Salerno

Salerno is a historic coastal city in the Campania region of southwestern Italy, situated on the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is an ancient city with a rich and complex past, and today it serves as a major commercial port and is often considered a great, less-touristy base for exploring the famous nearby Amalfi Coast.

Here is a summary of its key aspects:

1. Historical Significance

• Schola Medica Salernitana: Salerno is most famous for being home to the Salerno School of Medicine, considered the most ancient medical institution in the European West, flourishing in the 11th and 12th centuries.
• Lombard Principality: In the early Middle Ages, it was the capital of an independent Lombard principality, the Principality of Salerno.
• Norman Conquest: It was conquered by the Norman Robert Guiscard in 1076 and became his splendid capital.
• World War II: The Salerno coast was the site of Allied landings (Operation Avalanche) in September 1943. The city also served as the provisional capital of the Kingdom of the South for six months after Italy negotiated a peace with the Allies.

2. Top Attractions

• Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno): A Norman-Romanesque masterpiece consecrated in 1084, dedicated to Saint Matthew. The true marvel is its ornate Baroque crypt, which is said to house the relics of the apostle Saint Matthew, the city’s patron saint.
• Castello di Arechi (Arechi Castle): A medieval fortress perched on a hill 300 meters above the city, offering panoramic views of the entire Gulf of Salerno.
• Minerva’s Garden (Giardino della Minerva): Considered one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, dating back to the 14th century, where medicinal plants were cultivated for the use of the Salerno Medical School. It features beautiful terraced levels and scenic views.
• Lungomare Trieste (Seafront Promenade): A picturesque, tree-lined promenade that is a favorite spot for locals to stroll, offering beautiful views of the sea and the Gulf.
• Historic Center (Centro Storico): Features narrow, medieval streets, historic buildings, and the ancient Via dei Mercanti (Merchants’ Street), which is now a major shopping street.
• Medieval Aqueduct: Nicknamed “Devil’s Bridges,” this 9th-century structure once supplied water to local monasteries.

3. Gateway to the Amalfi Coast

Salerno is an excellent and often more affordable starting point for visiting other popular destinations in the region:

• Amalfi Coast: Frequent ferry and bus connections make it easy to reach towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Vietri sul Mare.
• Paestum: The impressive ancient Greek temples of Paestum are a short trip away.
• Capri, Pompeii, and Naples: The city’s main train station and port offer convenient travel to these and other major sites.