Salerno is one of the beautiful coastal cities that Italy has, it is the capital of the province of the same name and is part of the Campinia region. In fact, it is the second most populated locality in this region, after Napoles.
Although it is known in general terms for having the most important medical university in the Medieval Europe, the Salernitana Medical School, the reality is that it has many incredible places that are worth knowing, visiting, and getting lost in them to enjoy. They are historical spaces, some more than others, that allow us to get to know the city from another point of view, more from the inside.
When talking about things to see in Salerno, we cannot fail to mention its historic Cathedral or the Parco del Mercatello, one of the urban parks most beautiful in the region and largest in the entire country. The city has museums, palaces and churches that you cannot miss, and also many outdoor places where you can connect with nature while learning a little more about the place you are visiting.
So, so that you have a list of places to visit on your next visit to this incredible city, here are the 10 amazing places you have to see in Salerno.
10 places to see in Salerno
Here we present you which are those places that you definitely have to see in Salerno, from churches to palaces, in open and closed spaces and some of them with views that no one will want to miss.
1. Salerno Cathedral
The Salerno Cathedral, popularly known as Catedral de San Mateo or Duomo, is the most important building in the city. It was built between the years 1 080 and 1085, and even today its facade is preserved in great condition. Despite this, it should be noted that the temple has undergone several reconstructions, this is due to the subsidence of the ground on which it is located.
Inside the cathedral it is possible to find works of art dating from the medieval and baroque period, as well as various artifacts dedicated to Saint Matthew, the patron saint of the city. In terms of structure, the temple has the basilica, the crypt of San Mateo and the entrance portico to the church, as well as a 56-meter-high bell tower dating from the 12th century.
Both the Cathedral and the Crypt of San Mateo are places that you cannot miss in Salerno. The latter has a baroque style and there are the remains of the saint from whom it bears its name.
Address: Piazza Alfano I, Salerno.
2. Lungomare Trieste
With the name of this avenue of almost 2 kilometers it is known what is the Paseo Marítimo de Salerno. Lungomare Trieste is in charge of connecting the Porto Turístico and Piazza della Concordia with the historic center of the city.
It is a landscaped space that was created during World War II and definitely a must see in Salerno. It is one of the places in the city from where you can not only observe the incredible coastal landscape, but you can also admit the urban part and the buildings that are there.
Throughout the almost two kilometers that this walk extends, you will be able to find several seats located in the shade of the palm trees that accompany the route. In addition, between one end and the other there are also a series of squares with statues and fountains. In short, it is a beautiful place to enjoy both during the day and at night.
3. Arechi Castle
The Arechi Castle, or Castello di Arechi, was built in the 7th century by Longobardo Arechi II, and its function was to be another defense tool for the region surrounding the city. The reason why this is one of the places to see in Salerno is because it has to offer one of the best panoramic views of the entire town and its coast.
Image by Giaros
The castle is located on Mount Bonadies, about 300 meters high above sea level, and you can get there both on foot, although physical effort must be taken into account what that implies, such as by taxi or public transport.
The interior of the castle is almost as attractive as the view of the city from up there. Most of the building as it is known today is part of its original construction, although some sections had to be restored. In addition, since 2009 it has its own medieval museum, in which you can find original pieces and things of the time, such as ceramics and coins.
4. Fontana di Don Tullio
The Fontana di Don Tullio is a fountain located in the garden of the Villa Comunale, right in the center of the city. It is a fountain that was designed under a baroque style and had the function of helping to quench the thirst of the people who came to the city, both by land and by sea.
It was built in 1790 and is currently popularly known as “Fountain of Aesculapius”. It originally contained a bust of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, in the center, but in the 19th century it was replaced by a cherub.
The garden in which this historic fountain is located was created several years after its construction, in 1874, and has a wide variety of plants, as well as statues that are dedicated to important historical figures of the city. The best part is that being within the locality, it is not necessary to have to go out on the road to enjoy the green space.
The fountain is one of the places to see in Salerno and, in addition, it is an excellent excuse to take advantage and explore the rest of the garden.
Address: Via Roma, 84100, Salerno.
5. Palazzo e Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
The Palacio de San Agostino, or Palazzo di Sant’Agostino, is located in the historic center of this coastal city, just off the beautiful Lungomare Trieste avenue. At first this building was conceived as a monastery, dedicated to the saint who gives it its name, but a few years later it became the palace that it is today, but not without some modifications.
The monastery was built in 1309, and it was 500 years later when the changes began to happen to end up becoming the palace. Next to it is a church that also bears the name of the saint in question. This temple was built in the 14th century, but underwent a remodeling and restructuring in the 19th century.
This palace is also known as the “Palace of the Province”, since it is where the provincial administration of Salerno is located. Besides that, it is one of the most important buildings in terms of tourism and a work that you undoubtedly have to see in Salerno.
6. Museo Archeologico Provinciale
The Provincial Archaeological Museum is the institution where, as its name suggests, archaeological finds that occur both in the province and in the city of Salerno are located. In fact, is one of the most interesting museums in the entire Campinia region.
It is one of the sites that you have to see in Salerno, and there are remains from prehistoric times to the present day. Among them are bronze objects, ceramic works, rings, armor and ancient coins. One of the most important items that can be seen in the institution is the bronze head of Apollo, dating from the 1st century BC. C and was found in 1930 in the Gulf of Salerno.
The museum was created in 1927 and it was the following year when it opened its doors to the public. At first it was in the government building, but in 1939 it was moved to the “Casina” of the agricultural garden. After 1945 he changed places again, this time to the Palace of the Province, where he stayed until 1964 and is currently in the San Benedetto complex.
Address: Via S. Benedetto, 28, Salerno.
7. Giardino della Minerva
The Giardino della Minerva, or Garden of Minerva, is considered the green lung of the city and is located in the heart of the historic center of Salerno. Its beginnings took place in the 18th century and who took care of them was Matteo Silvatico, a doctor from the oldest medical university in the world, the Salerno School of Medicine.
It is a space in which the botanical gardens are combined with the public park. At first it was a botanical garden where medical students learned to recognize the plants that were used to treat some diseases, then in the seventeenth century it was transformed into the garden of a mansion and it was not until 1991 that The project was presented to convert the old Selvatico garden into a botanical garden for the community. Finally, in 2001 this project was carried out.
Currently the garden has different types of plants, ideal for taking a walk, exploring it and learning a little more about the history of the city. In addition, inside the garden there are several terraces and from the highest point you get a beautiful view of the historic center and the thing. Without a doubt, a place that you have to see in Salerno.
Address: Vicolo Ferrante Sanseverino, n ° 1, Salerno.
Image via LiveSalerno
8. Forte La Carnale
Forte La Carnale is one of the places that played a key role in the history of Salerno, and mainly in the defense of the city. It was built in 1563 to protect the town from an invasion, and for that it consisted of a series of towers. It is located on the top of a natural mountain, so it offers some of the best views of the municipality and the coast.
Currently, the system has been restored and people can visit it both to enjoy the landscape and the activities that take place there. It should be noted that the fort has different exhibitions and cultural exhibits in which part of the history of its structure and of the city are explained.
It is one of the places you have to see in Salerno, and where you can also enjoy the incredible local cuisine.
Address: Via la Carnale, 1, 84127, Salerno.
9. Mercatello Park
The Parco del Mercatello was inaugurated in 1998, and is one of the largest urban parks in all of Italy. It is located in the eastern part of the city, practically on the outskirts, and what it does is connect three of the most important neighborhoods in this Italian town. These are Mariconda, Mercatello and the European Quarter.
It is an ideal space to enjoy a good time outdoors, and is used by both locals and tourists to relax for a while. It consists of 10 hectares and those who visit it will find a river that runs through it, an artificial lake, and a canal, in addition to the collection of cacti, to name a few things.
This is not one of the green places that you definitely have to see in Salerno. It is divided into four “thematic” areas: naturalistic, of the Mediterranean garden; the fruit orchard, and the lawn. In addition, different cultural shows are usually held here so that everyone can enjoy.
Address: Via Angrisani / via Limongelli / viale Gramsci, Salerno.
10. Verdi Theater
The Giuseppe Verdi Municipal Theater was inaugurated on April 15, 1872, but its official name was only received in March 1901. With a project that began in 1863, is a space designed by the architects Antonio D’Amora and Giuseppe Manichini, who were inspired by the San Carlo Theater in Naples.
The halls of the theater, as they are known today, are not as they were in the beginning. This is because it was closed for fourteen years, between 1980 and 1994, due to the damage caused by an earthquake. After its restoration, it reopened its doors to the public with special emphasis on the historical elements that constituted it. Today it is one of the most valuable theaters of the 19th century.
It is presented as one of the places that you cannot miss in Salerno, and there festivals, concerts, opera and ballet pieces, plays and more are held. In addition, it is usually visited by thousands of students who come to know its history.
Address: Via Roma – Palazzo di Città, Salerno
These are some of the amazing places that you cannot miss in Salerno, on your next visit. If you have more recommendations, you can tell us in the comments!
