Campania
Discovering Salerno: 10 places to see in the city
A journey of discovery in Salerno: here are 10 places to see in the city.
By Redazione | 03/01/2025 21:57
Gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Salerno is a city that harmoniously blends history, culture and natural beauty. Despite its proximity to world-famous places such as Amalfi and Positano and all the resorts on the Amalfi Coast, Salerno retains a unique charm: it is a city that tells millennia-old stories and knows how to surprise in every corner. To walk around Salerno is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere that mixes art, culture and natural beauty, unhurriedly, as if time here were suspended between the glorious past and the present vibrant with life. One of the keys to understanding the essence of Salerno is undoubtedly its history linked to the Salerno Medical School, which over the centuries has been a beacon of knowledge, not only for the city, but for the whole of Europe. Founded around the 9th century, the Salerno Medical School was the most important medical training institution of the Middle Ages, contributing significantly to the evolution of Western medicine. Its fame extended far beyond Italian borders, attracting scholars and physicians from all over the world. The Medical School left an indelible imprint on Salerno's culture, and even today, among the city's alleys and museums, one can breathe the legacy of the knowledge that once influenced European medicine.
Salerno is a city that welcomes with its hidden treasures and landscapes, but there is no shortage of places of great historical and artistic interest: from the Pinacoteca Provinciale that holds precious works, to churches that narrate centuries of faith and art, to gardens and parks that offer corners of serenity. Salerno is also a city that knows how to unite the old and the new (important, in particular, is the Luci d'Artista event that enlivens the Christmas season with works by important Italian and international artists), with its lively center, full of stores, cafes and clubs that welcome tourists and residents with the same warm hospitality. Walking through its streets, the visitor is called to discover every corner with curiosity. The city does not offer itself all at once, but reveals itself little by little, between a Romanesque church, a historic palace and a breathtaking view of the gulf. But that's not all: Salerno's cultural heritage is also a continuous dialogue between the past and the future, a city that has been able to renew itself while maintaining firm ties with its history. Here then are ten must-see places that every visitor to Salerno should not miss.
1. Salerno Cathedral
St. Matthew's Cathedral is the city's main place of worship. Consecrated in 1084, the cathedral is a splendid example of Norman and Romanesque architecture, with Byzantine influences reflected in its elegant lines and decorative richness. The facade is framed by a bronze portal depicting religious scenes, while the interior holds wonderful mosaics (redone, however, in 1954) and frescoes, as well as the splendid ambo d'Aiello, a Cosmatesque masterpiece. The cathedral's crypt is another place of great spiritual value, as it houses the relics of St. Matthew, the patron saint of Salerno. The cathedral is also famous for the beauty of the cloister, where visitors can stroll among columns and arches in an atmosphere of quiet and serenity. The building has undergone several changes over the centuries, but it has kept its majesty and significance for the city intact.
2. Trieste Promenade
The Trieste Promenade is one of the most popular places in Salerno. This long avenue that skirts the coast stretches for several kilometers, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Salerno. With its palm trees and well-kept gardens, the promenade is a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, a bike ride, or a stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way. The atmosphere is especially atmospheric at sunset, when the sky is tinged with warm hues and the sea reflects golden light. During the holiday season, the promenade is transformed into a magical atmosphere, with illuminations, the Luci d'Artista and markets creating a festive atmosphere. The Trieste waterfront is also a great starting point for exploring other parts of the city, such as the historic center, but also for enjoying relaxation by the sea, away from the hustle and bustle.
3. Arechi Castle
Arechi Castle, one of Salerno's main historical attractions, stands majestically on a hill overlooking the city and its gulf, 300 meters above the sea. The fortress, built in the 8th century by the Lombards at the behest of their king Arechi (hence the name), was expanded and renovated over the centuries, especially during the Norman and Swabian periods. Today the castle offers spectacular views of Salerno, the sea and the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal place to take photographs. Inside, the castle houses the Castle Museum, which enriches the visit by telling the story of the city through various artifacts and findings. Inside, visitors can explore ancient walls, towers and courtyards that tell centuries of history. The atmosphere inside the Arechi Castle is charged with history, making it a must-see place for those visiting Salerno.
4. Minerva's Garden
In the heart of Salerno, the Minerva Garden is a little piece of paradise that is well worth a visit. Founded in the 14th century as a botanical garden for the study of medicinal plants, the garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. Here visitors can admire a wide variety of plants, including medicinal herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants that were once used to prepare natural remedies. The garden is spread over several terraces, which offer enchanting views of the city and the sea. Every corner of the garden is landscaped to the finest detail, with plants arranged according to ancient cultivation systems. Walking among its plants, one breathes an atmosphere of tranquility and study, perfect for a relaxing break. Minerva's Garden is also a great place to discover Salerno's botanical tradition and to take a walk in the midst of nature and history.
5. Provincial Archaeological Museum
The Salerno Provincial Archaeological Museum, established in 1927, is an essential stop for those wishing to learn more about the history of the city and the region. Located in a historic building in the city center, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that tell the thousand-year history of Salerno and its surroundings. Prominent among its collections are Roman and Lombard artifacts, including splendid mosaics, sculptures, and ceramics. Special attention is paid to Villanovan artifacts from nearby Pontecagnano. The museum is divided into several thematic sections, each of which explores a specific historical period, from prehistoric to medieval times. A visit to the museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Salerno, combining art, archaeology and tradition.
6. Salerno Art Gallery
The Salerno Art Gallery is another must-see for art lovers. Located in an elegant building in the historic center, Palazzo Pinto, and opened in 2001, the art gallery houses a vast collection of artworks ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to the 19th century. Among the most important works in the collection are local paintings from the Renaissance (such as Andrea Sabatini and the Master of the Coronation of Eboli), those from the 17th century (such as Battistello Caracciolo and Carlo Rosa), which tell the story of the city and the region. The picture gallery is divided into several sections, each of which explores a specific period. Particularly rich is the section devoted to the artists who visited the Amalfi Coast at the time of the Grand Tour. A visit to the Pinacoteca is an opportunity to discover the artistic and cultural side of Salerno, and to appreciate the heritage the city has accumulated over the centuries.
7. Church of the Holy Family
The Church of the Holy Family is one of the newest and most fascinating religious buildings in Salerno. Located in the modern part of the city, in the Fratte district, the church was designed in reinforced concrete to a design by Paolo Portoghesi, and returns an image of simplicity and elegance as well as spirituality (the plan is inspired by the figure of the circle). The project, which combines tradition and innovation. Inside, the focus is on the natural light that enters through the large windows, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The church is also an important center for the local community, and is an excellent example of how the city of Salerno manages to combine modernity and spirituality.
8. Salerno's Municipal Villa
The Villa Comunale is one of the most beautiful and well-kept parks in Salerno. Located near the waterfront, this park, designed in 1870, is the ideal place for a relaxing walk surrounded by greenery. The villa features a series of tree-lined paths, fountains, and flower beds that create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. It is the perfect place to take a break, perhaps sitting on a bench to admire the surrounding landscape. The Villa Comunale is also a venue for cultural events, outdoor concerts and theater performances, making it a focal point for the city's social life. Also located here is the Tullio Fountain, a monument of the Neoclassical period (dating from 1790) formerly located at the city's western gate, which has now disappeared.
9. Church of San Giorgio
The Church of San Giorgio is famous for being perhaps the most beautiful Baroque church in Salerno. Located in the historic center, the church was built in the 9th century on the remains of a pagan building. It was, however, heavily remodeled over the centuries: inside you can admire valuable works of art, starting with the splendid Baroque decorations added with the remodels designed by Ferdinando Sanfelice. Main masterpiece are the Stories of Saints Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna painted by Francesco Solimena (they were commissioned to him around 1675, and were finished around 1680). The church is a place of great historical and spiritual importance for the city, and is one of the focal points of Salerno's religious life. Its charm lies not only in the works of art it preserves, but also in its thousand-year history, which is reflected in the atmosphere of peace and serenity inside.
10. Church of Santa Maria de Lama
The church of Santa Maria de Lama is one of the most striking places in Salerno. Located in the heart of the historic center, the church was built in the 10th century, during the Lombard era, and has undergone numerous remodeling over the centuries. However, it has managed to retain its ancient paintings, so much so that the Lombard-era frescoes that can be admired inside are among the best testimonies of the period to be found in the city. A large part of the frescoes and mosaics was lost with the Baroque renovations, but what remains is of very considerable value. Moreover, the church was restored in the 1990s.
