Tasso Square, the beating heart of Sorrento

About this activity

Main square of Sorrento is the central Badger Square. At one time this space was called Largo del Castello. In fact, where the statue of St. Antoninus rests today, stood the Castle of Ferdinand of Aragon, demolished in 1843. Numerous urban transformations took place in the area during the 19th century, giving the beautiful square its present appearance. Surrounded by important historical and religious buildings such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine and the museum of Palazzo Correale, it sees rising in the center the statue of Torquato Tasso.

Why visit Piazza Tasso in Sorrento

Tasso Square, with its open and airy space, is the perfect stop for those strolling through the streets of the historic center of Sorrento. In addition to the cultural and historical sites of tourist interest that surround the square, in fact, the large area includes numerous bars where you can enjoy an excellent coffee or have a tantalizing aperitif. Located at the end of Corso Italia, it represents the culmination of the walk on the important street and a pleasant stop before continuing on to the other wonders of the city.

The most beautiful square in Sorrento sees the imposing Baroque-style Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine rise on one side, preceded by its delightful portico. On the other side, however, is the historic Palazzo Correale building, now used as a museum. The palace was renovated in 1768 and now features a beautiful majolica-tiled courtyard. From its panoramic terrace one can admire a wonderful view that from the square at its foot sweeps down to the sea, dominating even the beautiful Marina Piccola.

Two statues dominate the square: on one side is the statue Of the patron saint of Sorrento namely Abbot St. Antoninus while in the center stands that of Torquato Tasso, the great poet whose name the square bears.

Torquato Tasso: pride of Sorrento

Poet, writer, philosopher and playwright, Torquato Tasso is the author of the important work "Jerusalem Delivered," a heroic poem recounting the events of the First Crusade. The story recounts the long clashes between Muslims and Christians and the victory of the latter who conquered the Holy City. The work had such resonance that it was later translated into many languages. The poet represents the pride of the city and people of Sorrento since he was born in Sorrento itself in 1544.

Of the beauty of his "sweet homeland" he preserves the memory by singing:

"... the pleasures of Campagna amene, / pompa maggior de la natura, e i colli / che vagheggia il Tirren fertile e molli."

The most important things to know about Badger Square

Coming from Corso Italia, a completely pedestrian area, care must be taken when crossing Piazza Tasso. In fact, the square is only partially pedestrianized, as public and private vehicles are still allowed to pass through.

History of Tasso Square: the ancient largo of Castello

Originally, Tasso Square constituted an open space where the Aragonese Castle stood that Ferdinand of Aragon had erected in the 15th century. For this reason it was called precisely Largo del Castle.

The square then represented the limit of the fortified city of Naples, and here was therefore the door of the city itself. This one, called Porta Piano or Porta Maggiore was the entrance to the ancient viceregal walls and was surmounted by the statue of St. Antoninus.

When the uprisings associated with the Neapolitan Revolution of 1799 began, the castle was severely damaged and then finally demolished in 1840.

Then it was decided to tear down the city wall and gate as well, while the statue of the patron saint was placed on a pedestal.

The area where Piazza Tasso stands today, then, was one of the many valleys that descended from the hills of Sorrento to the sea. Sorrento, in fact, since the time of the ancient Romans, was crossed by numerous valleys joined together in addition to the so-called Valley of the Mills, which owed its name to the presence of mills built during the 17th century and the remains of one of which can still be visited today with the old carpentry shop attached.

In 1860 it was decided to begin filling in the Vallone del Mulino to provide space for the area that would house the statue of one of Sorrento's most distinguished sons: Torquato Tasso. In fact, it was to him that the "new square," now known as Tasso Square, was dedicated.