Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo

The Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, known simply as the Duomo of Sorrento, stands on Corso Italia in the heart of the old town in Italy's Campania region. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia and is dedicated to the apostles Philip and James. The church has medieval foundations, and like many southern Italian cathedrals it was altered repeatedly, so the building today shows several layers of work rather than a single style. The facade is a later addition, and the interior was reworked in subsequent centuries. A visit often begins with the carved wooden choir stalls, which belong to Sorrento's long tradition of woodworking and inlay, the same craft celebrated at the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea. Inlaid panels and carved detail illustrate how local artisans contributed to the furnishing of the cathedral. The bell tower and the details of the portal also reflect the medieval origins and later modifications. The cathedral works as a living parish and diocesan church rather than as a museum: services take place regularly, and there is no formal curated route or audio guide. Restoration campaigns have been carried out over time to repair structural and decorative elements, and the building remains in active use for major local ceremonies, including Holy Week events and weddings. Admission is free, though visitors are expected to dress modestly and keep quiet during services. The location makes it easy to combine with other historic sights, since the Duomo is a short walk from Piazza Sant'Antonino, the Sedil Dominova and the Museo Correale. Inside, visitors can look at side chapels, paintings and the episcopal throne, and the cool, dim interior offers a welcome break from the sun on summer days. For readers interested in the religious history of the Sorrentine peninsula and the way local craft shaped its churches, the Duomo is a compact and rewarding stop that takes less than an hour even with a careful look at the choir stalls and chapels.