Church of the Santissima Annunziata

The co-cathedral of Castellammare was built in 1587 but was only consecrated in 1893. An earlier cathedral suffered considerable damage in the earthquake of 1436, hence the decision to build a new one in the 16th century. The building was only partially opened for worship in 1643, when some of the chapels were granted to several noble families of the city. Between 1875 and 1893, by order of Bishop Petagna, the church was completely modified: it took the shape of a Latin cross.

The present Sorrento Cathedral was completed around the 11th century and consecrated on March 16, 1113, to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles Philip and James. Over the years it has undergone considerable extensions, such as those commissioned by Bishop Domizio Falangola in 1450 and by Cardinal Francesco Remolines in 1505. After the invasion of the Turks in 1558, it was completely rebuilt in 1573, on the orders of Bishop Giulio Pavese, and took on its present Baroque appearance following work carried out in the early 18th century by Bishops Didaco Petra and Filippo Anastasio. The façade was completely rebuilt in 1924, in neo-gothic style, following a violent whirlwind that damaged the entire structure. In 1936 all the paintings inside the church were restored.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was founded in the 10th century and is linked to the Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna with Child, which is said to have arrived in Positano in the 12th century thanks to some Benedictine monks. The church was renovated between 1777 and 1782 and is divided into three naves with five arches and several side chapels. A few steps away from the church stands the bell tower, built in 1707.