The historic centre of Sorrento is of Greek origin and was surrounded by an area that included the 16th Century walls which are in part still visible today. Of this enclosure is the walling under the road level of Porta Parsano near to the original placing of the door itself. Another part can be found beyond the door of Marina Grande. During the Middle Ages the walls acted as a defence; they were rebuilt in 1562 after the city was invaded by the Turks.
