Sorrento Info tourist magazine - sorrento guide to hotels, restaurants, shops and events.

POMPEII PAST AND PRESENT

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:11:14 +0000

Located at the foot of mount Vesuvius, Pompeii represents one pf the most popular archaeological sites in the world, and also acts as a great religious attraction. Besides the well- known sites, which hold finds of the buried city, there is the sanctuary of Madonna del Rosario, witch recalls groups of pilgrims from Italy and the rest of the world.

THINGS NOT TO MISS

The Archeological Sites:A visit to the dig site is an unforgettable experience, it’s just like going 2000 years back in the past. This unique place allows the visitors to experience the real daily life of the original inhabitants. All activities turned around the forum, a long and slim open space surrounded by the ruins of what would have been some of the town’s most important official buildings: a basilica, temples to Apollo and Jupiter, the baths, and the open market where people sold and bought their goods. The numerous artisan shops scattered all around the town testify a real devotion to commerce, but at the negotia these people alternated otium or opium, and took part as well in a lot of other entertainments. They often attended the Teatro Grande (Great Theater) which could sit about 5,000 people, the Teatro Piccolo, whose stands could seat about 1,000, and the Anfiteatro or arena where about 12.000 people could watch the gladiators fight. The citizens of Pompeii had refined taste for art and architecture, and in this city are testimonies to the numerous homes of the wealthy: the Casa dei Vettii, di Menandro, del Fauno and Villa dei Misteri are rich of fine examples Roman art. An interesting opportunity one shouldn’t miss is Pompeii by night. The itinerary starts at the Terme Suburbane (baths) just outside Porta Marina, leads through the houses, the orchards, gardens, fountains and narrow streets overlooking Via Marina and ends up at the Tempio di Apollo (Temple to Apollo). The visit takes about 56 minutes. Booking is by internet only at www.arethusa .net. For more info, call: 0818575111

Antiquarium. Destroyed by bomb raids in 1943, it was rebuilt and follows the most important phases of the history of Pompeii. There is a section devoted to the town in pre-samnite times, which collects the oldest examples of Oscan civilization in the Valle del Sarno area. Other sections are dedicated to the iconography and old Roman Pompeii with finds illustrating the economic and commercial life of the town, working tools, and workshop materials.

Santuario (Sanctuary). Built in 1876 according to the wishes of Bartolo Longo, the sanctuary represents an important religious centre. Inside it is rich with marble, frescoes and mosaics. It is in the shape of a Latin cross, with three aisles dominated by a grand dome 57m. high. On the main altar, from the1600′s, we find the shroud of the Madonna di Pompei, enriched with gems and a bronze frame. At the top of the Santuario overlooking the piazza, there is a statue of the Virgin del Rosario, carved from a single block of Carrara marble. Also important is the bell tower about 80m. high, which, thanks to the elevator, it is possible to reach the top and enjoy a nice view of the entire gulf of Naples.

FROM SORRENTO TO POMPEII

By car: follow the SS 145 towards Naples, then the A3 in the same direction, exit in Pompeii.

By train: take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples and get off at Pompeii-Villa dei Misteri

USEFUL INFORMATION AND NUMBERS

Police: phone 0818506164/ 0818614098

Taxi: 0818632686/ 0815367852 / 0818503199

Post office: via Sacro Cuore 32 / via Sacra 3 / Piazza Esedra 1

Tourist office: via sacra 1 081 8507255

POSITANO, GEM OF THE AMALFITAN COAST

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:11:14 +0000

Distance from Sorrento: 17 km –
By car: follow the SS145 then the SS 163 to Amalfi.
By Bus: SITA bus service from Sorrento to Amalfi, via Positano.

A pearl found within wonderful, natural scenery, located in a breathtaking position along the Amalfi coast, the “pearl of the divine coast”, this is Positano. The historical origins of this place go back to ancient times. The legend says that Poseidon, god of sea, for the Romans “Neptune,” fell in love with a nymph called Pasitea and built this wonderful place for her. Historically the village was founded by a group of refugees from Paestum who had escaped Saracen invasions. The only truth is that Phoenicians and Greeks used to dock their ships at this fishermen village on their journeys to the west.

THINGS NOT TO MISS

Le torri (The towers). Built to defend the village from the continuous raids of the Saracens and Turkish pirates. Located at Fornillo, la Trasita and la Sponda, some of them can be seen even inland around the village.

Le grotte preistoriche. The prehistoric grottos date back to different historical periods. They are scattered all along the coast and present evidence of human life in those areas from long ago.

L’arcipelago de “Li Galli” (Archipelago of Li Galli). Three miles off Positano, it is a group of 3 small isles named ‘il Gallo Lungo’, ‘la Rotondo,’ and ‘il Castelluccio.’ According to the legend the mythical sirens lived there and tried to enchant Ulysses with their hypnotic song. On the biggest of the three stands a Roman Villa, which belonged to the Russian dancer and set designer Rudolph Nureyev. Below the surface, in the depths of the sea, there are numerous pieces of wreckage, which have increased and contributed to the myth of the sirens.

Le ville (The villas). Dating back to Roman times, here lived the nobles who came to relax. You can find them along the coast and inland, following the classical terraced shape of the territory. The most famous is the one found in the Baia di Positano. Today there are only a few remains of it because it is covered in digging materials and from the building of the Chiesa dell’Assunta.

Shops. The elegant boutiques in the centre represent the typical fashion from Positano which is exported everywhere in the world.

Local Festivals. There is one on July 2nd up in the little hill village of Montepertuso. But over all, there is the Madonna dell’Assunta, August 15th, with an enchanting fireworks show which you can also enjoy from one of the many boats floating just off shore.

Il premio per l’arte e la danza (Art and Dance competition). Organized every year to celebrate the great dancer and playwright Leonide Massine.

La chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. Recognized by it’s tiled dome and a 12th century bell tower.

I laboratori dei ceramisti (ceramic worskhops and stores). One can find many of them everywhere in the village. They export their typical artisan ceramic all over the world.

The view. Going up to the hill village of Monterpertuso, you can enjoy a unique view of the gulf of Salerno and the whole Positan

CAPRI, THE “LADY” OF THE GULF

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:11:14 +0000

distance from Sorrento: 8 miles by boat.

The island of Capri, a huge calcareous mass, rises from the Gulf of Naples from the crystalline waters, not far from La Punta Campanella. It’s surface area consists of only about 10 km square, and is divided between the towns of Capri, and Anacapri. For centuries the island has been the popular vacation spot for poets, musicians, and all kinds of famous people. The successful tourist tradition of Capri, commonly called the “blue island,” dates back to antiquity. Two of the Roman Empires’ most famous emperors, Tiberius and Augustus, chose this island as their holiday getaway because of it’s mild climate and breathtaking landscapes. Much of Roman nobility followed the example of their emperors since the first century B.C.. For centuries, Capri has been the second home of writers like Norman Douglas, Massimo Gorkij, Jacques d’Adelsward Fersen, Curzio Malaparte, Oscar Wilde, Alexander Dumas, Hans Christian Andersen and Compton Mackenzie and also the famous Swedish doctor Axel Munthe.

THINGS NOT TO MISS:

Villa Jovis also called Tiberius’ villa. A magnificent structure, it stands on top of Monte Tiberio. From this imperial summer villa, also known as “Salto di Tiberio,” one can admire an incomparable landscape.

Palace by the Sea and Tiberius’ baths. Of great archaeological value, this palace became the favourite residence of emperor Augustus.

Certosa di St. Giacomo (Monestary of St. Giacomo). Built in 1374 according to Giacomo Arucci’ s will, who was the secretary of queen Giovanna I D’ Angiò, it represents the most well known example of Capri style art. Inside this building one can admire the overlapping of architectural styles succeeded over the centuries as a result of various restorations, which were done after the Ottoman invasions and when it became a prison. This church shows many interesting architectural aspects, such as the vaulted ceiling known to be typical medieval style, the portal with bas-reliefs, were made in 1300, and there are some seventeenth-century frescos. There are also two cloisters, one is small and preserves Roman and Byzantine capitals, the other is bigger and was built a century later. The refectory of the Certosa has in it the Museum Diefenbach with works of the German painter and some statues from Roman period which were found inside the Blue Grotto.

Chiesa di St. Costanzo. This church, built in Byzantine style, stands near Marina Grande and is dedicated to the patron saint of the island.

Chiesa di St. Michele. Located in Anacapri, this church represents a typical example of Byzantine architecture. It’s spanish tiled floor was created by Ignazio Chiaiese and represents the Garden of Eden.

Castello Barbarossa. Also located in Anacapri, it takes its name from the pirate Kair-ed-Din, who in 1534 sacked the island.

The Faraglioni. They are cliffs, detached from the island as a result of sea erosion. They represent to the world the symbol of the island of Capri. Here there is still a small colony of rare blue lizards.

The Blue Grotto. It is another important symbol of the island of Capri where visitors can appreciate the spectacular show offered by the rich variety of the colours of the seabed and of the grotto that one can access by boat through a narrow entrance.

Il Belvedere di Tragara. A splendid panoramic view including the Faraglioni.

USEFUL INFORMATION AND USEFUL NUMBERS

By sea: One can reach the port of Marina Piccola by hydrofoil or a ferry, or one may rent a boat.

Town police : tel. 0818370167

Taxi: tel. 0818376657

Post offices: via Roma 50, Capri – viale De Tommaso 8/a, Anacapri

Tourist office: Via P. Serafino Cimmino 1, tel. 0818370424 – Via Marina Grande, tel. 0818370634 – Piazza Umberto I 1, tel. 0818370686

META THE DOORWAY BETWEEN THE TWO COASTS.

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Coming from Naples jut after Vico Equense we reach Meta, for visitors a door opening on the peninsula Sorrentina and the Amalfitan coast. From this geographic characteristic would also derive, according to the most famous local historians, its name, meaning in ancient Greek “border“. The small centre still preserves the eighteenth century urban structure between the valley of Rosella and the limestone ridge of punta Scutolo.

THINGS NOT TO MISS
Scutolo Point. Along the main road to Sorrento, from the pinnacle of Scutolo Point, before arriving in the town centre, one can enjoy one of the world’s most famous panoramas, embracing in a single backdrop the whole of the Sorrentine peninsula.
Basilica. Heading down into the historic centre, we find the Basilica della Madonna del Lauro, built on the remains of a villa also containing a pagan temple most probably dedicated to Minerva.
Il Casale. Along the road that leads down to the sandy beach of Alimuri, one crosses the Casale. This rural home preserves a perfect example of 18th century architecture. Here one can admire the courtyards of the portals made of stone from Vesuvius, and wells clad in majolica, or multicoloured tiles. Spiaggia di Alimuri (Alimuri Beach).A popular story tells of a group of Saracens, captained by the pirate Alì, which came ashore onto the beach at Meta, during the second half of the 1500’s, and were heroically confronted by the people of Meta. Over the course of the battle Alì was found dying, “Alìmurì” cried out the citizens of Meta, and the location became known as Alimuri as a result. Moving on from myth to the fact that every summer hundreds of people come to the long sandy beach in attempt to find respite from the heat with a dip in the sea or the shade of an umbrella.

HERCULANEUM, MYTH AND REALITY BELOW VESUVIUS

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Located at the foot of mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum was completely destroyed by the eruption in 79 A.C, and just like Pompeii it’s main attraction is it’s archaeological sites. According to the legend the mythical Hercules founded the town and from this, comes it’s name. Historically, it’s foundation dates back to the first century when it was a Greek town. It’s name would come in fact from the Greek word, Erakeion, or in latin, Herculaneum.

THINGS NOT TO MISS

Archaeological sites: Different from Pompeii, the sites of Herculaneum weren’t buried by lapis and ash, but by huge avalanches of volcanic mud which later hardened in tufo-type rock which better preserved the furniture and the wooden structure of the buildings. Observing these details, archaeologists started their studies to find out as much as possible about the life style, tendencies and habits of people living here about 2000 years ago. Among the most important sites, there is the House of Argus, a very impressive place, although it is partly covered by a thick layer of tufo. The widest and noblest building is the Hotel which despite the actions of man, has been preserved perfectly. Next to it is the skeleton house so called for its human skeleton findings. Then there is the House of the Mosaic Atrium which was a grand villa in its day, and retains its mosaic laid atrium, corrugated by the force of the tufo, and a fresco representing Diana and Attenone . The Samnite House whose atrium is one of the most attractive in Herculaneum, with a graceful blind arcade and elegant frescoes all the way around it. Close by the House of Neptune and Anfrite, “the shop,” which holds still intact the furniture and vases containing goods such as cereals and legumes, burnt by the heat and volcanic mud. The Decumanus Massimo is the richest area, even though only a small part can be seen; from here people arrived at the forum. The House of Bicentenary, so called as it was discovered only after two centuries, is particularly important because a cross was found here, which shows evidence the presence of Christian religion since the time of the eruption. The House of Deer was another luxury villa in its day, located to the south of the town, overlooking the gulf of Naples. Close by, a covered passageway leads down to the baths with an atrium which acted as a gym of sorts, and was divided in a men a women’s section.

THE VILLAS Herculaneum has some more historical and naturalistic treasures such as the Vesuvian villas, built in 1700 along the coastline from Herculaneum to Torre del Greco, called “miglio d’oro” (mile of gold) for its beauty. Villa Campolieto was partly built by Luigi and Carlo Vanvitelli. The building was realized in 1977 by Ente Ville Vesuviane. Today it is the site for exhibitions and cultural events. Villa Favorita was the residence of King Ferdinando IV of the Bourbons. It has this name as it reminded Maria Carolina, Ferdinando’s wife, of her favourite villa, Villa of Schonbrun.

FROM SORRENTO TO HERCULANEUM

Distance: 38 Km

By car: follow the SS 145 to Naples, then the A3 in the same direction, and exit at Herculaneum.

By train: take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples and get off at Herculaneum.

INFORMATION AND USEFUL NUMBERS

Police: Phone 0817776904

Post office: Via Panoramica 298- Via Benedetto Cozzolino 56

Tourist office: Corso Resina 39, phone 0817881243

ONE, HUNDRED, THOUSAND SORRENTO

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Sweetly nestled on the tufo bedrock, the Sorrento coast is reflected in the Gulf of Naples, casting a spell on tourists and visitors who are attracted by the landscapes and sometimes emotionally breathtaking views. The ‘Land of the Sirens’ is made up of a vast expanse of land that extends from Vico Equense to Massa Lubrense and which, thanks to its geographical make up, suspended between it’s green hills and shimmering blue sea, has always been one of the great attractions of Southern Italy. With it’s nearly 12 thousand places to find a bed distributed in over 150 receptive establishments, besides hotels there are many other lodging options – from camping to bed and breakfasts, from flats for hire to hostels, and touristic villages and thirty or so Agritourism – this area is in fact among the most preferred destinations out of the entire region of Campania. Sorrento makes the perfect home base for Italian and foreign visitors planning excursions to Capri, Ischia, Pompei, Positano, Amalfi, Herculaneum, Paestum and to Vesuvius, all of which are situated conveniently no more than 50 km away. Sorrento was first a Phoenician colony , after that it became a port frequented by the Greeks for commercial activity with Naples and with others southern cities. It was named by Greeks “Syrenusion” or “Syreon” which means ‘Siren’s land’, the Sirens were the mythological creatures half woman and half fish, that Homer spoke of in his famous work, “ The Odyssey”. These creatures with their song could fascinate sailors and lure them to their deaths.
After the rule of the Oscans and Samnites it was submitted to the Romans. The Romans appreciated so much the beauties of this place that during the imperial period it was elected a holiday destination of patricians, as the numerous villas witnessed. Home to Torquato Tasso, Sorrento has always exercised a particular fascination that has attracted poets and literary men like Goethe, Lamartine , Stendhal, De Bouchard, Byron to D’Annunzio, Ibsen, Douglas, musicians like Rossini, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Wagner, painters like Pinelli, Fernet, Lindstrom, photographers like De Luca and the brothers Alinari, and directors like De Sica, Gallone and Mastronardo. Among the famous visitors of Sorrento one can list also Enrico Caruso, Giacomo Casanova, Scipione Breislak, Marion Crawford, Charles Dickens, Helman Melvill, Friedtich Nietzche and Axel Munthe. This coast town was included in the eighteenth- century among the main destinations of the ‘Great Tour’, a journey among the most significant Italian cities, that was made by the foreign intellectuals who wanted to study in depth the Italian history, art and culture.
THINGS NOT TO MISS
Basilica of Saint Antonino. Dedicated to the Patron Saint and built with a typical basilica structure, with a nave and two aisles, around the year 1000, it was then restored and rebuilt between the 18th and the 19th centuries. The structure preserves; paintings from the 1600′s, fragments of an ancient majolica tiled floor and a remarkable example of a neapolitan nativity scene made in the 1700′s, which was a tribute to the students of the Sammartino School with statues that were dressed up with clothes fashioned with precious fabrics and enriched with precious laces. In a crypt below is located Saint Antonino’ s grave. He was born in Campagna, a town near Salerno, came to Sorrento after a period in which he lived between Castellammare di Stabia and Monte Faito, and died here on 15 February, 471. Among the miracles which were attributed to him, it’s important to remember, when he saved a child who was swallowed by a whale. This fact explains the presence of two cetacean bones in the hall of the basilica. There was a deep bond between the Saint and the sea and its inhabitants, as the collection of ex votos given to the church by the sailors who escaped shipwrecks shows.
Duomo (Cathedral of Sorrento). The Cathedral of Sorrento doesn’t lack in examples of local art, famous in all of Italy, inlaid woodwork. This town’s overlooks the street Corso Italia and its adorned with furnishings realized using ancient techniques of inlaid work. It was built at the beginning of the fifteenth century with a romantic style and later it was restored several times until the restoration of 1924 when the front was entirely rebuilt. The church, in addition to the baptistery where Torquato Tasso was baptized (maybe the most famous citizen of the town), contains a great number of paintings of the Neapolitan School of the eighteenth century and is characterized also it’s grand bell tower.
Sedil Dominova. A refined monument, built around 1450 and perfectly preserved, it is the ideal place where the representatives of the local nobles met to discuss matters related to the political and administrative life of the city. The last remaining witness in all of Campania of the ancient aristocratic meeting point, is that of the Dominova with an open loggia, surmounted by arches with a square base that is closed on the two sides by two balustrades and a majolica tiled dome of the seventeenth century. Very interesting are the frescos of the seventeenth century which represent the architectural perspectives. The inner small lounge preserved the marble inscriptions that now are at the museum Correale di Terranova in Sorrento. In the area opposite Sedile Dominova once stayed a small fountain. From this fountain, the square was given it’s name, “ Schizzariello,” which means a ‘little squirt (of water)’.
Convento di San Francesco (Saint Francis’ Convent). Saint Francis’s convent is made up of three structures: the church, the convent, and the very famous cloister. The church was built in the 16th century in a Baroque style, but with a front in white marble that was built in 1926. The main wood door preserves important works representing Saint Francis with the crucifix. Another statue of the saint, in bronze, in a modern style, realized in 1922 by the sculptor Alfiero Nena, is visible in the square opposite the church. Next to the church there’s the splendid cloister of the fourteenth century that was founded in the 7th century and which today is still inhabited by Franciscan friars. The building has a rich variety of architectural styles melted together to form one work, an ideal setting for art exhibitions, festivals, concerts and events.
Marina Grande. You can reach this place through a road with large steps which goes downhill. This road starts from the end of the street “Sopra le Mura”. After a few steps you reach the gate of Marina Grande which preserves, thanks to successive restorations, the typical Greek structure which is dated around the 4th century B.C. From this gate entered the Turkish pirates who sacked Sorrento in 1558. Going beyond this gate one finds themselves behind a typical fishing village, represented by a fusion between the Moorish architecture and the local styles. From this combination arise architectural forms, bizarre and picturesque like the houses, built on the tufo Cliffside which are still inhabited. Here also one finds St. Anne’s church, the patron saint of this village, which was built at the end of the seventeenth century and successively added on to. On the beach in a shipyard under the open sky, the famous “Sorrento fishing boats” were built, a typical wooden boat with a sail, these boats were long from 6 to 12 meters, easy to handle, reliable, and unsinkable. The master skills of Sorrento artisans was so great that the fishing boats were used by fishermen in the Gulf of Naples and it’s islands. Descendents of these boats are the fishing motor boat that is built still today in Sorrento and its surrounding area.
Correale Museum. This museum was started by private means by the Alfredo and Pompeo Correale brothers, and the Counts of Terranova, the last descendants of an old and aristocratic family of Sorrento. In their will they provided the palace and their art collections, preserved in the Villa Correale, to make a museum entitled by their name. Walking along the rooms of this splendid residence you can admire precious furniture, refined European and eastern porcelains, and rare neapolitan and foreign paintings. The building is distributed on three floors, with a total of twenty four rooms and the attic which is used as an exposition space. The art collections of the Correale Museum present a wide range of Neapolitan and foreign paintings as well as decorative art from 16th to 19th centuries. It also preserves an interesting collection of European clocks, and one of the most prestigious collections of Chinese, European and Neapolitan porcelains of the 18th century. For further information, call tel.0818781846.
Museobottega della Tarsialignea (The museum/workshop of inlaid wood). Located in the old town of Sorrento, in an eighteenth century palace, the museum presents, in a room with frescoed vaults and with hand painted wallpaper on it’s ceilings, a selected and rich collection of furniture and objects made by the inlayer masters of Sorrento since the 19th century. The display highlights technical and decorative aspects of each artisan school and workshop. The adjacent display is of paintings of Italian and foreign artists, of vintage photos and prints, and allows one to reconstruct the 19th century image of the Sorrento coast, as well as the historical and environmental context in which the local production of how inlaid woodwork developed. The evolution of the manufacturing techniques, the documentation of the materials used, the study of decorative themes, and the planning details which value the design of the inlaid products offer the occasion for so many other stops. For further information, call tel.0818771942.
Capo di Sorrento (Cape of Sorrento). This location, found halfway between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense, reachable also by bus, contains the Regina Giovanna Beaches and the archaeological site of the Villa di Pollio Felice. To reach this area you have to go along a narrow street, shaded by olive and orange trees, with the walls covered by ivy, which goes down along the ramp arriving at the sea. The cliff is dedicated to the queen Giovanna Durazzo d’Angiò, who, according to legend, came to see herself into this reflective sheen of the sea. All the space behind the top of the mountain is occupied by remains of a great Roman villa, that belonged maybe to the patrician Pollio Felice, built at the time of the emperor Domiziano (81-96 A.D.), and was also sung about by the Latin poet Stazio in his poem “Silvae”. Going on, one can reach the “Solara”, an expanse of cliffs corroded by the sun, a summer destination of hundreds of sunbathers.
Marina di Puolo. This is a suggestive seaside village, which has today about 150 inhabitants, and a territory divided into Sorrento and Massa Lubrense. The story of this place is one of old fishermen coming to look deep into the shining sea, a part of the nature reserve Punta Campanella, a protected area notable for its unique environment and biodiversity. The village, located behind the large beach, has an old sighting tower which rises above to protect itself from pirates. The name “Puolo” derives from a distortion of the Latin ‘Pollius’, name of the Roman patrician Pollius Felix, owner of a majestic villa, which stood very close. The Puolo area is involved today with a recovery and protection project concerning the tourism. This project has been started and continued by an association of members from among the inhabitants of the village.

DISTANCE FROM SORRENTO TO:
Rome: 257 Km.
Naples: 48 Km.
INFORMATION AND USEFUL NUMBERS
Police: 0818074433
Taxi: 0818782204
Post Offices: Corso Italia 212 and Via Capo 108
Tourist office: Via L. De Maio 35, Tel. 08187074033

VICO EQUENSE AND THE RUSTICOS STREET

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:09:27 +0000

Along one of the beautiful and evocative areas of the Neapolitan coast, between Sorrento and Castellammare di Stabia, we find Vico Equense, on a great tufa coastline, plunged in the green and overlooking the gulf of Naples. The territory is divided in 13 fractions including a territory of nearly 30 km².

THINGS NOT TO MISS
La Chiesa dell’Annunziata. This church was built in the 14th century. It has been a Cathedral and a bishop’s seat until 1799. It represents a rare example of a Gothic church on the Sorrento peninsula.
Monte Faito. Truly a large green lung to the area, its surface area extends for 440 hectares which distributes into three towns. Faito offers the tourist the opportunity to spend some hours immersed in nature. From the mountain you can reach Castellammare di Stabia taking the cable car which offers a spectacle that the tourist shouldn’t miss.
Museo Mineralogico (Mineral museum). It was founded in 1992 by the Fondazione Discepolo and preserves nearly three thousand and five hundred kinds of minerals coming from every part of the world. There are also dinosaur fossils preserved in the Palaeolithic section founded in 1997. Call for information at 0818015668.
Museo di Arte Sacra (Holy Art museum). This museum is placed in Convento di San Vito dei Padri Minimi, and has been open since 1995. This museum contains some articles of holy art among the best preserved in Italy. Call for information at 0818798029.
L’Antiquarium equano (Archaeological Museum). This museum preserves archaeological finds, found on the occasion of many excavations in the city’s entire territory. In all, there are nearly 600 pieces, dated between the 7th and the 5th century B.C.
Castello Giusso. According to Charles II d’Angiò’ s will, it was built in the 14th century and it is the most well recognized monument of the city of Vico Equense.

EVENTS. CALENDAR OF “CHRISTMAS 2006 IN SORRENTO”.

admin — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 22:00:00 +0000

A great variety of events for locals and tourists spending their Christmas holiday in Sorrento.
The first appointment on the December 8th with the inaugural ceremony of the multimedial show “ Sirens’ songs – Sorrentine melodies at the end of ‘800s” at Villa Fiorentino-, which will be opened to public until January 31st.
On the 9th, 15th and 24th Piazza Tasso will play host to street artists and the puppet theatre of the Mercurio brothers. December 11th, at 17.00, at Tasso theatre, concert by Ladri di Carrozzelle, while on the 20th at St Francesco cloister personal exhibition by Rossella Di martino “The magic of Christmas…. embroideries and paintings”. On the 12th and 13th in the city district St. Lucia the traditional “Ceppone”, a big bonfire with tree stamps and surrounding stalls, stands and grills serving delicious sausages. On the 12th, 16th, 26th and 27th bagpipes itinerant concert, ending up in Piazza Lauro. From 12th to 7th December, piazza Lauro will host a Christmas flower market with biological products stalls. On the 16th and 17th December chocolate days with free sampling from 10.00 to 13.00 at bar Fauno in Tasso square and from 12.00 to 22.00 at the Correale palace, in cooperation with the pastry chef Paolo Magni from the Accademia Maestri Pasticceri italiani. Only on the 17th, from 16.00 to 18.00, in Tasso square “Children and chocolate”, with the possibility of a nice train journey around the town.
Guided tours to the Villa of Pollio Felice (December 16th, at 10.30 from piazza tasso) and folklore with the itinerant show “Buattell e Martelluz” (17), and on the 20th in Piazza Lauro, charity evening with “Mozzarella di Bufala Campana”. Music on the 22nd December with the concert by the local Christmas Band while from 21st December to 7th January photo exhibition at the cloister of St Francesco “Immagini del Presepe napoletano” by Antonino Fiorentino and Ernesto Gaudiello and slide projection “Immagini del Natale”. On the 23rd December in piazza Lauro charity night with “zeppole e struffoli”, typical Christmas cakes. Also theatre in the calendar of events with the comedy of Scarp Etta “Laic e’ papà” executed by the theatrical company Airone which will be performed on the 25th, at the theatre Sant’Antonino, at 19,30. On the following day, Christmas concert of Pueri et Juvenes Cantores “Don Antonio Izzo” at 19.00 in the main cathedral. The most important event will be the concert “Le Stelle di Natale” which will host on the 28th, an international star: Gloria Gaynor and the young Italian singer Anna Tatangelo. Great symphonic music on the 30th at the Grand hotel Hilton Sorrento Palace, at 21.00, with the usual appointment of new year’s concert with the “Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti” by Rotary Club Sorrento. On the same day at 20.00 in piazza Lauro, concert by the local band “Città di Sorrento” with Neapolitan music and Christmas songs.
The 2007 will be greeted with two appointments: 31st at 18.00 the traditional “Ciuccio di Fuoco” while on the night of New Years Eve, the port of Sorrento will be lit up with the popular fireworks show.

WINES: BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

admin — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 22:00:00 +0000

The best wine in the world? Bunello di Motalcino, one of the symbols representing the pride of being ‘Made in Italy’ is in fact the case, according to the American magazine Wine Spectators, considered the bible of wine ratings. The first Brunello di Montalcino at the top of the list is Tenuta Nuova 2001, signed by Casanova di Neri, considered one of the most prestigious wineries in Montalcino.
“it is a great satisfaction that fills me with joy- Giacomo Neri exclaims at an intervew with winenews.net- ‘we have worked so hard in wineyards and cellars and this prize fulfills all of our sacrifices. It is a team victory and especially a prize to the enological greatness of Montalcino’.
The top wine list of the Wine spectator, has always been one of the most awaited verdicts in the world of international enology, and in 9th place is the Italian wine La Brancaia, with supertuscan “Il Blu”, blend of Sangiovese (50%), Merlot (25%) e Cabernet Sauvignon (25%).
From this list one more Italian name stands out: the wine-making expert Carlo Ferrini, one of the most famous in the country, who is the special wine consultant of the two best Italian wineries, Casanova di Neri e La Branchia: “ I am really satisfied, it is an important result and a proud achievement for these young companies that have been working so hard in this field in recent years’.

CUISINE.CHRISTMAS CAKES IN CAMPANIA

admin — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 22:00:00 +0000

Christmas preparations in Campania are connected to the Neapolitan traditonal pastries: “roccocò”, “susamielli”, “divino amore”, “zeppole” and “struffoli”, which reminds us of the advent period, long evenings at home, and the Tombola game. Also related inevitably, is the smell of fried zeppole, the steam on the window panes, warm houses, and all the delicious smells that are connected with Christmas.
Traditionally, grandmothers say that when you prepare zeppole nobody should watch you or the small cake will explode when frying.
Typical of the sorrentine area, “zeppole”, are little, deep fried cakes made with flour , water, milk and aniseed, dipped in a honey mixture and topped with diavulilli( coloured candy bits) and candied orange. This cake has a very old tradition, among one of the many Neapolitan jobs, where in the past there used to be a “zeppolara” who fried thedoughnuts in the street using pork or other animal fat and served the small doughnuts with a honey topping.
Struffoli are also taditional christmas cakes, they are fried pastry balls covered with honey and diavulilli.The origin of this cake is Greek: the name “struffolo” is derived from Struggolos rounddish, with in fact indicates the shape in which they are prepared. Even this tradition is really old in the history of Neapolotan pastry, unforgettable are the confections made by nuns in the convents of Croce di Lucca and S. Maria dello Splendore.
Mustacciuli is formed into a diamond shape and then covered with chocolate icing, their name is linked to the old peasant recipe which used wine must to make them sweeter.
The “S” shaped susamielli are prepared with honey and following old traditions they are different types: noble susamielli which were made with white flour and offered only to respectable people, and the susamiello for pipers, were made with flour and leftovers from the kitchen which were offered to the servants and pipers, and finally the susamiello for the eilte which was only given to the clergy. Slightly different from susamielli are “sapienza” that owe their name to the convent of S.mary of Sapienza, where nuns made them.
To complete the list of the traditional cakes we cannot forget the divinatore, a soft cake covered with pink icing taking their name from the closed convent community, and “roccocò” , which are crunchy gingerbread biscuits, similar to the French rocaille for its baroque and shelled shape