Piazza Sant'Antonino: Sorrento's Lively Heart

Piazza Sant'Antonino, nestled in the heart of Sorrento, serves as a focal point where the city's history, culture, and daily life converge. Named in honor of Saint Antonino Abate, the patron saint of Sorrento, the square provides a tranquil respite from the bustling city streets. The square is home to the Basilica di Sant'Antonino, dating back to the 11th century and is the oldest church in Sorrento. Inside, visitors can admire a collection of artworks, including a painting depicting the 1648 siege of Sorrento. The crypt beneath the basilica houses the tomb of St. Antonino and relics of other saints. On the opposite side of the square stands the Conservatorio Scuola Santa Maria delle Grazie, a 16th-century building that is part of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church complex, featuring religious art, statues, and a majolica floor. Around the piazza, visitors can find restaurants and shops. A statue of Saint Antonino Abate stands in the center, commemorating his acts of heroism and kindness towards the city's people. He is credited with saving a child swallowed by a whale and protecting Sorrento from plague and invasion. Each year, on the anniversary of his death (February 14th), a silver statue of Sant'Antonino is carried in a procession through Sorrento, accompanied by lights, fireworks, and musical events.