Piazza Tasso

The Basics

Two of Sorrento’s main shopping streets lead from Piazza Tasso: Corso Italia, a busy thoroughfare lined with elegant restaurants and boutiques; and pedestrian-only Via San Cesareo, a narrow lane of shops overflowing with an array of products made with local Sorrentine lemons and other artisan goods. The square is named after Torquato Tasso (a statue dedicated to the Renaissance poet stands in one corner of the piazza), and its main attractions include the baroque Santuario della Madonna del Carmine and Palazzo Correale, an 18th-century palace built around a home owned by the aristocratic Correale family. Be sure not to miss the dramatic scenic overlook from Piazza Tasso, with views over the gorge below and Mediterranean sea beyond.

Most small-group walking tours and shore excursions to the city center begin in Piazza Tasso before moving on to explore the maze of tiny back streets in the historic district or heading down to Marina Grande, the sleepy fishing village on the water’s edge below town. Sorrento is just over an hour from Mt. Vesuvius and the Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites, making it the perfect base for a private day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The square is flat and easily accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.

• The cafés in the piazza are perfect for an aperitivo cocktail before dinner.

• The square is open to vehicles during the day, but at night the traffic is limited and pedestrians reclaim the space for evening strolls.

How to Get There

Sorrento is located along the southern Campania coast, halfway between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Below the city’s historic center, the Marina Piccola port is a hub for ferries to and from other destinations along the coast, including Capri and Positano. The train station is just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tasso, with trains to Naples that connect with routes to Rome and other cities across Italy.

When to Get There

Sorrento is most crowded during summer; unlike other towns along the coast, however, businesses do not close during the winter season, so you can find Sorrento hotels and restaurants open year-round.

Limoncello in Sorrento

Limoni di Sorrento, or Sorrentine lemons, are Sorrento’s most famous local product and the main ingredient in many traditional recipes. You can sample the best artisanal limoncello—a tangy liqueur made from lemon peel—along with other excellent coastal specialties by joining a small-group food tour in Sorrento.

Ways to explore

Most small-group walking tours and shore excursions to the city center begin in Piazza Tasso before moving on to explore the maze of tiny back streets in the historic district or heading down to Marina Grande, the sleepy fishing village on the water’s edge below town. Walking tours generally pause to take in the statue dedicated to Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso—for whom the square is named—as well as the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine and Palazzo Correale. The square is also a popular stop on sightseeing tours for its dramatic scenic overlook, which boasts views over the gorge below and to the Mediterranean Sea beyond.

Accessibility

This flat, paved square is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None; the square buzzes with traffic, so be cautious when visiting with small children.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, cash or credit card for the cafés and shops

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

Piazza Tasso is in Sorrento’s restricted traffic zone, so unauthorized vehicles are not allowed to drive through the square.

Amenities

Cafès, restaurants, shops, and other tourist services line the square.

Address

Sorrento is located along the southern Campania coast, halfway between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Below the city’s historic center, the Marina Piccola port is a hub for ferries to and from other destinations along the coast, including Capri and Positano. The train station is just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tasso, with trains to Naples that connect to Rome and other cities across Italy.

Driving

Much of Sorrento’s old town, including Piazza Tasso, is closed to unauthorized vehicles. Park your car in one of the parking garages just outside the restricted area and explore the square and town center on foot.

Public transportation

Take the Circumvesuviana rail line from Naples or the regional SITA bus from the Amalfi Coast. The square is a short walk from the train station and bus terminal.

Best times to visit

This bustling main square is a draw by day and night. Tourists dominate the square during the day, while the cafés and restaurants fill with a mix of locals and visitors after sunset.

Best days to visit

While weekends may be busiest in Piazza Tasso, the crowds bring a vibrant atmosphere. Grab a sidewalk table on Saturday or Sunday to soak in the festive vibe.

Best months to visit

This outdoor attraction is at its best in spring and fall, thanks to mild temperatures and dry days. In December, the central tree and fairy lights decorating the surrounding buildings make the square particularly festive.

Special events

Sorrento is renowned for its Christmas lights, and Piazza Tasso’s musical tree and thousands of fairy lights attract visitors during December and early January.