Sorrento had a defence system in place even before the 16th century. In fact, the first walls date back to the 4th century BC, pre-Roman times, and were used by the Greeks and Romans.
In the year 420 BC, during a period when Greek influence was on the decline in the ancient settlement known as Sureo, later to be recognized as Sorrento, the region faced an incursion by the Samnites in the southern territory. However, Sureo enjoyed a measure of protection owing to its formidable Greek fortifications, which effectively halted the Samnite advance at Naples.
Over the centuries, the enduring fortifications of Sorrento have steadfastly shielded the town. Presently, these walls serve as a historical relic of defensive architecture, reflecting an era long past. Remarkably, they have been maintained in a state of preservation and are in superior condition compared to their earlier states.
Parsano Bastion
The Parsano bastion is one of the few surviving sections of Sorrento’s ancient walls.
Built in the 4th century BC, the Parsano bastion is the result of a superimposition of different architectural styles, reflecting the alternating Greek and Roman domination of the city. Over the centuries, the bastion’s solid walls have remained intact, allowing it to be used for defensive purposes, even in the sixteenth century, to repel the Saracen invasion.
Before entering the bastion, stop and look through the imposing metal gate at the entrance. You’ll see fragments of the original Greek wall and remnants of Roman rule. These ruins are the last remaining sections of the original structure, discovered in 1921.
Follow the ancient corridor of the bastion to get a closer look at its solid tufa walls, while from the highest point of the fortress you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Sorrento. At nightfall, the fortress has an unrivalled charm, thanks to a special play of light that enhances the arches, walls and staircases.
Ancient walls
The ancient walls of Sorrento (antiche mura in Italian) were built in the 16th century to defend the town against Saracen invasions.
The ancient walls of Sorrento (antiche mura in Italian) were built in the 16th century to defend the town against Saracen invasions.
These remains are a must-see for all lovers of history and archaeological sites. To reach the entrance to these walls, from the main Piazza Tasso, you need to go through Corso Italia, then turn left onto Via Sersale and here you will find the amazing Bastion arch of Parsano, which is the entrance to the ramparts.
Beneath certain sections of these ancient walls, there was certainly a much older wall, probably dating back to Greco-Roman times. This is evident both in the vicinity of the gate that isolated Marina Grande from the rest of the city and in the excavations visible at the Parsano gate, at the top of Via Sersale. It is precisely in this latter area that we can see other details that characterise the more modern fortifications, such as the installation of gunboats to prevent attacks on the gates themselves, inspired by typically Spanish models.
Along the same area, near the Ibsen Park, you can also admire the particular defence system used to make Sorrento inaccessible. Here, in fact, the ancient walls are built into the steep tufa ridge that shelters the famous Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) inside an enchanting and suggestive gorge where, as well as admiring some remains of ancient buildings, you can also admire some rare forms of vegetation.