Sorrento’s architectural gem
The oldest surviving example of Greek architecture in Sorrento is Porta Marina Grande, usually known as the Greek Gate, which has hardly changed since it was built there by the Greeks when they ruled Sorrento in the fourth century BC.
Sorrento's Greek Gate, built in the fourth century BC, is also known as Porta Marina Grande |
The Greek Gate was incorporated into the 16th century walls built to
protect Sorrento from pirates but, sadly, it was the way by which Turkish pirates entered the city on 13 June 1558 when, according to legend, the gate was opened to
them by a slave working for the Correale family.
The gate was built in regular rows of blocks of stones and has two
archways. You enter through the first and exit through the second archway to
walk down the steps into Marina Grande.
The gate blends perfectly with the walls on either side of it and the
traditional fishermen’s houses. When you emerge from the passageway into the
sunshine you will have a stunning view of the sea and the beach of Marina
Grande
The passage through the walls at the Greek Gate opens on to a view of fishing boats bobbing on the sea |
Marina Grande - the 'big' marina - has the feel of a small fishing village that has remained
unspoilt over the years and is well worth a visit as there are plenty of
restaurants that serve fresh fish.
When you reach the beach you will be greeted by the sight of brightly
painted bathing huts along a platform over the sea and lines of small fishing
boats and pleasure boats on the beach.
You may even see fishermen among them mending their nets as fishing by
traditional methods is still an important part of Sorrento ’s economy.
There are also a few shops, bars and restaurants at Marina Grande but,
despite receiving many visitors, there is a homely atmosphere where everyone
knows everyone else because the same families have lived there for generations.
Home
Home
One of the first things I looked for during our visit to Sorrento. It is unique in that something from antiquity is still in use today and yet is relatively unknown to most tourists. So many feet from a bygone age have used this path to ascend into the city that it is indeed a historic site. I enjoyed it so much that I posted it on Google Maps.
ReplyDelete