Piazza Tasso (Tasso Square), Sorrento (must see)

Torquato Tasso, born in 1544, stands on a granite pedestal in the square named for him. Tasso was the greatest poet of his era. He died in 1595, days before being crowned King of Poets by Pope Clement VIII. His statue shares the square with that of Saint Antonino, who sought asylum in Sorrento during the Lombard invasions of the 6th century.

The square was initially called Castle Square. Where the statue of Saint Antonino stands today was once the location of the 15th-century castle of Ferdinand of Aragon, demolished in 1843. The monument of Torquato Tasso was dedicated in 1870. The square sits astride the deep gorge that divides the center of Sorrento.

Surrounding the square are several notable historical buildings. In the southwestern part, you will find the Correale Palace, with its tiled courtyard, rebuilt in 1768. On the northern side of the square stands the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Inside, don’t miss the 1710 ceiling painting by Onofrio Avellino depicting the Virgin with Saint Simon, as well as the 16th-century gilded reliquaries containing saints’ bones.

Tasso Square is the entry point to the historic old town. Shops, restaurants, and bars line the square, creating a lively atmosphere. The Fauno Bar, located near the statue of Torquato Tasso, is a popular spot for cappuccino and pastries. Corso Italia, the main shopping street, branches off from the square, while smaller side streets offer additional boutiques and local shops to explore.

Cross over the forbidding gorge to find access to Sorrento Big Marina. It is where one may catch the water bus to the Isla of Capri, Tiberius's exotic playground. There are tour trolleys and hop-on, hop-off open-top sight-seeing busses from the square. Did we mention horse carriages as well? Yes, we did, just now.

As inviting as it is, Tasso Square stays busy throughout the day, so keep an eye out for scooters and traffic as you explore.