|
Sorrento is a small city in Campania
with 16.000 inhabitants. The town can be reached easily from Naples
and Pompeii. Ferry boats provide services to Naples, Amalfi,
Positano, Capri and Ischia. The town is famous for the production of
limoncello, an alcoholic digestif made from lemon rinds.
The position of Surrentum was very secure, protected by deep gorges.
The only exception to its natural protection was 300 yards on the
south-west where it was defended by walls, the line of which is
necessarily followed by those of the modern town. The arrangement of
the modern streets preserves that of the ancient town, and the
disposition of the walled paths which divide the plain to the east
seems to date in like manner from Roman times. Sorrento, is indeed
the land of colours: brilliant or delicate hues depending on the
change of the seasons. If you just pause a moment to observe how
emotional a sunset can be when you gaze in the direction of Punta
del Capo, of Ischia or Procida, the outlines of which can be seen
clearly, you will be amazed by the variety of colours and the beauty
of the scene.
The Cathedral on Corso Italia has a Romanesque facade and its rather
odd bell tower rests on an archway supported by four ancient columns.
The 18th-century Palazzo Correale has some interesting murals and
houses the Museo Correale, which contains a small collection of 17th
and 18th century napolitan art, as well as an odd asoortment of
Greek and Roman artefacts. The gardens offer views of the bay and
steps lead down to the water. The church of St Francesco, near the
Villa Comunale park and the tourist office, boats a bautiful, if
mosest, cloister and is set in lovely gardens - the views up and
down the coast are breathtaking.
|
