Sedile di Porta (Gate Door Seat), Sorrento

The Sedile di Porta, also known as the Gate Door Seat, in Sorrento, represents the rich history of the town, blending centuries of tradition, governance, and architecture. Situated at the center of Tasso Square (Piazza Tasso) and San Cesario Street, it symbolizes Sorrento's seamless integration of past and present.

Originally, during medieval times, the Gate Door Seat served as an important meeting point for the town's noble citizens, being close to Sorrento's main gate, the "Porta." It hosted noble assemblies and played a significant role in local governance. Its emblem, showing a door with three keys on a gold background, represents its historical function as a meeting place for the nobility.

In the 16th century, the Gate Door Seat was a focal point of Sorrento's political life, as evidenced by a plaque in the Tasso Square, highlighting the gatherings of noble families and their influence on town affairs. However, over time, its function changed. After violent disputes in 1319, some families left to establish a new assembly seat, leading to the creation of Dominova along San Cesario Street.

Despite undergoing restorations in the 17th and 18th centuries funded by nobles, the Gate Door Seat saw significant transformations. With the cessation of noble seats in 1800, it became a prison, then a guard post, and later a private club, the Circolo Sorrentino, adding to its historical significance.

Today, the original appearance of the Gate Door Seat has changed, with only a round arch supported by piperno columns along Via San Cesareo remaining recognizable. However, architectural details such as a clock from 1882 on the facade facing Tasso Square and a preserved painting in the church of the Servi di Maria offer glimpses into its past, allowing visitors to connect with Sorrento's heritage.