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Mar 22, 2021
Sorrento sits on the Sorrentine Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples. This is where I love to stay when I am visiting the Amalfi Coast for a number of reasons. First it is a gorgeous locale with a multitude of things to do and see. Second, it is close to everything! Its Marina Piccola is a great place to take the ferry to other towns along the Amalfi Coast, or explore one of the nearby islands like Capri. If you prefer to go inland and enjoy history, Vesuvio, Pompeii, and Herculaneum are nearby.
According to legend it was founded by Liparus, the son of Odysseus. (Yes, the one from Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.) Homer also mentioned sirens living on the nearby island of Capri. This is what inspired the ancients to call their town Surrentum.
The region of the Amalfi Coast was known for its beauty and plentiful crops, especially the vineyards. There were Greek settlements, Roman towns, and even a few Etruscan ones. It became a popular costal resort during the Roman Empire and it still is today!
Moving nearly a millennium forward, Piazza Tazzo was built in 1866 and named after a local writer famous for his poetry. His name was Torquato Tasso and there is still a statue to honor him in the square. It is a lively town center with many shops and cafés.
Sorrento is renowned for its lemons, homemade limoncello, and handmade sandals. Also there are many artisans creating masterpieces with intarsia, the art of wood inlay.
There is even a scenic view from the piazza. It overlooks a dramatic gorge created by volcanic eruptions and erosion from rivers. Just beyond is the deep blue of the sea.
In my painting, the scenic view of the gorge and sea is on the left. There is a railing and flags lining the overlook.
Many locals and visitors alike stroll through the piazza lined with buildings in the bright pastel palette of the region.
Standing serenely in the center of the activity is a statue of Sant’Antonius di Sorrento, a local abbot from Campania who relocated to the city during the Lombard invasions
On the right is the ornate façade of the medieval church Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine. Its sunny yellow with white trim invites locals into the cool interior.
Are you ready to see me paint this lovely town on the Amalfi Coast? Watch the video below to see a time-lapse of me painting Piazza Tasso, Sorrento!
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To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!