We had quite exhausted our energies at Pompeii and we left Pompeii around 2 PM and proceeded with our next stop at Sorrento.
It was probably Greeks who founded Sorrento and later ruled by Etruscans (~90 BC), Romans came later. Sorrento derived its name from the Sirens who in Greek mythology said to inhabit these waters and sing songs that the sailors would not resist. Of course, they ended up by becoming a meal.
The city is famous for its citrus products chief of which is Limoncello.
We could not see the famed seaside scenes except for what we could see in the gaps between the buildings.
The city is much larger than what we could see but was enough to get a feeling. We arrived at one of the town centers near Piazza Tasso. There is a statue of St. Antonino Abate, a monk who arrived from Monte Cassino and said to have performed miracles.
There is another totem pole-like sculpture near St. Antonino's statue for which I find no reference.
Source: Google Maps Interactive
Depending on where you enter the city and from which direction you arrive, your impression of the city is quite different, a fact I have felt often. We entered the crowded city on a warm day and the most we could do was to find a place to eat. Our tour director Katia had indicated many fine ones. It was past our usual lunch time and we quickly got into one - Ristornate Pizzeria L'Abate which turned out to be very good. The service was excellent although somewhat slow. The seats were outdoor, but it also had nice indoor seating. We sat outside watching the crowd outside.
After lunch we explored two of the side streets with shops that cater for tourists selling local products. We bought some lemon look-alike soaps and some gifts articles.
The famous majolica ceramics are another of the Sorrento products the tourists take home.
We left Sorrento to return to our hotel via Positano, which was on our way.
If we had, had stayed at Positano instead of Maiori, it would have been very nice. Perhaps, the tour budget did not allow such as option.
From Sorrento to Positano we get to see the glorious sea with small islands that were coveted and owned by Nureyev and others as our tour director pointed out.
The location possess such an air of romance & beauty that celebrity names such as Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Sophia Loren, Zaphrelli, Nureyev and others flocked to this place and even owned properties. Here are some shots taken travelling from Sorrento to Positano and finally to Maiori.
Our tour related video: Returning from Pompeii
Source: Raymond Austin
Source: Alan Kehew from Pinterest
For us, it was an unforgettable memory we would like to cherish.
Tomorrow, September 22, we will be transferring to Rome, the eternal city via Monte Cassino. More on this in the next post, and today I am looking for more of the good wine before turning in.
