Part of the House of Torquato Tasso, Sorrento

The house of Torquato Tasso in Sorrento holds great importance in literary history and culture. Tasso, born in 1544 in this charming town, was one of the most celebrated Italian poets of the Renaissance era. His most famous work, "Jerusalem Delivered" (Gerusalemme Liberata), tells a fictionalized story of the conflicts between Christians and Muslims during the First Crusade's siege of Jerusalem. Tasso's writings gained him widespread recognition throughout Europe, influencing many future writers, including English poets such as Spencer and Byron.

Tasso's birth home, situated in the historic center of Sorrento not far from the main square on Vittorio Veneto Street, is now partially incorporated into the Imperial Hotel Tramontano. Originally located on the edge of a cliff, the villa suffered damage from the sea in 1662, leaving behind only one room with two arches and balconies overlooking the sea. This remaining structure, surrounded by a villa built in the 17th century, was later converted into a hotel, which opened in 1812.

A plaque at the hotel bears the words of Tasso's father, Bernardo Tasso, himself a poet. The Tasso family left the villa in 1552 when Bernardo and his employer were exiled from Sorrento due to accusations of rebellion. Despite these early difficulties, Bernardo's role as a poet at the Ducal Palace in Urbino allowed Torquato to study with Francesco Maria della Rovere.

Today, the remains of Tasso's birth home offer visitors a unique insight into the life of this literary figure. Located within the Imperial Hotel Tramontano, this site not only honors Tasso's lasting legacy but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Sorrento.