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Temples

Cathedral of Saints Philip & James

4.6 · 2,998 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Cathedral of Saints Philip & James, Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 44, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The cathedral houses a collection of 18th-century paintings by Giacomo del Po, a prominent artist of the Neapolitan Baroque period.

2

The bell tower displays a clock adorned with traditional local majolica ceramics, a distinct design feature of the Sorrento peninsula.

3

The interior choir stalls feature intricate intarsia (wood inlay) work, showcasing Sorrento's historical expertise in woodworking.

4

The current structure is built over foundations that date back to the 11th century, with subsequent rebuilds in the 15th and early 20th centuries.

5

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Philip and Saint James, the patron saints of Sorrento.

Overview

The Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, also known as the Sorrento Cathedral, stands as the primary Roman Catholic place of worship in Sorrento. Its current facade is a neo-Gothic reconstruction dating to the early 20th century, contrasting with the interior's Baroque layout. The interior houses significant 18th-century paintings by Neapolitan school artists, including works by Giacomo del Po. The wooden choir stalls are notable examples of Sorrento's traditional marquetry craftsmanship. The marble altar and the pulpit date back to the 16th century. A detached campanile features a clock with majolica tiles typical of the region. The structure sits on the site of an ancient temple, with origins tracing back to the 11th century. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia.

Photo spot

From the center of the Piazza Duomo to capture both the neo-Gothic facade and the campanile in one frame.

Insider tips

Look closely at the wooden choir stalls to observe the high level of detail in the marquetry.

Observe the exterior clock tower from across the square to better see the majolica tile patterns.

Visit during the early morning to experience the interior architecture without the heavy foot traffic of mid-day tours.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during active religious masses, as tourists are generally prohibited from walking around the nave during services.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Silence is expected inside.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, when the cathedral is generally quiet and less crowded with tour groups.
Address
Cathedral of Saints Philip & James, Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 44, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
40.625, 14.373
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleNeo-Gothic facade with a Baroque interior
Key feature18th-century Neapolitan paintings and marquetry choir stalls

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, when the cathedral is generally quiet and less crowded with tour groups..

From the center of the Piazza Duomo to capture both the neo-Gothic facade and the campanile in one frame.

Close by you'll find Villa Comunale di Sorrento, Parco di Villa Fiorentino, Bagni Regina Giovanna.