You will see Seniors laughing & playing card games at antique tables – but raise your eyes just a little above their heads you will see the most amazing fresco painted on the domed roof at the heart of which is the coast of arms of the town of Sorrento – the 5 diamonds. You are looking at the “Sedil Dominova”- this is the last of the aristocratic family seats left in the region of Campania.
The Sedil Dominova of Sorrento
A monument of unquestionable beauty – this is the very last of the sort in Campania. It is truly one of the best symbols of Sorrento – located in the heart of the historic old town in Via San Cesareo.
Recognised by it’s ancient dome & by it’s fresco covered walls – painted in the eighteenth century, by an artist believed to have been a student that was studying at the famous “Carlo Amalfi” school. The rest of the building has been constructed in the grey stone that is native to the Sorrentine Peninsula, which works as the perfect backdrop to the warm colours in the fresco. On the floor you will see the “riggiole” in yellow and green – this is a tile that is very typical of this area.
How much does it cost to visit Sedil Dominova?
There is no entrance fee to access Sedil Dominova.
Curiosity of Sedil Dominova. There is no charge to go in to visit the Sedil Dominova
A little local knowledge – if you look up to the inside right hand side of the dome, you will find another
version of the coat of arms – this time showing 6 diamonds instead of the usual 5.
During the Christmas celebrations a stunning Nativity scene is set up – based on the styles used in the 18 th
century.
Lo Schizzariello
Sitting directly on front of the Sedil Dominova is a small square – locally referred to as the “Largo
Schizzariello” (or even more commonly “miezz’ o schiezzariello” – meaning “in the middle of this area”) this
gets its name as originally there was a public water fountain located in this space – and you would find all
the woman here carrying their terracotta urns, waiting to collect the water. A little later the fountain was
moved slightly further along the road of Via San Cesareo – where you can still find it to this day.
