Sorrento

"Do you know the land where the lemons are in flower?

In the green leaves golden oranges shine

A quiet wind blows from the blue sky

Quiet is the myrtle, serene the laurel

Do you know it well?

There, there

I would like with you, my love, to go!"

J.W.Goethe

The beauty of Sorrento has inspired many artists. Goethe was charmed by the scenes and scents of this special place. The famous song Come Back to Sorrento, sings the praises of the views of the sea and the scent of the orange groves which “goes straight to your heart”.

Sorrento overlooks the bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri and is located on the peninsula of Sorrento which divides the gulf of Salerno from the gulf of Naples.

Sorrento is not only a lovely resort town, but it is also filled with historical attractions. According to a legend, the town was founded by Liparos, son of Ausone, who was the king of Ausoni, son of Ulysses and the witch Circe.

Sorrento’s early history shows a Greek influence, but until the 19^th century when it was annexed by the Italian Kingdom, Sorrento changed hands many times giving it an eclectic mix of cultures.

Sorrento`s economy has basically been based on tourism and over the years it has been a favourite destination of luminaries of European culture such as Lord Byron, Keats, Dickens, Wagner, and Goethe, who immortalized the town in poetry.

Sorrento is well known for its production of limoncello, walnuts, oranges and tomatoes. This area is particularly known for its citrus production. The cultivation of oranges and lemons has ancient traditions and it used to represent the main economic resource for the territory. A popular dish is the well-known Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, made with typical products of the Campania region.

Among the places to visit we find the Cathedral of Sorrento, the Correale di Terranova Museum - which contains examples of regional decorative art of the 15th and 16th century, including furniture, porcelains and paintings - and the Baroque Church of San Francesco known for its 14^th century cloisters, which are now used by an art school.

Shopping is another thing to do in Sorrento, since it has the best prices and the widest variety of any shopping district along the Amalfi Coast. Whether you choose to spend your days shopping or lying on the beach or hiking, you have to make a stop at Don Alfonso which is a special restaurant offering fine wines and typical creative Neapolitan dishes.