Sorrento, Italian city
Sorrento is a small town on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Campania that sits on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. The center consists of narrow lanes, lively squares like Piazza Tasso, and a main street called Corso Italia lined with shops and restaurants, connecting to an 11th-century cathedral with Roman architectural elements inside.
Sorrento was founded around 600 BCE and later became a favored retreat for wealthy Romans, whose villa ruins remain visible today. Over centuries, the town was ruled by various groups including Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish overlords before becoming part of modern Italy.
Sorrento takes its name from an ancient temple to the Sirens, and this mythological connection still appears in local crafts and products. Visitors notice this heritage in small shops and workshops throughout town, where traditional ceramics and lemon-themed items connect residents and travelers to the town's past.
The best way to arrive from Naples is the Circumvesuviana train line, which takes less than an hour, or a ferry with scenic views. Once in town, walking is best, and local buses are available since streets are narrow and parking is limited.
Marina Grande, a quiet fishing village by the water, reveals the original character of the town and contrasts with the busier squares above. This hidden neighborhood with its local restaurants and traditional fishing practices gives visitors a sense of how the community has lived from the sea for centuries.
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