Salerno
Latest page update: 6 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Situated at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno is one of the most important cities in Campania; it's the capital and administrative centre of the eponymous province as well as a busy port for both cargo and tourism.
Most cultural life in Salerno centres around the seafront where you'll find joggers by day and strollers in the evening taking their "passeggiata". There's also a very healthy commercial side to the city with plenty of shops along its main streets such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi. |
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Shaping Salerno
Established in 197 BC, the life-span of Salerno has covered the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the medieval and Renaissance periods, the Risorgimento and notably the Second World War. The city's current architectural state has been shaped by each of those periods in various degrees; at one stage in its history Salerno was able to boast the world's pre-eminent medical school and from this same period you can visit one of the city's main sights, its Cathedral which sits in the beguiling medieval quarter.
Established in 197 BC, the life-span of Salerno has covered the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the medieval and Renaissance periods, the Risorgimento and notably the Second World War. The city's current architectural state has been shaped by each of those periods in various degrees; at one stage in its history Salerno was able to boast the world's pre-eminent medical school and from this same period you can visit one of the city's main sights, its Cathedral which sits in the beguiling medieval quarter.
A mixture of the old and the new
The old town is one of the most charming areas of the city but you don't have to walk far to find the wider, modern streets which were built in the aftermath of the terrible damage wrought by World War 2. Salerno was in fact the landing site of Operation Avalanche, the Allies' amphibious invasion of the Italian peninsula which saw fierce fighting and heavy casualties of American, British and German troops.
Sightseeing Salerno
Perhaps more so than many major Italian cities, Salerno's attractions are equally attributable to its modern embellishments as those from its past. The aforementioned Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Garibaldi are the main arteries through which the city folk go about their daily business.
Despite their relative modernity, these streets are not without their charms, and ducking between these parallel thoroughfares that charm is heightened by the graceful architectural curves on display at Piazza Gioia Flavio. Moving away from Piazza Gioia Flavio, you pass under a monument from another time: the 18th century city gate Porta Nova, one of the few structures in the city from that era.
Perhaps more so than many major Italian cities, Salerno's attractions are equally attributable to its modern embellishments as those from its past. The aforementioned Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Garibaldi are the main arteries through which the city folk go about their daily business.
Despite their relative modernity, these streets are not without their charms, and ducking between these parallel thoroughfares that charm is heightened by the graceful architectural curves on display at Piazza Gioia Flavio. Moving away from Piazza Gioia Flavio, you pass under a monument from another time: the 18th century city gate Porta Nova, one of the few structures in the city from that era.
Salerno's promenade: Lungomare Trieste
Salerno's seafront is one that combines aesthetic beauty with sheer size. It stretches endlessly from one end of the city to the other, with the most attractive section that of the Lungomare Trieste. The lungomare (promenade) is lined by palm-trees and oleanders, particularly attractive during the spring, and covers a one kilometre section of the seafront from the ferry port up to the small Santa Teresa Beach. This is a hugely popular area throughout the day, but particularly so during the evenings when it becomes the focus of the passeggiata.
Salerno's seafront is one that combines aesthetic beauty with sheer size. It stretches endlessly from one end of the city to the other, with the most attractive section that of the Lungomare Trieste. The lungomare (promenade) is lined by palm-trees and oleanders, particularly attractive during the spring, and covers a one kilometre section of the seafront from the ferry port up to the small Santa Teresa Beach. This is a hugely popular area throughout the day, but particularly so during the evenings when it becomes the focus of the passeggiata.
Zaha Hadid's Stazione Marittima and around
The modern twists of Salerno are in greatest evidence at the western extreme of the lungomare where a complex of smart new commercial buildings is crowned by the magnificent Zaha Hadid-designed Stazione Marittima port terminal which was added to the cityscape in 2016.
Behind the Stazione Marittima is the attractive Villa Comunale Park with its manicured walkways in perfect harmony with the foliage on display. This harmonious atmosphere is further heightened by the Teatro Verdi theatre which is right next to the park.
The modern twists of Salerno are in greatest evidence at the western extreme of the lungomare where a complex of smart new commercial buildings is crowned by the magnificent Zaha Hadid-designed Stazione Marittima port terminal which was added to the cityscape in 2016.
Behind the Stazione Marittima is the attractive Villa Comunale Park with its manicured walkways in perfect harmony with the foliage on display. This harmonious atmosphere is further heightened by the Teatro Verdi theatre which is right next to the park.
Take a view from Giardino della Minerva
You can earn a different set of views of Salerno by heading away from the seafront, up the hill to the city's residential area. A public lift has been provided to ease some of the effort required to reach the elevated Giardino della Minerva, where you can enjoy the neatly-landscaped gardens and magnificent panoramas all at once.
You can earn a different set of views of Salerno by heading away from the seafront, up the hill to the city's residential area. A public lift has been provided to ease some of the effort required to reach the elevated Giardino della Minerva, where you can enjoy the neatly-landscaped gardens and magnificent panoramas all at once.
Salerno Cathedral
From the Giardino della Minerva it's a relatively easy walk to the city's crowning glory: Salerno Cathedral. The eleventh century edifice is widely-regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals; it's almost hidden from view, surrounded as it is by buildings of a similar height, but inspires awe upon entry into its courtyard.
If visiting the Cathedral, it's essential to walk down the stairs into the crypt, which apart from housing the bones of Saint Matthew, is exquisitely decorated in marble.
From the Giardino della Minerva it's a relatively easy walk to the city's crowning glory: Salerno Cathedral. The eleventh century edifice is widely-regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals; it's almost hidden from view, surrounded as it is by buildings of a similar height, but inspires awe upon entry into its courtyard.
If visiting the Cathedral, it's essential to walk down the stairs into the crypt, which apart from housing the bones of Saint Matthew, is exquisitely decorated in marble.
Comune di Salerno
Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Population: 126,625 (2024 - source) Size: 59 km² Highlights: Salerno Cathedral, Lungomare (sea-front) Close by: Amalfi Coast, Cava de Tirreni, Battipaglia, Eboli Recommended accommodation: Hotel Plaza |
What are the best hotels in Salerno?
- Hotel Plaza: Conveniently located across from the Salerno train station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a good breakfast, making it ideal for travelers utilizing public transportation.
- Hotel Montestella 1914: Situated on Salerno's main shopping street, this hotel features modern rooms, a generous breakfast, and is within walking distance of the historic center and waterfront.
- Hotel Novotel Salerno Est Arechi: This modern hotel offers sea-view rooms, an outdoor pool, and on-site parking. It's conveniently located near public transportation, providing easy access to the city center and Amalfi Coast.
- Villa Poseidon Boutique Hotel & Events: Perched on a hillside, this boutique hotel boasts elegantly furnished rooms, a panoramic terrace, and an outdoor pool, offering a tranquil retreat close to Salerno's historic center.
- Grand Hotel Salerno: Overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, this large hotel provides spacious rooms, a wellness center, and a seafront location within walking distance of the city center and ferry terminals.
Salerno Travel
Salerno is well connected in the road network as well; from here to Vietri sul Mare at the start of the Amalfi Coast road takes around 10 minutes while there's also an important motorway junction close by from where you can travel south to Basilicata and Calabria or north to Naples, Rome and beyond.
Rail travellers can take advantage of Salerno's train connections, its train station acting as an important hub with trains coming and going in all directions from its 5 platforms and high-speed options available to the major Italian cities.
The city lies in the Gulf of Salerno from where you can take ferries to important tourist destinations along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano and Amalfi but also slightly further afield to the likes of Capri, Ischia and Naples, all of which have direct maritime connections with Salerno during the peak summer months.
Rail travellers can take advantage of Salerno's train connections, its train station acting as an important hub with trains coming and going in all directions from its 5 platforms and high-speed options available to the major Italian cities.
The city lies in the Gulf of Salerno from where you can take ferries to important tourist destinations along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano and Amalfi but also slightly further afield to the likes of Capri, Ischia and Naples, all of which have direct maritime connections with Salerno during the peak summer months.
Main train station: Salerno Stazione (city centre)
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Fly to: Naples International Airport - 51 minutes by car (58 km)
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Salerno Gallery
Where are the best places to eat in Salerno?
- Suscettibile Salerno: A Michelin-listed restaurant offering elaborate dishes that juxtapose ingredients not typically combined. The menu changes monthly, featuring unique creations like "scialatielli a modo mio," a regional pasta with Mazara shrimps, burrata, yellow cherry tomatoes, and pistachio.
- Casamare: A Michelin-recognized seafood restaurant in Salerno, known for its refined dishes and elegant ambiance. It offers a contemporary take on traditional seafood cuisine.
- Re Maurì: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative cuisine. Known for its innovative dishes and elegant atmosphere.
- Bistrot di Pescheria: A Michelin-recognized seafood bistro in Salerno, offering fresh and flavorful dishes in a casual yet refined setting. It's an ideal spot for seafood enthusiasts seeking quality meals.
- Porca Vacca: A popular restaurant in Salerno, known for its quality dishes and positive reviews from patrons.