This is a historic triptych set in a tuff wall known in Peninsula
as a conventual complex of San Francesco d'Assisi. The elements which
characterize the triptych are the Church, the Monastery and the Cloister.
The Church dates back to the 14th century and is a triumph of baroque style
with rich stucco decorations. It contains numerous treasures, like a majestic
wooden main door of the 1500's, two frescoes portraying Sant'Antonio of Padova
and San Giacomo and a splendid wooden statue of San Francesco with Christ
Crucified. In 1992, on the outside of the Church, a bronze statue representing
San Francesco was placed, created by the sculptor Alfiero Nena.
The Monastery is nearby the church, founded in the 7th century, given to the
Franciscan monks in the 14th century. The Cloister is a perfect fusion of
different architectural styles. On two sides of the porch are crossed tuff arches,
stylistic expression of the late 14th Century. On the other two sides are
impressive round arches on octagonal pillars. One will notice the presence of
spoils from pagan temples, skillfully integrated architecturally and used as
corner pillars. During the summer, the Cloister is the venue for arts
exhibitions and music concerts.
Correale di Terranova Museum
In this fascinating museum one can find paintings by 17th and 18th century
Neapolitan artists, inlaid furniture, Capodimonte majolica and porcelain ware,
lacework. There is also an assortment of Greek and Roman artifacts. The palazzo
where the museum is located has an outstanding view of the nearby Gulf
of Naples.
The twenty room museum is more like a town house or villa than a typical
museum with miles and miles of corridors. The archeological section with Greek
and Roman artifacts found on Sorrentine territory as well as remains from the
antique Cathedral of St. Renato is on the ground floor. On the same floor is a
room dedicated to Tasso which holds his precious works along with the poets
funeral mask.
On the two upper floors are precious pieces of 1700s furniture in Neapolitan
and Sicilian style porcelain by Doccia and Giustiniani, as well as Venetian
glass and statuettes from 1750 by the Royal Capodimonte manufacture. The walls
hold works by major painters from the Neapolitan
School of the 1600s and 1700s like
Luca Giordano, Salvator Rosa, Giacomo Del Po, De Mura, and il Vaccaro. There
are also works by the most famous names from the School
of Posillipo such as Duclere,
Pitloo and Giacinto Gigante who, with their water-colors alone, deserve a visit
to the museum as these are considered their finest works. Not to be missed is
the room dedicated to the old masters of Sorrentine marquetry like Damora and
Gargiulo