Chiostro di San Francesco

The basics

Sorrento walking tours and shore excursions almost always include a stop at the lovely Cloister of San Francesco, an open-air garden filled with bougainvillea and ivy climbing over arcades of soft tufa stone and rubble from early pagan temples. In summer, art exhibitions and concerts take place in the charming space, which is also one of Sorrento’s most popular wedding venues.

Visit the cloister during a small-group tour of the resort town’s highlights, or join a day trip that includes Sorrento along with historic Amalfi Coast fishing villages.

Things to know before you go

• The Cloister of San Francesco is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though many of the streets in Sorrento’s historic center are narrow and paved with cobblestones.
• Modest clothing is required to enter the church and cloister.
• The cloister is one of the prettiest sights in Sorrento, so don’t forget your camera.

How to get there

The Cloister of San Francesco is a short walk from Piazza Tasso and other important attractions. You can take the elevator up to the clifftop from the port below, and cross the Villa Comunale gardens to the church and cloister opposite.

When to get there

If you’re in Sorrento in the high season summer months, stop by the serene cloister and church for a quiet break from sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

The History and Architecture of the Church and Cloister of San Francesco

In the 14th century, Franciscan friars converted an oratory into a church with baroque elements and a simple white facade that was rebuilt in 1926. Inside, several richly decorated chapels adjoin the single nave, and in 1992, a bronze statue of St. Francis by Roman sculptor Alfiero Nena was placed outside. Linking the church to the monastery, the cloister dates from the seventh century and unites various architectural styles, from Arabic to medieval.

Ways to explore

Sorrento walking tours and shore excursions almost always include a stop at the lovely Cloister of San Francesco, an open-air garden filled with bougainvillea and ivy that climbs over carved stone arcades and ancient pillars. In summer, art exhibitions and concerts take place in the charming space, which is also one of Sorrento’s most popular wedding photo venues. Visit the cloister during a small-group tour of the resort town’s highlights, a food and sightseeing tour in the old town, or on a day excursion that includes Sorrento with trips to colorful Amalfi Coast villages.

Accessibility

The Cloister is accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera with a zoom lens to capture the architectural details, water bottle

What to wear

You must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter the cloister.

Not allowed

The cloister is part of an active place of worship, so take care not to disturb any religious services.

Amenities

Sorrento’s old town, where the cloister is located, has shops, restaurants, and other services.

Address

The Cloister of San Francesco is a short walk from Piazza Tasso and other key attractions. You can take the elevator up to the clifftop from the port below, and cross the Villa Comunale gardens to the church and cloister opposite.

Driving

Much of Sorrento’s historic center is accessible only to authorized vehicles. Leave your car in one of the parking garages just outside the old town and walk to the cloister and other central sights.

Public transportation

You can reach Sorrento by train from Naples via the Circumvesuviana rail line or from the Amalfi Coast via the regional SITA bus lines. The cloister is a short walk from both the train station and the bus terminal.

Best times to visit

The cloister is open all day, but it can get busy with visitors during the midday hours when cruise ship passengers flood the town. Stop by in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays bring crowds to Sorrento and its top sights, while weekday mornings are when you can enjoy the cloister and other highlights without the throngs.

Best months to visit

This open-air attraction is most pleasant to visit in the spring and fall, when conditions are typically mild with little rain.

Special events

Art exhibits, concerts, and other public events are regularly held in the cloister. It is also often used as a wedding venue, when access may be temporarily restricted.