Dorotea Apreda

Sorrento

Tradition and Folklore

Sorrento doesn’t offer just art and culture, but also folklore, with its traditions, its songs and the Tarantella dance. Without a doubt one of the memories of Sorrento which the tourist brings home, is that of the Tarantella.

The origins of this dance are uncertain as it is not clear whether it was named after the city of Taranto or the poisonous spider, the tarantola, whose bite is said to cause the dance’s movements. What is certain is that the character of the Tarantella is clearly popular as it was once used to celebrate important moments of country life.

During Easter, ancient, sacred rites are renewed throughout the Sorrento peninsula, a sign of a centuries-old faith collectively perceived and much felt, as well as of Catholic values which on the peninsula have origins and roots as old as Catholicism itself.

Good Friday is a day of suffering for the Catholics, for it remembers the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary.

Christmas and New Year also have a special charm in Sorrento. Warm coloured lighting and colourful decorations give the town a particular look, and the atmosphere portends a charming festive period. In fact, while Sorrento is showing off its Christmas look, frenetic activities are going on to put into action the myriad activities which will make every moment the visitors spend in the Sorrentine Peninsula an unforgettable one.

The art of wood-working in Campania has ancient origins and traditions but Sorrentine wood inlay has a separate glorious history.

What makes this unique inlay so special is not just the mastery and inventive of the local artisans but their profound knowledge of the material. It is, in fact, very difficult to recognise and choose the diverse qualities of wood to create such a chromatic effect permitting delicate designs.

How to Get to Sorrento

BY CAR:

Travelling by car for approximately (approx. 31 miles), driving along the motorway A 2 Rome-Naples for those who come from the north, or the A 16 Bari-Naples for those who come from the south, you get onto the A 3 Highway exiting at Castellammare of Stabia, you arrive to the SS Sorrentine 145 (For locals known as “La Sorrentina”- that travelling alongside the sea –

BY TRAIN:

The Naples Main Train Station (Stazione Napoli Centrale) is located at Piazza Garibaldi well served by the metro lines and with the public bus service. The Federal Railway System (Ferrovia dello Stato) offers a wide range of trains to Sorrento on a daily basis, every 30 minutes more or less from 6:00am to 11:00pm.

BY PLANE:

The nearest airport to Sorrento, only 50 km(approx.31 miles) far, is Naples Airport – Capodicchino(NAP).

BY BOAT

The Molo Beverello (Beverello Pier) is located adjacent to the Maritime Station at the Port of Naples in front of the Town Hall Square (Piazza Municipio). The Pier offers daily services to Sorrento with ferries. The trip takes approximately 45-50 minutes.