Exploring Sorrento, Italy: Through the Eyes of a Local
Words and photos by Anika Woelffer, our Jetsetter Journalist who is studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, during Spring semester 2024.
Since I’ve been studying abroad in Sorrento, I have fallen in love with the town and found some of my favorite places to eat and spend my days. Through the end of March and beginning of April, Sorrento started opening up more because it was the start of tourist season. Since I'd been limited to a few restaurants and cafes, I wanted to see what some locals thought were “hidden gems” or their favorite places. After talking to a local, I got a couple of recommendations and spent a morning walking around Sorrento and taking pictures. Here are the top three places to visit from a local opinion:
Chiesa di San Filippo e San Giacomo Cathedral
First up, there is the Chiesa di San Filippo e San Giacomo Cathedral. This is Sorrento's Roman Catholic Cathedral and it is dedicated to Saints Felice and Bacolo. It's a significant religious site in Sorrento and construction was started back in the 10th and 20th centuries. It’s a stunning cathedral with a beautiful organ and lots of artwork. It's a big tourist spot to visit, but is also valued very highly by the locals.
Restaurant O’Parrucchiano
Next is a famous lemon restaurant called Restaurant O’Parrucchiano. They serve traditional Nepliatian and Mediterranean dishes and the interior resembles a typical Sorrento garden with lemon trees. It's a restaurant of ancient tradition dating back to 1868 by Antonino Ercolano. I have been once and the food is delicious and it's a chic place to dine!
Parco di Villa Fiorentino
Lastly, the Parco di Villa Fiorentino is a hidden gem in Sorrento and it hosts art exhibitions and events. I got to visit it during Easter which is one of Sorrento's biggest events. Easter is a very important time in Sorrento; from February 24th to March 31st the city celebrates, “Good Friday, Genesis of a Penitential Movement”. This event commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a time for reflection in the Catholic Religion. There is also a procession during Holy Week that is organized by locals. Members wear white tunics that cover their faces, and they march in a parade through town. I attended one of the processions and it was such a cool experience and I'm so grateful I could experience Sorrento's religious tradition. This is a very significant and religious event to Sorrento and tourists from all over the world come and watch.
I had such a good time learning about these spots and I recommend visiting each place! Sorrento is filled with history and good food and I'm truly grateful to be spending my semester here.