Awash with the scent of lemon and orange trees mingling with the sea breeze and perfectly cliff perched to take in stunning views of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri, Sorrento is an exceptionally lovely destination. Quintessentially Italian with a charming small-town feel, Sorrento is home to gorgeous terraces, piazzas which bask in the bright Mediterranean sun and an old historic center whose streets weave and wind past traditionally shuttered houses, ancient buildings, tiny trattorias and stunning churches.
Like much of Italy Sorrento is a paradise for foodies who can feast their way through fresh-from-the-boat seafood, work their way through piles of pasta and keep cool with the best ice-cream in the world. To wash it all down there is the famous limoncello and an incredible diversity of wines produced right on the doorstep.
Its own charms aside Sorrento is also the gateway to some incredible things to see and do. Jump on the ferry and explore the beautiful island of Capri, take a stomach-churning but sensational drive along the spectacular Amalfi coast or head to Pompeii and Herculaneum to explore the unique and wonderfully preserved Roman towns which were buried by a giant volcanic eruption almost 2,000 years ago.
Whether you choose to get active or laze about doing very little Sorrento is full of charm and a wonderful window onto the best the Mediterranean has to offer.
A Morning in Sorrento
Your Sorrento day begins exploring the lovely old town and continues after a break for coffee with a journey through history at the Correale di Terranova Museum housed in what was once a summer palace for the nobility.
The Historic Center of Sorrento
Start your day’s Mediterranean adventure off gently with a fascinating stroll through Sorrento’s historic center. Wandering its labyrinths of cobbled backstreets and winding alleys you will pass by a constant series of beautiful old shuttered buildings in a range of rainbow shades and architectural styles punctuated by traditional and charming trattorias wafting mouth-watering aromas. The whole is also sprinkled with lovely piazzas, opulent villas which once belonged to the city’s nobility and ancient churches.
As Sorrento’s undisputed heart you will also find a high degree of bustle as locals and tourists alike make their way in and out of the many antique stores, clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. The busy tourist element is undeniable in this, the oldest of Sorrento’s areas, but nevertheless it still manages to exude a strong charm and magic which is 100% Italian in essence.
Piazza Tasso
The historic center’s main square is the sun-drenched Piazza Tasso – once the site of a medieval castle – which is surrounded by pastel-painted pavement cafes and a scenario of endless activity. Both day and night this large open space is a colorful and vibrant tapestry made up of food stalls, horse-drawn carriages, buzzing mopeds, locals sipping espresso and a plethora of tourists toting cameras. The statue you can see at the very center of the piazza is of the city’s patron saint – St. Anthony.
Blessed Virgin of Carmelo Church
Bordering the square are two of the area’s lovely historical buildings – the Baroque-style Blessed Virgin of Carmelo Church and the grand Correale House. Like many of the Italian churches, the exterior of Carmelo belies the richness which can be found on stepping through the doors which is a riot of Baroque décor, paintings and inlaid wood pieces. Most of what you see here dates from a rebuild in the 1500s but ancient Roman columns have been uncovered during restorations which suggest the church’s roots are ancient.
The Correale House was one of the grand mansions – often referred to as palaces – of the powerful Correale family. The present building you see with its elegant portal dates from the 1700s and you can step through into a courtyard to see a gorgeous tile mural.
Valley of the Mines
If you head behind the square you can gaze from above on an unexpected site. Littering a deep and dramatic ravine here are a collection of old mill buildings – known as the Deep Valley of the Mines – which are many centuries old. Finally abandoned in the 1800s, these atmospheric and crumbling stone structures are overgrown with lush greenery with plants colonizing the roofs and growing up through windows and portals.
Sedile di Porta
Also on the edge of the piazza can be found the historic 16th century Sedile di Porta which was originally a gathering place for patricians and later both guard house and jail. Just 50m from this sedile can be found the Palazzo Veniero – a rarity among the city’s other historical gems as it represents an exotic late Byzantine style. This decorative building dates back to around the 12th century and is one of the city’s oldest buildings. A further 150m brings you to the medieval Sedile Dominova building through the arches of which can be viewed some internal wall murals.
While you walk between the Sedile di Porta and Sedile Dominova building you might like to stop off at Limonoro. It is impossible to spend more than five minutes in Sorrento without encountering some reference to one of the things Sorrento is most famous for – limoncello. Thanks to a vast abundance of lemons locally available, this lemon-based liqueur has been around for centuries and is served in every cafe and restaurant in the city. As you stroll the old town you will see it for sale in countless shops and in a variety of novelty-shaped bottles. At Limonoro you won’t simply get to sample this Sorrento specialty but also learn a little of its history, production methods and intricacies.
Basilica di Sant’Antonio
While the old town is far from short of interesting historical sights arguably its greatest highlights are the Basilica di Sant’Antonio and the exquisitely lovely Cloisters of San Francisco. Of all Sorrento’s many religious buildings the Basilica di Sant’Antonio is perhaps its most magnificent and is the oldest in the city. Dating back to the 11th century, this spectacular place – named for the city’s patron saint and home to his remains – barely has the appearance of a church from the exterior. However, once inside you are surrounded by pure magnificence in the form of ancient artifacts, centuries-old art, glittering ceilings and jewel-encrusted treasures.
The crypt – a constant scene of flickering candles lit by the faithful – is where the patron saint’s tomb can be found along with paintings while the beautiful surrounding gardens here are also worth a visit.
St. Francis Church
The 16th century St. Francis Church is certainly worth giving some time too as well – its second floor home to a gallery space of changing exhibits – but it is the cloisters here which really draw the visitors. Stepping through a small church door here is like crossing through a portal into a magical realm. The peace-infused courtyard you have arrived at once belonged to a monastery from the 1300s, itself built over the ruins of an even earlier monastery which dated from the 7th century. The cloisters are a collection of elegant Baroque arches and ornate pillars surrounding an oasis-like garden of tumbling blooms which have a backing track of birdsong and the distinct feel you are far removed from a bustling city.
Sorrento is also home to a 14th century cathedral which shows a range of architectural styles added to over the various centuries and has a distinctive bell-tower and clock. The bell-tower’s lower half dates from the 12th century while its upper level is around 600 years old. Again, the exterior is relatively plain but the cathedral’s interior complete with several chapels has some lovely frescoes, a marble throne, marquetry work, antique paintings, a magnificent altar and a highly ornate organ from the 1700s.
Morning Coffee in Sorrento
Once the time arrives for a break in your morning’s explorations you are not going to be short of atmospheric places to stop for refreshment. Italy is known the world over for its coffee culture so standards are typically high and great quality something of a given.
Generally speaking Italians tend to take their coffee standing at the bar (which explains why the terms bar and cafe are often used interchangeably). If you want a table and service you typically pay more for this. Remember as well that to many Italians a tiny shot of espresso is what is referred to as a coffee with the term ‘Americano’ typically used for longer drinks. Cappuccinos abound in the morning too as this for Italians is a breakfast choice and never drunk after midday.
FaunoBar
The historical center’s main square – the Piazzo Tasso – is a-flood with cafe options which put you right in the heart of the action for people watching from your street-side table as you take a morning pause. One of the most iconic of the choices here is the large FaunoBar which has tables both inside and out.
D’Anton
Another option in the historic center for alfresco fans or those who enjoy surroundings with a memorable atmosphere can check out the lovely D’Anton. This stunning and fascinating light-infused bistro is an Aladdin’s cave-like space filled with magnificent chandeliers, wrought iron chairs, antiques, art and the kind of ambiance which will make your coffee break a little special. If you can tear yourself away from all there is to gaze upon the outside tables are also lovely and whether inside or out this family-owned place has a reputation for warm welcomes and great service. There is also a range of sweet treats and cakes to accompany your coffee.
La Dolce
True coffee connoisseurs have not surprisingly a few choices. One of these is La Dolce which places you conveniently close to your next stop – the Correale di Terranova Museum. Located in the Piazza Angelina Lauro, this quiet spot is typically patronized by locals and has a great range of pastries and croissants if you feel in need of something to keep you going until lunch.
The Correale di Terranova Museum
Sorrento has no shortage of highlights for art and history lovers, one of the best and largest of which is the wonderful Correale Museum. Here, spread out over four floors and arranged into 24 separate collections, you can take a journey through history gazing upon precious paintings, relics from archaeological digs, exquisite porcelain, furniture and crafts representative of the area through the centuries.
Often referred to as the ‘most beautiful provincial museum of Italy’, this treasure trove has been welcoming visitors for almost a century while its gorgeous 14th century building was once the coast-located summer villa of the wealthy and influential Correale family. Still run today by descendants of that same family, the Correale Museum is principally a collection of arts and antiques amassed by the family from both Italy and around the world.
Some of the highlights include a magnificent collection of clocks, paintings from the 17th century, delicate Murano glass, some incredible marquetry pieces from the 1400s and an ancient Egyptian carving – one of the museum’s many archaeological pieces which was unearthed from the city and the surrounding countryside.
As is typical with Mediterranean villas belonging to the wealthy, the residence is surrounded by gorgeous gardens full of old trees and a 17th century scented citrus grove with the whole scattered about with benches for pausing and soaking up the loveliness. There is also a beautiful terrace which offers views of the sparkling Gulf of Naples.
An Alternative Museum – Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
As you have wandered the town you will almost certainly already have seen some examples of the inlaid wood marquetry craftsmanship for which the area is well-known. Known as intarsio, this art has been thriving since the 1700s when the wealthy would commission exquisite furniture pieces with the most intricate designs.
The wonderful Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea is a must for anyone who would like to not just see a collection of incredible marquetry pieces but is interested in learning more about this Sorrento craft. Often deserted and usually inexplicably absent from tourist literature, this tucked away gem is filled with both antique marquetry furniture and modern examples spread out over a fresco-filled former palace dating from the 1700s.
Besides its wonderful inlaid wood pieces the museum is also home to a collection of old prints and photographs which show Sorrento as it was in the 1800s.
Lunch in Sorrento
Sorrento, like much of Italy, is something of a food lover’s destination. Here it isn’t simply the cuisine itself but how it is experienced which is an essential part of the national identity and passion. The list of fresh local Mediterranean-caught and countryside-grown produce is enough alone to get your mouth-watering – tomatoes ripened by the sun, fish and seafood straight from the boat, olives which come from centuries-old groves and of course the lemons which grow in such abundance they are even found right in town. It isn’t just nature’s bounty either which dictates the culinary standard but the skill of the chefs involved and as testimony to that Sorrento is home to Michelin-star restaurants. It is also of course home to family-run traditional gems which set a handful of tables in some hidden corner and serve up homely and hearty fare crafted from recipes handed down through the ages.
If you want to be amid the hustle and bustle head to the Piazza Tasso which is ringed with cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisine while the many side streets which radiate off it are also full of options. If your busy morning however has left you feeling the need for a little peace and tranquility Sorrento is full of all kinds of oases if you know where to look.
L’Antica Trattoria
One such is the stunning L’Antica Trattoria – part of the Sorrento scene since the 1930s – which is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Correale Museum where your morning finished. Within a few paces of arriving here you will find yourself in a gorgeous courtyard which sits under the shade of a vine-covered pergola and has a magical secret-garden feel. Rich with blooms and greenery, this beautiful setting has peaceful lunch written all over it and offers food as wonderful as its ambiance. Having earned itself mentions by the likes of ‘Gourmet’ and ‘Bon Appétit’ magazines and having been found worthy of mentions by critical guides such as Michelin, Gambero Rosso and the wine-focused Veronelli, L’Antica is one of the best places in town to come to sample the local specialty known as gnocchi alla Sorrentina. The menu is otherwise a variety of pasta courses and mains which include seafood, pork, lamb and beef.
Bagni Delfino
If a seafood lunch is your focus head to the picturesque waterfront Marina Grande west of the center and technically a hamlet in its own right which still oozes leftover charm from its fishing village days. With a decidedly more laid-back feel than the busier historic area, Marina Grande offers a plentiful supply of simple but excellent family-run tavernas where the waters of the bay and its bobbing fishing boats are your view as you enjoy lunch. One of these is the waterfront Bagni Delfino which has been keeping its customers happy since 1968 and tends to receive rave reviews from all who visit here. The fare is traditional Neapolitan while the diverse range of seafood covers everything from mussels to swordfish.
Via Marina Grande 216
Bar Ruccio
Also located waterfront with Bay of Naples views are the choices at the other end of town at the Marina Piccola where the town’s ferries depart. Bar Ruccio with its gorgeous wooden deck terrace was once used as a film set in the 1950s for ‘Pane, amore e….’ starring Sophia Loren and despite its famous past retains a simple, homely and welcoming air. The menu focus here is Mediterranean cuisine with plenty of fish and seafood choices.
Gelateria Davide
While each of the restaurants mentioned here offer dessert choices you might want to save some space and head off in search of one of the town’s wonderful gelaterias to round off your lunch. The ice-cream possibilities almost anywhere in Italy are typically a gourmet experience within themselves and Sorrento is no exception. The family-run Gelateria Davide which is now more than 60 years old is often claimed to offer the best gelato in town with more than 30 flavors possible.
Gelateria Primavera
Another choice is the unassuming Gelateria Primavera which has more than double the number of flavor choices than that of Davide.
An Afternoon in Sorrento and Its Surrounds
With all its charm, Sorrento is not a town filled with any great number of must-see sights. However, within easy access are any number of incredibly fascinating or exceptionally beautiful places to explore. On the list of possibilities are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pompeii and Hercualneum, a dramatic coastal drive, a boat trip to Positano, the gorgeous island of Capri and an afternoon filled with visits to vineyards and olive oil-producing farms.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
Famous the world over, the twin cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are almost essential inclusions to any visit to this part of the world. Both of these ancient Roman Empire towns suffered total devastation in the year 79 AD when the nearby Vesuvius erupted on a mighty scale. Its boiling mud, lava and ashes swept over them both, preserving both buildings and the tragic victims so perfectly that today, almost 2,000 years later, they can still be seen by millions of visitors every year.
Ancient and vast Pompeii is just a half a hour trip from Sorrento and has constant views of the soaring Mount Vesuvius in the background. Many visitors are surprised to find the ruins of Pompeii are an entire town complete with paved streets with the whole literally a moment frozen in time.
Pompeii remained buried for more than 1600 years, with excavations begun in the mid 18th century; today the town covers a 45 hectare site which experts tell us it is still not the entire original town.
The collection of buildings includes temples, the forum and market, theaters, the basilica, public baths, private homes and even a brothel whose walls exhibit erotic images. Much of the detail is so well preserved that frescoes are still visible inside some of the structures along with carved Roman-era graffiti.
While the buildings themselves are a highlight it is the preserved everyday objects and bodies which attract the highest level of interest. All of these were buried beneath several meters of ash and overtime decayed leaving perfect moulds which plaster casts were made from. Detailing is astonishing and at times gruesome, allowing visitors to gaze upon the horrified expressions of the victims, frozen forever from their moment of death.
While visitors can freely wander the site it is highly advisable to take a tour so that all of what you are seeing can be given full context. In this way you will have an unparalleled insight into what life was truly like in a Roman town of the era while also learning how Pompeii’s excavations brought it back to the light of day.
The second of the engulfed towns of the 79 AD eruption is Herculaneum which although far less famous than Pomeii is actually considered by many to be the superior of the two sites. Smaller but even more well-preserved than Pompeii, Herculaneum was the first of the two towns to be buried by Vesuvius’s eruption and has an even more pronounced air of one moment frozen in time than its counterpart.
Engulfed in boiling mud, Herculaneum, like Vesuvius has a collection of incredible and almost entire buildings to explore with taverns, temples, bath-houses, homes and more all represented. However, here you will see complete mosaic floors, entire frescoes, marble decorations and even carbonized wooden beds and doors. As Herculaneum typically had a wealthier population than Pompeii many of its villas are more opulent such as those on the park’s western edge which have the sea views. The most famous of these is the Villa dei Papiri which was home to the father-in-law of Julius Caesar.
Other Alternative Trips from Sorrento
The Amalfi Coast Drive
Known as one of the most dramatically scenic drives on the continent, the Amalfi coast road is indeed spectacular but is perhaps not one for the faint of heart. Running for 50 km between Salerno and Sorrento, this jaw-dropping stretch is in the main literally carved into the cliff-side and features sheer drops just inches from your wheels, hairpin bends and an otherwise thrill-filled journey. Along the way you will pass fragrant lemon groves, ancient olive tree plantations and terraced vineyards clinging to the cliff edge. Below you will be the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea in constant view with the coast dotted with tiny coves, fishing villages and the pastel colors of the homes of those who live here.
Positano
Once nothing more than a quiet fishing village and later a retreat for painters and writers, Positano today is a gorgeous collection of bleached white Moorish-style houses which tumble down the dramatically steep mountainside, appearing to be stacked one on the other, to end in a picture-perfect bay. Infused with charm and made up of an incredible labyrinth of steps and meandering passageways, Positano is at once both highly dramatic and exceptionally beautiful.
The most distinctive of the town’s structures is the Byzantine-styled Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its yellow, green and blue majolica tiled dome which makes for fantastic photographs with the vivid blue of the Mediterranean sky behind.
The most picturesque way to arrive is by boat tour from Sorrento, passing the offshore Galli Island which according to legend is the home of the Sirens. Once here you can simply relax at a waterside cafe, shop for souvenirs or set off for the steep climb up to the top of the town.
Capri
Just a 20 minute ferry ride from Sorrento brings you to the dazzling little gem known as Capri – one of the most famous islands along this stretch of coast. Today colonized by the rich and famous to hide themselves away for a break, Capri has an air of exclusivity along with a typical sleepy island feel. For some truly spectacular views climb aboard the cable car to ascend to the mountain top and to claim the reward of 360 degree vistas of coastline, sea and the entire island.
Capri’s number one attraction is its beautiful Blue Grotto – so called for the way sunlight filters through the rock and gives the water a vibrant sapphire hue. However, the island is actually home to many more lesser-known but just as lovely gems which can be explored by boat hire and without the endless stream of people which the Blue Grotto attracts.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting
The Sorrento region’s history of wine production is ancient, stretching all the way back to the 12th century BC and includes chapters covering Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. Such a far-reaching story makes it one of the country’s longest-established wine-producing regions with one of its most famous wines – Falerno – one of the country’s oldest.
Today the region is swamped in grape-growing land – 100,000 acres in fact – where mild winters, highly fertile volcanic soil and long sunshine hours give rise to an astonishing number of grape varieties. Some of these are so specific to the region they are grown in only a handle of other places on the entire planet. Such a diversity means an almost endless variety of wines which range from the orange-blossom rich Ravellos to the zesty sparkling varieties such as DOC Aspirinio di Aversa.
Not surprisingly vineyard and wine-tasting tours are a big thing here and in such great supply even the most discerning wine-lover could be kept busy for many months without covering the same ground twice. Some of the best known vineyards are the Marisa Cuomo, Cantina Del Vesuvio and Feudi San Gregorio all of which are within easy access to Sorrento.
Olive Oil Farms
Besides being famous for its wines and lemons the Campania region is also well-known for its olive oil production and a good portion of land is given over to olive groves such as the terraces on the hills around Sorrento. Visits to these farms gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the whole fascinating olive oil production process – from caring for the trees, through harvesting and pressing and onto the bottling stages. You also get the chance of course of sampling olive oil as you have probably never tasted it before as well as being able to buy direct from source.
One of the olive oil farms – Frantoio Gargiulo which has been making olive oil for more than 100 years – is located just ten minutes outside of the city which means very little effort is required to see it all for yourself.
Pre-dinner Drinks and Dinner in Sorrento
From sundowners on waterfront terraces to aperitivos with locals amid the bustle of the old town and from secret garden-like traditional bistros glittering with fairy-lights to elegant fine dining venues in exclusive hotels Sorrento really does have it all covered.
Pre-dinner Drinks
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
If cocktails with a touch of glitz and glamour are your aim make your way to the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – one of Sorrento’s most exclusive and famous hotels. Swanky enough to have a dress code, the Grand Hotel’s Mediterranean-view terrace is the stuff that dreams are made of and the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the sea.
Bellevue Sirene
Another refined option which offers equally lovely sea views and sunset gazing from a spectacular terrace is the Bellevue Sirene.
Guarracino
If you consider yourself something of a cocktail connoisseur check out the small cocktail lounge of the Guarracino which expertly mixes up both classics and innovative contemporary creations. Charmingly Italian, this lovely spot offers inside intimate seating or outside options and is conveniently located just behind the Piazza Tasso.
Bar Syrenuse
Should the hunger pangs have started to kick in early take advantage of the wonderful Italian cocktail hour tradition of aperitivo. The classic aperitivo drinks are Campari, Aperol or Prosecco spritzers but in reality you can choose anything you like. The bonus part is the small plate accompaniments which range from a diversity of delicious finger-foods to help-yourself-buffets that are a meal in themselves. While you will find aperitivo deals all over town the Bar Syrenuse in the main square is a firm favorite with locals which is generally a great endorsement.
Dinner
Just as for drinking the Sorrento hub for dining is really the Piazza Tasso and the side streets that radiate from this bustling square. The Piazza Tasso options typically all have pavement tables so the dining is alfresco and you are perfectly placed to soak up the lively atmosphere. Alternatively, a great place to head for seafood fans looking for laid back and non-pretentious venues is the picturesque and quintessentially Italian Marina Grande whose string of mostly family-run restaurants sit right on the water.
Ristorante Capuozzo
If you’d like to be waterfront but are looking for something rather more intimate head to the Marina di Puolo which is a few minutes by taxi from the center of Sorrento. Tucked into a pretty cove, this small tranquil fishing village is the ideal place to go if you are looking for a quiet dinner. One of the restaurant choices here is the delightful Ristorante Capuozzo whose gorgeous open-air terrace overlooking the beach offers an undisputed air of romance in the evening. With a traditional trattoria feel, this family-run spot offers a vast menu which although focusing on seafood has plenty of other choice too including home-made pizza.
‘O Parrucchiano
Another option for those looking for an intimate and romance-infused dinner for two is the exceptionally magical ‘O Parrucchiano. With a loveliness beyond description, this restaurant whose roots stretch all the way back to the 1800s offers sensational dining beneath a canopy of fruit-laden lemon trees sprinkled about with fairy-lights. The whole is a lush oasis of plants and flowers whose fragrances drift on the air and combine with the scent of lemons. You can also dine inside the historical building whose floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows still give you a view onto the gardens outside.
From a cuisine point of view, this restaurant which is run by three generations of the same family offers a journey through the region’s cuisine. Here, for example, you can sample the regional specialty known as Gnocchi alla Sorrento or tuck into cannelloni – the famous Italian dish now known the world over and actually invented by this very family. Fresh ingredients are the staple here with all of the seafood caught by local fishermen in the Bay of Naples and delivered directly from the boat.
An Evening in Sorrento
Ristorante Cafe Latino
With warm nights which carry the salty tang of the Mediterranean in the air the evening hours for most in Sorrento are about simply relaxing with a drink to hand. Join the locals who will still be enjoying their aperitivos until late evening as they traditionally don’t dine until late. One gorgeous spot for this is the Ristorante Cafe Latino where the comfortable sofas and lounge chairs are set amid a garden of orange and lemon trees full of fruit, a tinkling fountain and a sea of candles and tiny lights.
If you have overindulged a little with all the gorgeous pasta and seafood around you might like to enjoy the Italian tradition of passeggiata which means taking a gentle stroll, normally once the heat of the day has passed. Sorrento has no shortage of beautiful stretches to enjoy this after-dinner amble but either the postcard-perfect and pastel-colored Marina Grande or the Marina Piccolo allow you to walk at the water’s edge with lovely views of the bay and its boats as you breath in the sea air. If you need to stop for a pause at any point there are plenty of places to order an after-dinner cocktail or glass of wine and just enjoy the sea vistas.
Should you be looking for some Sorrento souvenir but have not yet had space in your day to fit in any shopping now is a great time to rectify that. Many shops stay open well into the evening as is the business norm in many Mediterranean destinations which observe the siesta hours in the hottest part of the day and then re-open again to customers around 5pm. Sorrento has everything possible for those looking for retail therapy – from tiny craft shops selling locally produced goods to high-end boutiques with international names or designer wares. Stroll the narrow alleyways of the old town to find the hidden gems where limoncello treats, leather, linen, unusual food and wine gifts, exquisite inlaid wood pieces and much more are all to be found.
Teatro Tasso
If you’d like to inject some culture into your evening take in a tarantella performance. The roots of this lively southern Italian folklore dance are now so old that no-one is truly sure where it all started but performances are typically full of colorful and traditional costumes and the beats hypnotic and upbeat. Some of the larger hotels such as the Palazzo Guardati host performances as do smaller more intimate venues from time to time. However, the Teatro Tasso tends to take number one spot for watching this ancient music and dance at its best and most authentic. In an effort to take the dance back to its purer roots this company delved into history, studying and unearthing antique accounts to recreate a performance of greater authenticity and meaning.
Classical Concerts
For a musical venue infused with magic check out the calendar of classical concerts staged during summer in the exceptionally lovely cloisters at the San Francisco Church which you visited earlier today. This highly unique place also holds evening art exhibitions from time to time and the atmospheric gardens and elegant arches are a beautiful place to be in the evening.
