Chiesa di Sant'Antonino (Church of Saint Antonino), Sorrento (must see)

Leaving Tasso Square, walk along De Maio Street. Shortly, you will arrive at Saint Antonino Square. The Church of Saint Antonino will be on the right. Saint Antonino is the patron saint of Sorrento. He came to Sorrento in the 6th century, seeking refuge from the Lombard invasions of Italy.

One day a whale came up to the beach at Sorrento and swallowed a boy. Antonino got the boy out, safe and sound. Saint Antonino is credited with this and other miracles. He is the patron saint of shipwrecked seafarers. At the entrance to the church is a set of whale bones to memorialize the miracle of the boy meeting the whale.

The Church of Saint Antonino, constructed in the 11th century, stands over a 7th-century oratory built to cover the bones of Saint Antonino. The grey tuff facade features a Romanesque architectural style dating from the 18th century. Three naves were divided by twelve Corinthian-style columns salvaged from ancient Greek and Roman buildings.

At the time of his death, the story goes, Saint Antonino said he did not wish to be buried within or without the city. So, he was put to rest between the walls. In the crypt is a life-like statue of the saint. On one wall are paintings of ships at sea. On another wall are silver talismans of believers saved by Saint Antonino's grace.