Do you know the history of the village of Purgatory of Meta?

published on 21/10/2023

Meta - Let's discover together the history of Borgo del Purgatorio.

One of the many coves of the Sorrento Peninsula, rich in history and legends.

Before 1800, travel between Castellammare and the Peninsula took place only by sea. There was no village in the area without its fishing village.

In Meta, between the tuffaceous ridge and the sea, there was a village of special charm: the Borgo del Purgatorio.

A small fishing village dating back to 1650. It was here that some of the most solid and appreciated sailing ships in the Mediterranean were built. 

In the hamlet there was also a small church, dedicated to Santa Maria del Suffragio, "the Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Purgatory", better known as the "Church of Purgatory". 

From today's Giosuè a Mare Hotel it is still possible to admire the ruins, among which you can see the ancient oven used by fishermen to bake the "gallette": a salt-free rusk bread, which sailors used to eat during the crossings, soaking it in sea water so as to make it easier to eat.