Salerno is a large Italian city with beaches, attractions and national flavor.

Salerno Italy is a small port town on the coast Tyrrhenian Sea, a large and very famous pearl of the Amalfi Coast in sunny Italy. It is famous for its medieval streets and churches, beautiful parks, ancient aqueducts and white sandy beaches. The city has a holiday for every taste, because Salerno seems to be more alive, unlike its neighbor - the city of Positano. Hot life is in full swing here, the streets of the town are always noisy and crowded.

Salerno attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists with its beach holidays, hot climate, and attractions. Here you can live in classical Italy, unlike resorts specialized in service. By its nature, the city is very similar to another Tyrrhenian resort-Terracina. Both cities are near big city Naples, sets interesting places and small resort villages.

How to get to Salerno:

From Naples

You can get from Naples by train, bus and taxi. Train tickets can be purchased in advance on the Trenitalia website. Travel time is about 50 minutes. To date, the cost of tickets from Naples to Salerno: 4.30 euros*. Bus tickets are sold at the box office located on the territory of the bus stops. The bus ticket to Salerno can also be bought on the trenitalia website.

On a note. When buying a train ticket on the Napoli-Salerno route, a bus ticket will also be offered. The bus journey from Naples to Salerno takes 45 minutes, the ticket price is 4.30 euros*.

From Rome

By train to Salerno 2 hours 4 minutes. Tickets cost 23€* - 42€*. First you need to sit at Roma Termini station. Then change at Napoli Centrale station. The final station is the Salerno stop. By bus, travel time is 4 hours 22 minutes. The ticket price is approximately 12€* - 20€*.

Weather in Salerno:

The climate in Salerno is warm and temperate. During the winter months, the weather in Salerno is much rainier than during the summer months. This climate is considered Csa according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The temperature here averages +16 °C. The average annual rainfall is 913 mm. During a year average temperature ranges from +14.7 °C. Precipitation is lowest in July, averaging 23 mm. Most of the precipitation here falls in November, with an average of 135 mm. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of +9 °C.

Salerno on the map of Italy

Salerno Italy attractions

Market Street

The old center of Salerno is crossed by an ancient street - Via dei Mercanti, or as it is called "Street of Merchants". So named because during the Middle Ages it served as a center of trade. Nowadays, this is one of the busiest places in the city, where souvenir shops, various boutiques, and handicraft shops coexist. This perfect place for shopping! Now the street continues in the center of Salerno with an avenue called Vittorio Emanuele.

Throughout Via dei Mercanti there are several cathedrals and palaces, among which is the Church of St. George, Palazzo Pinto.

Via dei Mercanti - shopping street

Capella Palatina

On the piazza Alfano I is the Cathedral of San Matteo (Cattedrale di Salerno), built in 1076-1085. The cathedral was erected in honor of St. Matthew; his relics have been kept in a crypt under the main altar of the cathedral since 954. The Romanesque lion portal, the Islamic colonnade and the baroque crypt are wonderfully harmoniously combined in this architectural masterpiece.

Papal Chapel in Salerno

Cathedral of St. Matthew

Salerno Cathedral is the central building in the city center and a major tourist attraction. This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Matthew, whose relics, which were discovered during construction, are placed in the crypt of the cathedral.

The cathedral is located on the site of a Christian church, built a long time ago instead of a pagan temple.

The facade of the cathedral is decorated with unusual bronze doors, which were made in Constantinople in 1099. 54 plates depict various scenes from the life of Christ.

In front of the entrance to the cathedral there is an inner courtyard, which is framed by a colonnade. The columns in this colonnade are Roman, but the influence of Islamic art can be clearly seen in the decoration of the portico.

Cathedral of Saint Matthew in Salerno

Art Gallery

In the very heart medieval city Salerno, in a small building there is a whole collection of paintings that dates back to the Renaissance period and up to the first half of the 19th century. Central location the gallery is occupied by paintings by the southern Italian artist Andrea Sabatini, who, together with Raphael, worked on the design of the halls of the Vatican. Also, tourists should pay attention to the paintings of Giovanni Battista Caracciolo and Francesco Solimena.

In addition to works by well-known artists, the art gallery contains works by contemporary Italian authors: Pasquale Avallone, Luigi Paolillo, Antonio Ferrigno and Luca Albino. There is also a small collection of works by foreign painters.

On a note. The art gallery is located at 63 Trade Street (via Mercanti). It can be visited free of charge from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 15:15 from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 13:00 on Sunday.

Minerva's garden

The Minerva Garden is located in the center of the old town of Salerno. This garden is the beginning of all botanical gardens in Europe. In ancient times, the city of Salerno was famous for the rapid development of medicine. That is why you can find here great amount medicinal plants. Also in the garden of Minerva grows many rare and exotic plants.

Minerva's garden

On the territory of the garden, you can not only get acquainted with the ideas about herbal treatment during the Middle Ages, but also try healing tinctures and decoctions made from plants in a special cafe. The garden is partly surrounded by the ancient city walls. The lower terrace of the garden is divided into sectors in accordance with the theory of four temperaments.

Excursions in Salerno

This tour reveals real essence Italian city. Everyone will be able to visit the Cathedral, which was built in the XI century and bears the name of one of the four evangelists - the patron saint of Salerno, St. Levi Matthew. The guide will tell the legend about one king, which is related to the cathedral. The tour group will also visit the ancient church of San Pietro in Corte, built in 774: thanks to a strange coincidence, many layers of the church have been preserved. Part of this journey will be another attraction: Via dei Mercanti and the arches of the aqueduct - they are called the "devil's bridge" by the inhabitants of Salerno.

Note! The price includes the services of a guide. Entrance fees to museums and transport are not included in the price. Take comfortable shoes with you.

Boat trips along the Amalfi Coast

If tourists come to the coast for the first time, then you should definitely take advantage of the unique opportunity to see the exceptional beauty of the Amalfi Coast from the sea. The magical emerald color of the water, a sense of mystery and antiquity will give the breath of sea caves, in which tourists will swim. Everyone will be able to touch the virgin nature by swimming and sunbathing on a wild beach, which can only be reached from the sea. If desired, the group will be able to moor and walk in the famous cities of this coast - Amalfi, Atrani, Citara, Maiori, Positano.

Note! The price includes a boat ride and petrol. Meals are not included in the price.

Salerno is tourist town in Italy, where spending time will be interesting for any tourist. It is here that everyone can enjoy the old streets, ancient architecture and medieval churches.

*Prices are valid for September 2018

Paestum has been a Greek colony since about our era and was poetically called Posidonia. Magnificent temples and cities were captured by the Saracens and badly destroyed, but today many of them have been restored and give an excellent idea of ​​their former grandeur. Archaeologists are still amazed at the amazing finds, frescoes and murals hidden in underground temples. The entire island is part of world heritage UNESCO.

Paestum keeps the best examples of ancient Greek architecture. Here is the Basilica of Hera and Choisy ( big temple) Athens. The cornices of both temples are decorated with painted terracotta panels, unique in their kind. In the seventies, the so-called Diver's Tomb was discovered here. This is a one of a kind fresco from the classical period 480-470 BC. It depicts not a diver at all, but the plot of the soul's transition to the afterlife - a jump into the ocean of Death.

Paestum hosts several archaeological and historical museums, which you will definitely want to look into after a tour of the island. The stones themselves here are saturated with history and the wonderful spirit of ancient Hellas.

Temple of Hera at Paestum

The Temple of Hera is the clearest example of Dorian architecture and the most ancient temple in Paestum. This monument has been perfectly preserved to this day with all 50 outer columns (9 front and 18 side). Recent excavations have found statues of Hera here, which completely destroyed the myth that this temple is dedicated to Poseidon.

The temple was built with an odd number of frontal columns, which is very rare for Greek temples. The temple has a two-nave cella, which gives reason to consider this building the only building of its kind in Italy (temples like it are found only in Prinia and Dreros).

The ease of architectural forms and at the same time their grandeur made the temple of Hera one of the most visited attractions of Paestum.

What sights of Salerno did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Agropoli

The ancient town of Agropoli, located on a sheer cliff that protrudes into the sea, is famous for its ancient gates and the main temple of the Virgin Mary of Constantinople. The statue of Mary is considered the patroness of sailors; a holiday is held in honor of her every year: fishermen carry the statue to the pier, sing and sail after it in boats.

Also in the city is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (VI century), medieval fortress(XV century), burials and fortified structures. The fortress of an unusual triangular shape was once surrounded by a deep moat with water.

The town is rich not only in architectural monuments, but also in natural ones: the parks of Santa Maria Castellabate and Infresco with numerous caves, rare species of plants and animals will interest the tourist and leave vivid impressions about these places.

Temple of Hera II is located next to the first temple of Hera. This temple was also built in honor of Hera, since the latest finds (coins, votive figurines) indicate that everything was dedicated to this goddess.

The construction of the temple dates back to about the middle of the 5th century BC. The structure has 6 front columns and 14 side columns. During the construction of the temple, the optical effect of the curvature of the horizon was eliminated, when the lines are not straight, but slightly curved. With the help of this effect, it does not seem to those standing in the temple that the columns of the building diverge. This technique is absent in the first temple of Hera.

The structure has a three-nave cella, which is raised 140 centimeters above the peristyle of the temple. To this day, many internal columns, stairs, fragments of walls have been preserved from the temple.

Duomo di Salerno

The Cathedral of San Matteo is the main Roman Catholic church of the spa town of Salerno and one of the popular tourist attractions. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Matthew, one of the four evangelists, whose remains rest in the crypt inside.

The church building was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple in the very center of the city, when Salerno was the capital of the Principality of Salerno, stretching from Gulf of Naples before ionian sea. Work on its construction began in 1076 at the initiative of the Norman ruler Robert Guiscard. The cathedral was consecrated in 1085 by Pope Gregory VII.

Ceramic Museum of Vietri sul Mare

The museum, built in 1981 in the town of Vietri sul Mare, was opened to tourists in 1992. The museum's collection includes local items as well as items from other cities in Italy. The collection of ceramics is divided into three parts: ceramics of the German period, religious items and items for daily use.

Religious fonts of the 17th century are depicted on the products, and the Baptism of Christ, the Madonna and Child, the headless St. John, the Resurrection of Jesus and other works of a religious nature are depicted on the plates. Among the exhibits, dishes of everyday use of the 19th century (vases, plates), as well as tiles depicting the everyday life of the ancient Romans, stand out.

Pottery of the German period is represented by the works of the 1920-1940s by John Carrano, Richard Dolker, Vincenzo Procida and other masters.

The most popular attractions in Salerno with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Salerno on our site.

From Paestum to Sapri, the most beautiful beaches in Italy.

Have you decided to spend your holidays in the Cilento, in the south of Salerno and don't know which beach to choose? Do you prefer a convenient beach for children or a small cozy bay for romantics? In this article, we will tell you what 20 beaches of Salerno from Paestum to Sapri do not miss it and we will provide a short instruction how to get to them.

Cilento, province of Salerno, thanks to its crystal clear water, beautiful landscape, ecological tourism, the coast has been awarded numerous titles from legambiente, Touring Club Italiano And Blue Flags, besides Cilento is included in the List of heritage sites UNESCO.

Well, are you ready?

1. Coast of Paestum

The wide beach of Paestum, 15 km long, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Salerno, is a popular holiday destination. Endowed with camping sites, well-equipped beach areas, gazebos, space for children's games, various sports and recreation, as well as windsurfing. Soft sand, gently sloping bottom, open sea and the proximity of the city of Salerno, the archaeological area of ​​Paestum always attract swimmers, the beach will be ideal for families and general relaxation.

2. San Francesco beach in Agropoli


The small beach of San Francesco is located opposite the rock of the same name between the port of Agropoli and the famous Gulf of Trentova. It takes its name from the monastery located above it. The spacious rocky beach is convenient for those who stay in Agropoli. Legend has it that on the rock where the cross is set, St. Francis of Assisi preached to the fish.

From the port of Agropoli take Via San Francesco and after a few meters you will come across the Church of San Francesco. Park your car in the open space in front of you and follow the footpath that will take you to the beach of Agropoli in a few minutes.

3. Baia di Trentova in Agropoli


The small bay is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches of the Cilento. The sea is turquoise to cobalt blue, a narrow strip of sand that runs along the coast and ends with a rock. Please note that the frequent presence of algae in the water can make your bathing experience less pleasant, but due to the ease of maintenance, Baia Trentova beach is suitable for families with children and the elderly.

Exit at Agropoli Sud and follow the signs. You will find convenient parking close to the coast.

4. Pozzillo in San Marco di Castellabate


Between San Marco and Santa Maria di Castellabate, there is a long stretch of golden beach. The beach is ideal for those who are looking for sand beach with shallow depth accessible to children.

For those coming from the north, we advise you to park along the road at the crossroads at Santa Maria di Castellabate (there are 2 parking spaces in the village, in high season it is difficult to find a place) and after 5 minutes walk you are at the beach. For those arriving from the south, we advise you to stop at San Marco di Castellabate and follow the signs for Spiaggia Pozzillo. Shortly before the descent to the sea you will find a large parking lot, but even then it is not easy to find a place in the high season.

5. Punta Lycosa


Punta Lycosa

We are located within the Marine Reserve of Santa Maria di Castellabate, where the sea is blue and clear, with a rocky bottom and rich marine life and flora, ideal for swimming and for diving enthusiasts. The beach is not equipped and free. Here you can admire the island of Punta Lycosa, associated with the myth of the siren Leucosia, who threw herself from a cliff out of unrequited love and turned into a rock. And passing through the pine forest, you can reach various rocky coves overlooking the crystal clear sea. Access is not the easiest.

6. Coast Acaroli


A little further south of Punta Lycos, the beautiful coast of Acaroli awaits you. The beach located in the commune of Pollica is convenient and well equipped for everyone who prefers a relaxing holiday. An equipped beach with umbrellas, sun loungers and a gently sloping seabed will be convenient for families with children and the elderly. Sea, beautiful place, clear water and sandy beach for complete relaxation are waiting for you.

How to get to Acaroli: On the stretch between San Mauro Cilento and the village of Aciaroli, you will find several accessible paths to the beach and open car parks.

7. Asheya


Ashea beach

Asheia is a resort town in the province of Salerno, famous throughout the world for the archaeological excavations of Velia and beach holidays. The beach is characterized by a charming sandy shore (about 7 km) with fine sand and open sea with clear waters.

8. Saline di Palinuro


Near resort town Palinuro has a stretch of coastline with a beautiful beach, soft golden sand and shallow bottom. The length of the coast is almost 5 km.


If you are used to associating a port with dirty water, then you have never been to the port of Palinuro. Here the water is really clean and the most beautiful bays can envy it.

10. Il Buondormire


Buondormire beach is a small cove that seems to have been brought from another planet. The beach is characterized by cliffs framed by the emerald sea of ​​Salerno and wild nature.
Of course, this is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Cilento. A small corner of paradise protected by a cliff.

Can be reached on foot by stairs (400 steps!). Alternatively, you can rely on a sea transfer from the port of Palinuro or, for the more sporty ones, by swimming a few meters from Marinella's beach (we'll talk about it in No. 11).

11. Marinella in Palinuro


Marinella in Palinuro

Marinella Beach is a sandy beach located near the Palinuro area, next to the Lambro River. This beach used to host the port of Molpa, from which you can still admire the remains. Nearby there is secure parking and well-equipped beaches with sun loungers. Once you get here, you won't be able to resist a swim or a short canoe ride.But let's see how to get to the beach of Marinella in Palinuro.

along the SS 562, follow to the end of Via Marinella, here you will find parking lots.

12. Natural arch in Palinuro


This is not just a beach, but one of the most significant symbols of Palinuro and Cilento. The seaside village of Palinuro is always identified with this natural sculpture at the mouth of the Mingardo River. A pebbly beach made of large stones is not always convenient for children, but a large number of swimmers always attract a wonderful sight.

How to get to the Natural Arch of Palinuro: in the direction of Marina di Camerota and following the sign for the village of Palorcio, 5 minutes on foot and you will find yourself at the Natural Arch.

13. Mingardo Beach in Marina di Camerota


Mingardo beach, Marina di Camerota

The sandy beach of Mingardo, 7 km long, is located outside the city of Marina di Camerota. It starts at the mouth of the river of the same name, and behind the beach is a century-old pine forest, which gives coolness in the hottest period.
There are several caves along the coast, one of which houses the famous IL Cyclope disco.
Well-equipped paid areas with sun loungers and restaurants alternate with free areas. Due to its length, even in the highest dome season, it is never crowded. Great place for swimming and windsurfing.

14. La Cala d'Arconte in Marina di Camerota


Cala D'arcone, Marina di Camerota

Cala d'Arconte is one of the beautiful beaches of the Cilento, located 2 km from Marina di Camerota and 6 from Palinuro. This beautiful beach with golden sand, characterized by a very wide coastline of several hundred meters against steep cliffs covered with maritime pines and ancient olive trees descending to the sea. The lovely tourist village of Cala d'Arconte is beautifully camouflaged among the greenery overlooking the beach. The sea is blue, crystal clear and transparent, with a sandy bottom, ideal for children.

To reach the bay, from the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway, exit at Battipaglia, take the SS 18 towards Vallo della Lucania, following the signs for Poderia. There are several campsites in the vicinity of Cala d'Arconte.

15. La cala del Pozzallo in Marina di Camerota

The Bay of Pozzallo is the first of a series of bays that meet between Marina di Camerota and Scario. Small 70 meters, but if you want to be away from the crowds of sunbathers, this white pebble beach, protected by dark cliffs that dive straight into the sea, plus emerald clear water and a refreshing drink right on the beach of Pozzallo Bay, is what you need, and you don’t need to add anything .

By car, from the port of Marina di Camerota, head south, outside the city you will find a sign on the right indicating Pozzallo. Follow be careful, at some point the path passes along a dirt road. Alternative: take advantage of the sea transfer service that departs from the port of Marina di Camerota.

16 Cala Bianca


Cala Bianca, Camerota The most beautiful beach Italy 2013

The most beautiful beach in Italy in 2013 according to Legambiente. For us, it has always been and always will be. Here descriptions are really superfluous and do not convey this natural wonder of the province of Salerno.

The resort town of Salerno is one of the most most beautiful cities south of Italy, a city with a thousand-year history, in which Europe's first medical school, in Cathedral which the relics of the Evangelist Matthew are kept, untouched streets Historic center, sea and extraordinary cuisine. In short, there are many interesting places in Salerno that are worth seeing. It is not uncommon for tourists to rush past this charming coastal town in favor of other places in the Campania region, thereby missing out on discovering a city rich in history, hidden treasures and beautiful corners. And a stop in Salerno will be the ideal starting point for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, volcano Vesuvius, Amalfi Coast, ca. Capri And Paestum. For you, we offer ideas for an unforgettable trip and TOP 11 sights of Salerno and surroundings, which you can and should look at.

TOP 11 attractions in Salerno

1. Salerno Cathedral


Don't be disappointed by the banal baroque façade, because the beauty of the Salerno Cathedral lies within. The church was built in XI century in the Romanesque style and subsequently rebuilt several times. Passing into the open cryptoportico, one gets the feeling that you have moved to an Arab country or to Andalusia: polychrome inlay, a slender Roman marble colonnade, antique sarcophagi, arches decorated with volcanic stone inlays, notable bronze gate 11th century Arab-Norman Bell tower almost 52 m high. Of no less interest is the baroque interior with objects of the Middle Ages, a rare flooring in the cosmatesco style, the burial of the Pope Gregory VII. In the church, you must definitely visit the crypt, which stores relics of Saint Matthew, one of the four evangelists. The underground crypt is decorated with restored Scenery in the baroque style of the 17th century with scenes from the Gospel of Matthew and episodes from the history of Salerno.

Cathedral opening hours:

Weekdays: from 8.30 to 20.00

Holidays: from 8.30 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 20.00

Crypt– weekdays: from 9.00 to 19.45

holidays: from 8.30 to 13.00

from 16:00 to 18:00

entrance free

2. Historic center

Pedestrian Historic city center dotted with shops, bars, restaurants, craft shops, which make it the perfect place for those who love to walk and watch. We start from the Central railway station of Salerno, we go along Corso Vittorio Emmanuele which runs parallel to the waterfront. Then the road narrows and you enter the oldest part of Salerno Via dei Mercanti. A narrow street with a maximum width of 5 meters has been the main trade artery since the Middle Ages. Along Via dei Mercanti there are mansions such as Palazzo Pinto XVII century, in which canvases are exhibited art gallery, located in front of the building Virtual Museum Salerno Medical School.
In winter, the street, like the whole city of Salerno, is decorated with Luci D'artista Christmas illuminations.

3. Gardens of Minerva


The panoramic gardens of Minerva, which were created in the 14th century, are located in the old center of Salerno. Matteo Silvatico, an important physician of the renowned Salerno Medical School, the oldest medical university in the world. Dott. Silvatico created the first example of a botanical garden in Europe: an educational greenhouse where doctors taught students to recognize "simple" plants used to treat diseases.
More than 380 types of medicinal plants grow in the garden. plants, there is a small tea room with a panoramic view pharmacy museum.

Ticket price: 3.00 euros.

Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday: from 9.30 to 16.30.

How to get there: Vicolo Ferrante Sanseverino n°1, walking distance from the historic center.

4. Areca Castle (Arechisa)


If you want a great view, then you should go up to the fortress. Salerno was the capital of the Lombard Principality for three centuries. Prince Areki II moved the capital of the duchy from Benevento to Salerno and fortified the castle at an altitude of 300 m above sea level, creating an almost impregnable bastion of southern Italy. The fortified castle was inserted into the city's more articulated urban defense system that surrounded Old city Salerno. Well, today in the halls is located Museum with coins, ceramics, finds telling the history of Salerno, medieval defensive structures, bar and in the fortress they organize city congresses and demonstrations. You can book and enjoy the wide sea review from the Amalfi Coast to Paestum from one of the most high points cities.

Open Tue-Sat from 9.00 to 17.00. Sunday from 9.00 to 15.30.

Closed on Monday.

entrance € 4

5.Complex of San Pietro a Corte

Following Via dei Mercanti you reach Larghetto San Pietro Corte, one of the most important places in the history of Salerno. The space is occupied by the complex of San Pietro in Corte, which has had various functions over the centuries. In general, the complex has preserved the memory of different eras: 4 meters underground are located Roman baths, which in the early Christian period were used for burials and religious rites. In the Middle Ages, the residence of the Prince of Areca II was built, from which Palace Chapel And Bell tower. The place also served as a gathering place for the assembly of the people and for the students of the Medical School of Salerno to receive their diplomas.

Opening hours:

Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 to 18:30

Closed on Monday

entrance is free

6. Salerno waterfront


In Salerno, by the sea, there is a cozy promenade Trieste, which was considered the most beautiful in Italy in the 50s. The Salerno embankment consists of three parallel alleys with a length of more than 2 km with Mediterranean plantings and palm trees. Sea view benches offer a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast, ideal for a relaxing holiday after a busy day.
At the end of the embankment is Santa Teresa beach And Villa Communale, which during the Christmas period turns into the "Enchanted Garden" from the exhibition of artistic illuminations. A beautiful garden that surprises and pleases all its visitors both in the summer season and in winter. A little further is the new sea ​​port, designed by an Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and which has received several awards and been noted as one of the finest architectural works in the world.

7. Rays of D'Artist in Salerno


Every year in Christmas period in Salerno, the Luci d’Artista event opens, which illuminates the streets of the city with effective illuminations.
From the beginning of November to the end of January, the main squares of Salerno, large and small streets, parks and Villa Communale are decorated with themed christmas lights. Almost a million people come every year to enjoy the unique show. The event also includes several Christmas markets located in different parts of the city with typical products. Christmas begins with the establishment on the waterfront the largest ferris wheel in Europe by the sea.

8. Amalfi Coast


Salerno is the starting point for a trip along the Amalfi Coast: Vietri, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Amalfi and Positano are just some of the seaside villages found along the picturesque coastline protected UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
We start from Vietri, the recognized city of majolica ceramics, we pass Cetara, the birthplace of tuna and anchovies, the lemon gardens of Maiori and Minori and go up to Ravello, a place loved by artists from all over the world, we reach Amalfi with the wonderful Cathedral, Furore with its fjord, the puppet Positano and past other charming places. In short, this is a wonder that deserves more than a few days to visit, and if you are short on time, you can take advantage of

9. Paestum


When staying in Salerno you cannot miss Paestum. Paestum is located in the south of Salerno between the mountains and a 100 km long sandy beach. Paestum (Poseidonia) the largest Greek colony VI BC. The excavations of ancient Paestum are world famous for their temples, which are among the most interesting and important in Italy. The triad of the magnificent doric temples, dedicated Neptune, Hera and Ceres filled with charm and architectural splendor. Impressive archaeological area, surrounded by stone walls, streets, the Forum, the Capitol, the Amphitheater, etc. A visit to the excavations of Paestum must be completed with a visit archaeological museum, where you can appreciate an important collection of ancient Greek objects Southern Italy, Lucanian painted tombs, Gouda burial, interesting funerary items from different eras, archaic metopes and of course Diver's Tomb.
Paestum is famous not only for its excavations, but also for the best mozzarella which is made exclusively from buffalo milk. And while in Salerno, do not miss the real flavor of Italian cheese, try real mozzarella at the farm.

Opening hours

Museum Paestuma is open from 8:30 to 19:30

1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 8:30 to 13:40

Archaeological zone ( temples) is open every day from 8:30 to 19:30.

Salerno is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea, another large and famous pearl. It is famous for its medieval streets and cathedrals, beautiful parks, ancient aqueducts and sandy beaches. Salerno has a holiday for every taste and, unlike its neighbor, Salerno seems to be more alive. Here, in the south, life is in full swing, and the streets are always noisy and crowded.

Today Blogoitaliano will tell you all about holidays in Salerno: its sights, beaches, hotels and restaurants, as well as how to get to Salerno from other Italian cities.

How to get to Salerno

Closest to the city of Salerno in Italy international airports are located in Naples (60 km) and Rome (260 km). Pick up .

Trains run regularly from Naples and Rome to Salerno. You will spend 35 minutes on the way from Naples, and 2.5 hours from Rome. There are also Buonotourist shuttle buses from Naples Airport to Salerno.

If you do not want to wait for the bus and adjust to the train schedule, you can pre-order a transfer or rent a car. With a car, it is much more convenient to travel around Salerno, admiring the incredible landscapes of the Amalfi Coast.

A little history of Salerno

Approximately in the II century. BC. the first settlement appeared on the site of modern Salerno. It was originally an Etruscan and later a Roman colony. After the fall of Rome, the Lombards took possession of the city, placing their capital here and building impregnable fortress at the top of the hill.

The town of Salerno - the pearl of the Amalfi coast of Italy

The real heyday of Salerno falls on the era of the Normans (XI century) during the reign of Robert Guiscard. It was Duke Guiscard who, in the capital of his duchy, opened the Scuola Medica Salernitana Higher Medical School, which later became one of the largest and most prestigious in Europe. More than 900 years have passed since then, and this school is known to this day, which is why Salerno is often called the "city of Hippocrates."

In the 17th century the city fell under the rule of the Spanish duchy, and later was returned back to Italy, and even for several months during the Second World War it played the role of the Italian capital.

Now Salerno is a major port city in southern Italy, as well as an important historical and cultural center.

Attractions Salerno

Most of Salerno's sights are located in the historic center of the city.

Acquaintance with the historical part of Salerno is best to start with Via dei Mercanti shopping street, stretching through the entire city center for about 1 km. Back in the 11th century. tradesmen and merchants settled here. And now here you can take a leisurely walk through the stalls, museums and small souvenir shops.

Via dei Mercanti - the main street of the historical part of Salerno

Along the way, you will certainly meet several medieval churches, including the Church of the Holy Crucifixion (Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso), and palaces such as Palazzo Pinto and Palazzo Carrara. Via dei Mercanti is home to two well-known city museums. First - City Pinakothek(Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale), which contains a collection of paintings from the Renaissance to the first half of XIX in. The second famous city museum - Roberto Papi Museum(Museo Roberto Papi). Inside, you can trace the entire history of the development of medicine, starting from the 17th century.

Don't forget to turn onto Via Duomo leading to the main cathedral cities.

The Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Salerno

Salerno Cathedral is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. It is consecrated in honor of the Evangelist Matthew, whose remains lie inside the cathedral under the main altar. Nearby is the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who consecrated the cathedral after its construction in the 11th century. In the apse is the Cross Chapel, where the crusaders consecrated their weapons before the next military campaign.

Open next to the cathedral Diocesan Museum. Here are works of Christian art from the last millennium, as well as documents from the Medical School of Salerno.

Archaeological Museum

Just south of the Duomo is the Abbey of St. Benedict, on whose territory Archaeological Museum. In the exhibition you can see archaeological finds since the Bronze Age.

Not far from it, on Via Arce it is not difficult to spot remains of the ancient city water supply. In the 9th century, and it was then that this grandiose engineering structure was built, the aqueduct was laid through the entire city. To date, only fragments of it have survived. Rumor has it that it was built in just 1 night and obviously not without the intervention of supernatural forces. For many years at local residents it was bad luck to pass under the arches of the aqueduct at night.

Aqueduct in Salerno overgrown with mystical legends

On the opposite side of the Duomo is monastery of st. Sophia of the Order of the Benedictines. It was founded at the end of the 10th century. At first it belonged to the Benedictine order, and later it was transferred to the Carmelite monks. In the 19th century for some time the city court was located here. Now the monastery has been restored and welcomes guests. On the way to the monastery, you can stop at piazza Abbate Conforti. There is a version that during the Roman Empire there was a city forum. Unfortunately, it has not survived to this day, but several luxurious palaces of the local aristocracy have survived.

Minerva Botanical Garden

Speaking about the sights of Salerno, it is worth mentioning the beautiful city gardens and parks. The most famous:

  • botanical Minerva's garden, broken back in the Middle Ages for students of the Medical School;
  • Mercantello park- one of the largest Italian parks;
  • And Botanical Garden urban villas Communale, which annually from the beginning of November to the end of January during the celebration of Luci d'Artista turns into a real fairy tale of lights and light.

You should not ignore the numerous palazzos built in different time periods, starting from the Middle Ages. Attract attention:

  • Ruggiero's palace, made in the Baroque style at the entrance to the Cathedral;
  • Santoro Palace on the city embankment, built in a rare kopped style;
  • Palace of Ruja of Aragon, where at the beginning of the XVI century. Emperor Charles V stopped while visiting Salerno;
  • Natella Palace made in modern style;
  • as well as the youngest in the city - city ​​palace of salerno, or the city hall, erected in the mid-30s of the twentieth century. in typical fascist style.

Tireless seekers of antiquities will also find sights in Salerno that deserve close attention.

Fratte Archaeological Park will tell you how the Etruscans lived in these places from antiquity

Thus, an Etruscan settlement was discovered to the northeast of the center at the beginning of the 19th century, which existed here in the 6th century. BC. During excavations, archaeologists discovered a whole ancient city with an acropolis, stone-paved streets, houses and baths. You can see the ruins of ancient buildings in Fratte Archaeological Park, and the items found during the excavations are stored in the city's archaeological museum.

No less interesting The historical landmark of Salerno in Italy is considered the complex of San Pietro a Corte era of the Lombards. It was erected during the reign of the Duke of Areca II in the 8th century. on the site of an ancient Roman sanctuary that once existed and was used as a building for a long time supreme court. Nearby at the same time, the church of San Pietro a Corte was erected, which is one of the oldest sights modern city Salerno. The church deserves special attention Chapel Palatine, where during the time of Areca II the court choir sang. Later this building was transferred to the Higher Medical School. Now there is a museum here.

Fortress of Areca II

From the Duke of Areca II, a fortress was also preserved in Salerno ( areca fortress). The imposing medieval castle stands high above the city, at an altitude of 263 meters. It now houses a museum where you can see excellent collections of coins, weapons and ceramics. From here, from a bird's eye view, incredible views of the city open up. Very romantic place, especially at sunset.

Connoisseurs of high musical art are recommended to visit, founded in the middle of the XIX century. Verdi theater, known for his productions based on the works of the brilliant composer.

The most pleasant way to end your walk in Salerno is on the Trieste embankment

Well, you can complete your walk around Salerno on Trieste embankment. It is so nice to walk here, admiring the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Many attractions can be found in the vicinity of Salerno. These are ancient Roman bridges, and thermal spa Terme Contursi, and the luxurious villa d'Ayala in the small town of Valva, and incredible mountain scenery. You can also ride all over the Amalfi Coast, or go to Naples to and. Impressions, of course, enough for a whole vacation.

Sea holidays in Salerno

Salerno is a seaside city. Here the sun shines for almost 300 days a year, and the average temperature is around +25 degrees. Certainly, it cannot be imagined without beach holiday. The swimming season in Salerno is open from May to October.

The beaches near Salerno are covered with fine sand

The city has one free sandy beach, although it is small, and the proximity of the port negatively affects the quality of the water. If you are looking for a clear sea, we recommend getting out in the area, or staying at a hotel with a private beach.

Salerno Hotels

In the city, you can choose a hotel for every taste, from budget hostels and guest houses to luxury 5***** hotels, both with and without a private beach. Room prices in Salerno start from 45 euros per night. You can find the right hotel at the link below.

What to try in Salerno

Great influence on local cuisine showed the proximity of the sea. Gourmets should definitely try local seafood dishes: fish soups, fish rolls, anchovies with lemon juice, spaghetti with clams and octopus with San Marzano tomatoes cooked in pots. Local cheeses - pecorino, provolone, scamorza, mozzarella, manteca cilento and many others, produced according to traditional technologies, will delight you with their taste.

Spaghetti with clams - one of the traditional dishes in Salerno

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy delicious rum baba, sospiri and traditional lemon biscuits. Lemons are generally loved on the Amalfi Coast. They are the main ingredient in many dishes, including the famous Limoncello liqueur.