Your Guide to Piazza Tasso, the Heart of Sorrento
Every destination has a place where daily life and history meet. In Sorrento, that place is Piazza Tasso. It is more than a central square. It serves as the town’s main meeting point and the gateway to the historic centre. From early mornings scented with espresso to lively evenings under soft lights, Piazza Tasso lets visitors feel how Sorrento moves and breathes.
The Living Centre of Sorrento
Piazza Tasso sits along Corso Italia and links modern Sorrento with its older streets. It also overlooks one of the area’s most striking natural features. Cafés, shops, churches, and historic buildings surround the square. Together, they make it both a useful reference point and a place to slow down and observe daily life. Most first time visitors cross the piazza several times a day without planning to. That constant movement gives the square its energy.
Take a look at the video below for a glimpse of Sorrento’s city centre.
A Layered History Beneath the Square
Piazza Tasso took on its current form mainly in the 19th century, but its history goes back much further. The area was once known as Largo del Castello. An Aragonese fortress dominated the site and protected the city. In the early 1840s, city planners demolished the structure as Sorrento expanded and modernised.
During this transformation, workers filled in sections of the Vallone dei Mulini. This deep gorge was carved by ancient streams. The work created the level surface of today’s piazza. Visitors can still see the gorge from the north side of the square. It highlights the dramatic landscape beneath the busy streets above.
Monuments and Landmarks of Piazza Tasso
The Statue of Sant’Antonino
The statue of Sant’Antonino stands at the centre of the square. He is Sorrento’s patron saint. Local tradition says he sought refuge here during Lombard invasions. His presence reflects the city’s strong religious roots. The statue marks a spot once linked to the fortress’s main tower, connecting past and present.
The Statue of Torquato Tasso
The square takes its name from Torquato Tasso, who was born in Sorrento in 1544. He is best known for his epic poem Jerusalem Delivered. Sculptor Gennaro Calì created the statue, which was inaugurated in 1870. Planners first intended to place it at the centre of the square. Structural issues caused by the filled gorge forced them to move it. Today, it stands at the corner of Corso Italia and Via della Pietà.
Church of Santa Maria del Carmine
The Church of Santa Maria del Carmine occupies the eastern corner of the piazza. Built in 1572, this Baroque church is officially known as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine. Its yellow façade is partly hidden by an adjoining café. This detail reflects how religious and social life blend in Sorrento. Inside, visitors will find a single nave, Neapolitan school paintings, and a replica of the Brown Madonna.
Palazzo Correale
Palazzo Correale overlooks the square from one side. This noble residence was rebuilt in 1768. Its tiled courtyard offers a glimpse into Sorrento’s aristocratic past and adds balance to the piazza’s lively setting.
Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Life
Piazza Tasso is one of the best places in town to stop for food or a drink. Outdoor cafés invite visitors to sit and watch the flow of people. Local favourites include limoncello made from Sorrento’s lemons, Neapolitan pizza, and fresh seafood from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Nearby streets are lined with shops selling intarsia woodwork, hand painted ceramics, and custom leather sandals. These crafts reflect long standing local traditions. For a classic experience, many travellers stop for coffee in the morning or an aperitivo in the evening at places like Fauno Bar.
Views Over the Valley of the Mills
One of Piazza Tasso’s standout features is its view over the Vallone dei Mulini. From the north side of the square, visitors can see the road descending towards Marina Piccola, with the sea beyond. A short walk up Viale Enrico Caruso offers an even clearer view into the gorge. Below, the ruins of an old mill sit among dense greenery. The valley is not open to visitors, but the viewpoint alone is worth the stop.
Christmas in Piazza Tasso
In December, Piazza Tasso becomes the centre of Sorrento’s Christmas celebrations. A large illuminated tree dominates the square. Its lights change colour throughout the evening. Festive music fills the air as families gather for their traditional evening walks. Some years also include a living nativity scene set among nearby streets.
Practical Visitor Information
Piazza Tasso is easy to reach and hard to miss. It is a five to seven minute flat walk from the Sorrento train station, where the Circumvesuviana arrives from Naples. From Marina Piccola, visitors can reach the square by local bus or via an uphill walk.
Mornings are quieter and suit photos or a relaxed coffee. Evenings feel livelier, with street performers and a steady crowd. Comfortable walking shoes help, as many walking routes start here.
Piazza Tasso as Your Starting Point
Piazza Tasso acts as Sorrento’s main crossroads. From here, visitors can enter the narrow streets of the historic centre, head down to the port for ferries to Capri and Naples, or continue along Corso Italia to explore modern areas.
To plan your time in town, Piazza Tasso connects naturally with nearby highlights. For more ideas, explore Things to do in Sorrento and use the square as your reference point for discovering the city.
