Sorrento Historic Centre

Sorrento
Capri which includes rocky coastline, a coastal town and swimming
Experience a fusion of heritage buildings, narrow laneways, great cafés and a vibrant atmosphere in the antique centre of this ancient Italian city.

A walk through the cobblestone streets of Sorrento Historic Town will take you past boutique designer shops, artisan workshops, Italian restaurants, ancient palaces and medieval monasteries. This vibrant old town is at the heart of the city and is one of the most popular places to visit in Sorrento.

Many of the stone buildings here date from Roman times and there are also many examples of medieval Gothic and Byzantine design to be found among the warren of narrow laneways. The city’s main square Piazza Torquato Tasso, built in 1866, lies at the heart of the area and was named after Torquato Tasso, the renowned Renaissance author of “Jerusalem Delivered” who was born in the city. Follow the signs from the plaza to the House of Cornelia Tasso, the former residence of the famous poet’s sister.

Fans of religious buildings will find plenty to keep them occupied here and the Chiesa de San Francesco, St Mary of Carmine and the Basilica of St Antonio all offer interesting architecture and ancient artworks. The Sorrento Cathedral, the town’s largest church, is a millennium old and has an impressive triple-tiered bell tower. Step inside to see the marble bishop’s throne, vivid frescoes and decorative wooden choir stalls, crafted in the intarsia inlay style unique to the region.

You’ll see more examples of this style among the huge collection of inlaid wooden furniture and crafts at the Museo Bottega, a palace which dates back to the 18th century. If you want to pick up a few souvenirs or browse the local designer boutiques then head to Via di San Cesareo, where you’ll find a multitude of Neapolitan Baroque shops selling local arts and crafts. On a corner of this shopping street is the Sedile Dominova. This domed, open-sided 14th-century building is where the local noblemen met to discuss politics hundreds of years ago – the last remaining such noble seat in the region.

As the evening closes in, the cliffside Villa Comunale park is a wonderful spot for sunset views across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. If you get peckish during your visit, head to Piazza San Antonino where you can choose from an array of classic Italian restaurants, serving the best seafood, pastas and pizzas.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Sorrento Historic Centre

Giardino Archeologico
Giardino Archeologico
Via degli Aranci 25, Sorrento, Città Metropolitana di Napoli
The price is S$179 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$179
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly townhouse in Sorrento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Sorrento ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"If you’re in Sorrento, seriously stay here! The location can’t be beat for dining and shopping, and you can access a lovely beach view in just a few minutes. The owner is very helpful and accommodating, and you will start the day with an amazing, hot breakfast. Highly recommend…"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Giardino Archeologico
Imperial Hotel Tramontano
Imperial Hotel Tramontano
4 out of 5
Via Vittorio Veneto 1, Sorrento, NA
The price is S$306 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$306
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (697 reviews)
"Our hotel concierge service was exceptional, similar to what one would expect at a luxury resort. Before our visit, we bombarded concierge staff with email questions which they readily answered, in English. During our stay, they advised us, made multiple dinner reservations for us at some of Sorrento’s ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct,2023

Imperial Hotel Tramontano
Hotel Antiche Mura
Hotel Antiche Mura
4 out of 5
Via Fuorimura 7 - P Zza Tasso, Sorrento, NA
The price is S$214 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$214
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (909 reviews)
"Great location. Fabulous staff. Gorgeous garden, breakfast area. Only issue was that there was loud construction (not their fault) and a loud road below. Just request a room on the far side if you’re a light sleeper."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Hotel Antiche Mura
Continental
Continental
4 out of 5
Piazza della Vittoria 4, Sorrento, NA
The price is S$327 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$327
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (874 reviews)
"Staff were wonderful and very helpful. Breakfast was amazing, we’ve never had such a selection on offer. Room had everything we needed, it was a lovely stay!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Continental
Hotel Del Mare
Hotel Del Mare
3 out of 5
Via Del Mare 30, Sorrento, NA
The price is S$243 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$243
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (583 reviews)
"My family and I just had a 5 night stay at Hotel del Mare in October 2023. We can not say enough wonderful things about this hotel. The staff in all areas were so friendly and helpful. The rooms were spotless. The hotel breakfast was fresh and delicious. The surrounding area is full of shopping just ..."

Reviewed on 25 Oct,2023

Hotel Del Mare
Grand Hotel La Favorita
Grand Hotel La Favorita
5 out of 5
Via Tasso angolo Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Sorrento, NA
The price is S$535 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$535
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (587 reviews)
"this hotel is amazing everyone do her best for the tourists ony word PERFECT"

Reviewed on 23 Dec,2023

Grand Hotel La Favorita
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Sorrento Historic Centre

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Sorrento City Centre

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and breathtaking beach views are just a few highlights of Sorrento City Centre. Make a stop by Sorrento Marina or Chiesa di San Francesco while you're exploring the area.

Sorrento City Centre
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Priora

Some popular features of Priora include its seaside views and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Villa Fiorentino or Sorrento Cathedral are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Priora
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Capo di Sorrento

If you're spending some time in Capo di Sorrento, Baths of Queen Giovanna and Bagni Regina Giovanna are top sights worth seeing.

Capo di Sorrento

Sorrento Historic Centre