Sorrento developed on a
high tuff rock that astonishes people coming from the sea. The
whole coast of Sorrento is very harsh, with indented rocks and
small hidden creeks. The panorama is beautiful and covers the Gulf
of Naples dominated by the strong Vesuvius and the isles of Ischia and Capri. Below the main naturalistic sites of Sorrento coast:
PUNTA CAMPANELLA
This is a very important area for naturalistic, cultural, and
historical reasons. It is the furthest part of the Gulf of Naples.
It is a beautiful marine reserve inhabited by many species of fish.
In the past there was a sanctuary dedicated to Athena. In 1335
Roberto d'Angiò built a tower, MinervaTower, whose bell
was used to warn about the arrival of pirates. Bell in Italian
is Campana, this is why this territory is called Punta Campanella.
THE DEEP VALLEY OF MILLS
On Sorrento Coast there are some deep valley, among them
the valley of mills, the best preserved. It belonged to Tasso family
and then to Correale family; Correale family ordered the construction
of the port, first called Capo Cervo and then Capo di Cerere.
The deep valley of mills in the past was the seat of a mill: today
only some ruins remain.
There are also other deep valleys, such as the one S. Agnello,
where ships recovered during storms. In fact there is an inscription
that recalls this habit: “In tempestate securitas”.
“BATH” OF QUEEN GIOVANNA - POLLIO FELICE’S VILLA
In Capo di Sorrento there are the remains of a wonderful Roman
villa belonged to Pollio Felice and described by poet Publio Papino
Stazio (45-96 a.C). This hamlet is also known as the bath of queen
Giovanna because population thought that queen Giovanna II di Durazzo
(who behaved in a very scandalous way) had her bath completely
naked in a picturesque creek of Capo di Sorrento.
MARINA GRANDE
This is the biggest bay in the Gulf of Sorrento, and it has always
been the port of the town. Now there are the most famous shores
of Sorrento, with their lively colours.
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