Sorrento Italy

#Sorrento_Italy_Amalfi_Coast

Sorrento (from the Greek word Surreo meaning flow or come together) is a coastal town in southwestern Italy with a population of 16,000+
Now when i asked the locals in Naples about the Amalfi Coast they all agreed that it is a beautiful location but everyone also mentioned Sorrento

This area was first Greek then a Roman colony followed by the Goths, Longobards plus Byzantines
Because of its mild climate many emperors (Claudius and Tiberius for example) with other rich patricians chose Sorrento as their summer residence (so because of this) they had roads and villas built, which is evident as we walk the streets here

KeyTip;
 So i did some research and took the Metro at around 5 Euro from Naples (1 hour 20 minutes)
There is also a ferry that is faster but much more expensive if your traveling in a group ( 40 Euros PP )

 Finally they have walking tours listed at $50+ Euros PP, this is not needed as the area is very walkable

 

Vallone dei Mulini  (Valley of the Mills)

Was at one time an operational flour mill until the 1940s when it was closed and abandoned
It was built in this location to take advantage of the water supply (that flowed underneath) that was needed to ground all the wheat, when finally that operation moved to another location
 
So now nature has slowly been reclaiming the area of this deep crevasse that was formed 35,000 years ago during an eruption 

The Greeks and Romans both built protective walls around the city which now surrounds the Main Square of Piazza Tasso
 ( named after the poet Torquato Tasso 1544-1595)

Trying some samples........hey its hard work blogging for you people 😅

The ancient Greeks designed the streets to be narrow and intentionally positioned them to shade their citizens

The lemons grown here are considered to be the best in the world thanks to the mineral rich volcanic soil
So after your meal you need to drink some Limoncello (digestif) containing alcohol, water, sugar and fresh lemon rinds

While in Sorrento you are near many historical archaeological sites you can visit;
 The Cave of the Sirens, Porta Romana, Museo Correale, Punta del Capo,
 Villa of Pollio Felice and the Museum of Villa Fondi

Sorrento was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997 and while its not part of the Amalfi Coast it is a gateway to many other classic cities of Italy like Positano, Pompeii, Ravello plus Herculaneum

In the Middle Ages some worked as fishermen  but others earned their money by being Pirates that would raid nearby coastal towns

Photo Opp.......waited until anything came through this tunnel, got lucky with a one highlight motorcycle

Legend has it the towns earliest history is related to the myth of mermaids which in Italy is known as Sirens
Folklore has it Ulysses heard the Sirens song as he was sailing past Sorrento and told his crew to block their ears, plus to tie him up so to resist this alluring sound

Sorrento is also known for crafting intricate designs using various types of wood
 So not an expensive piece, but certainly took skill to make this wooden watch that i picked up before i left this beautiful area

Heading back to Naples with lots of sitting available until we make the stops at Pompeii and Ercolano So be ready for that

 Happy Touring 😃