building constructed in 1739 for the noble families of Sorrento. It features late 18th-century stucco work and a Greek cross floor plan. The unique elliptical “bowl” ceiling is used in place of a traditional dome. The church was closed for many years after the 1980 earthquake and reopened in 2007.
The Sorrento Cathedral (Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo) is a Roman Catholic cathedral. The cathedral was originally built around the 11th century and has a refurbished Romanesque facade.
The famous local poet Torquato Tasso was baptized here. The building is decorated with frescoes and the coats of arms of important noble families of Sorrento.
The Corso Italia is the main retail space that also provides an entertaining place for people watching. Activation elements, large crowds, and the buildings that form a street wall make for a perfect place to be. The absence of automobiles further enhances this as an imminently walkable space.
As the pedestrian zone of the Corso receded behind us, there were pockets of walkable urbanism. Though the intrusion of the care made them a poor facsimile. The landmark quality buildings, however, lent dignity to the street.
This parklet with roof, interior lighting and ample plantings was among the most attractive that I have seen.
Other outdoor dining areas were less beautiful though still very functional. The lighting fixtures on gently curved crook shaped poles create an ambiance and sense of place.
Piazza Lauro is an oblong-shaped public space located in the heart of Sorrento, surrounded by trees, shops, and apartment buildings. The fountain is a modern structure featuring red, illuminated sculptures at night. The area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Despite a significant investment in placemaking enhancements, the traffic here does not even begin to resemble the Corso. This is because there are fewer buildings and storefronts, further spaced apart and not as well defined of a street wall of building faces. The absence of outdoor dining and places to sit further negates this as an activated public space.
As a quick treat just before leaving I stopped for an authentic Neapolitan Pizza Marinara. This traditional Italian pizza is characterized by its soft, thin dough with a raised border, and specific toppings.
The dough is typically made with “00” flour, fresh yeast, water, and sea salt. Toppings include San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil.
I had just enough time after getting my pizza to run to the train station and catch the last train of the evening to Naples. While on the train I enjoyed eating my Neapolitan Pizza which made a perfect ending to the day.