Church and Cloister of Saint Francis

Overview

Beside the Villa Comunale terrace park, you'll find one of Sorrento's oldest and most picturesque religious monuments. The Chiostro di San Francesco mostly dates from Franciscan construction in the 14th century, bar some seventh-century monastery ruins. But it also comprises architectural additions and decorative flourishes from the centuries that followed. This makes it a charming little mix of Sorrento's religious architecture throughout history, including some Arabesque features.

The courtyard is delightfully romantic in appearance, bedecked with tumbling vines over the delicately carved columns, the bell tower shining above and a characterful tree in the centre that has been a feature of many wedding photos. In the summer months, the cloisters also play host to musical and cultural events.

Image: Balate Dorin