Which city is better Trieste or Salerno. Natural arch in Palinuro. History and interesting facts
Salerno - seaport on the shore Tyrrhenian Sea, another large and well-known pearl. He is famous for his 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 the Duke of Guiscard, in the capital of his duchy, who 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 served as the Italian capital for several months during World War II.
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 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 the 19th century. 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, which leads to the city's main cathedral.
Cathedral- 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.
Just south of the Duomo is the Abbey of St. Benedict, on whose territory Archaeological Museum. In the exhibition you can see archaeological finds dating back to 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
IN opposite side from 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 local aristocracy.
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 city botanical garden 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 ancient city with an acropolis, stone-paved streets, houses and baths. You can see the ruins of ancient buildings in archaeological park Fratte, 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. in place of the once existing ancient roman sanctuary and has been 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 of the modern city of Salerno. special attention in the church deserves 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). 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 We recommend visiting, 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 chic villa villa d'Ayala in small town 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 town. Here the sun shines almost 300 days a year, and average temperature keeps at a mark of +25 degrees. Of course, it cannot be imagined without a beach holiday. bathing season 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 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. Pick up suitable hotel you can follow 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 will delight you with their taste - pecorino, provolone, scamorza, mozzarella, manteca cilento and many others produced using traditional technologies.
Spaghetti with clams is 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.
Salerno is a major Italian port city. It is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Salernian Gulf, pleasing to the eye with its picturesqueness. On the other hand, the city is surrounded high mountains striking in their beauty and grandeur. The city is located 56 kilometers south of Naples. The climate is typical Mediterranean. Summers are hot and there is no precipitation, while in autumn and winter precipitation often falls in the form of rain. In winter, it is quite cold here due to the winds blowing from the mountains towards the bay. But, despite this, Salerno, like - one of the sunniest Italian cities.
Today Salerno has become important cultural center Italy. The city is divided into 3 temporary sectors: medieval, XIX century and post-war. Historical Center Salerno attracts every year a large flow of tourists who seek to see medieval churches, old houses and Palazzo.
History of the city of Salerno
The Etruscan tribes were the first to inhabit the territory that the city occupies today. Then came the Roman colonialists. In the 11th century, the Normans settled, and the city began to flourish. In 1076, Robert Guiscard, who led the Normans, declared Salerno the capital of his duchy. He founded a medical school here called Scuola Medica Salernitana. Her fame has not faded over time. Thanks to the existence of this school, Salerno received the nickname "the city of Hippocrates".
The city has developed over time, retaining great importance for the state. In the 16th century, one of the most powerful families ruled in Salerno southern Italy- The Sanseverino family. Prominent people of that time flocked to the city. Salerno became a significant cultural and educational center of Italy. But in 1694, a series of strong earthquakes and a plague epidemic caused great damage to the city. Salerno came under Spanish rule royal house, under which it was until the XVIII century. The city was given the status of the capital of Italy during the Second World War, but a few months later he lost it again.
How to get to Salerno
The international airports closest to Salerno that receive planes from Russia are located in Rome and Naples. But it is much faster and more convenient to get to Salerno from Naples, they are separated by only 56 kilometers. Overcoming this path by train will take 35 minutes. The Buonotourist bus departs from Naples Airport and arrives at Salerno Station in the city center in 1 hour. You will have to spend 2.5 hours on the road from Rome, covering a distance of 260 kilometers separating the cities.
Trains arrive at the Salerno railway station from Reggio di Calabria, Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, located in the southeast of Italy.
SITA buses run between Salerno and Amalfi, but remain in the distance, making stops near the resorts of Minori and Maiori. The CSTP bus number 50 takes you to the famous Pompeii ruins. Inside the city, it is better for tourists to travel on foot.
From the ports of Salerno, you can take a ferry or boat ride to Amalfi and Positano, or to the islands of Capri and Ischia.
Hotel prices and shopping
A large number of hotels in Salerno, today there are 65 of them, allows tourists to choose where to check in, based on their requirements and possibilities.
One of the most inexpensive options- Hotel B&B San Pietro A Corte. A night spent in it is estimated from 2000 rubles and more, it depends on the category of the room. A very comfortable hotel with a homely feel. In enough expensive hotels per night you can pay from 4500 rubles and more.
Salerno will satisfy all lovers of shopping. In the city center there is a huge number of shops selling a wide variety of goods. Here you can buy clothes from local or world famous designers, Italian shoes and bags, traditional gifts and alcoholic drinks, and other goods.
Many travel companies arrange shopping tours in Salerno. For this purpose, you can visit large shopping centers, boutiques, markets, small specialized stores. The range and quality of goods will satisfy any, even the most captious buyer. Prices for many goods are much lower than in nearby cities.
The most interesting and beautiful places in Salerno
The promenade of Trieste - pedestrian zone, laid through the center of Salerno along the seashore. It is 2 km long and 30 m wide. The walking paths are planted with various trees. Residents of the city and many visitors consider this promenade to be the most beautiful in Italy. It offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Salerno.
Salerno Cathedral is located on piazza Alfano I. Dedicated to the Apostle Matthew - the patron of the city and Our Lady of the Angels. It was built in 1080 - 1085. Archbishop Alfano took an active part in the design and construction of the cathedral. Since then, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times, but at the same time it was possible to maintain the original Romanesque appearance. The "Legend of Poor Henry" is associated with the cathedral. It is about how the German prince Heinrich once fell ill with leprosy. He dreamed of the Devil and gave him advice to turn to the doctors in Salerno, or bathe in the blood of that girl who voluntarily agrees to die for him. His fiancee Eliza agreed, but Henry refused such a sacrifice and went to Salerno. Here he entered the Cathedral of St. Matthew to pray, a miracle happened, and he was healed. The wedding of the prince and Eliza took place in this cathedral.
The Genovese Palace is located in Piazza Sedile Del Campo near the Cathedral. Initially, it was the house of Fabrizio Pinto, after his death, it went to the Carmelite Order, and from them to Baron Matteo Genovese. In 1744, according to the design of the architect Mario Giofreddo, the palace was rebuilt in the late Baroque style.
Palais d'Avossa is located on via Delle Botteghelle next to the Cathedral. Built in the 17th century by the noble Calce family. After them, d'Avossa became the owners. They remodeled the palace in the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century. This happened under the direction of the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice.
The Kopet Palace was built in the 18th century by the Kopet family. Located on Via Trotula de Ruggiero, 25 - at the foot of Mount Bonadies. beautiful view the bay opens from the palace. This building was the last residence of the Medical School of Salerno.
The Diocesan Museum is located in the building of the former seminary next to the Cathedral. The museum contains exhibits of the XII-XIV centuries - these are manuscripts and manuscripts, decorated with fine drawings and miniatures. The special pride of the museum is ivory plates with scenes from the Old and New Testaments carved on them. There are 67 of them in total. They date back to 1090 - 1130. There are many more historical treasures kept in this museum.
Arechis Castle is located on via Benedetto Croce at an altitude of 300 m above sea level. It is located above the city and the bay, and is a castle protected by towers. Battlements connect the towers medieval castle together.
There are many more interesting places can be visited in Salerno and its environs. These are the castle of Lancelotti, the caves in Pertosa, the garden of Minerva, the Pinacoteca of the province of Salerno, a medieval aqueduct, 7 churches, etc.
Paestum was still about our era Greek colony 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 hidden in underground temples frescoes and paintings. 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.
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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 Infrescos 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
Cathedral San Matteo is the main Roman Catholic church resort town 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 to the 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 items, 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.
Salerno Italy is a small port town on the shores of the 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, many 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 the year, the average temperature fluctuates 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 most cold 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 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. Art Gallery is located on Commerce Street (via Mercanti), 63. 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 old times the city of Salerno was famous for the rapid development of medicine. That is why here you can find a huge number of 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 the true essence of the 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. Tour group will visit more ancient church 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 you breath sea caves in which tourists 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 famous cities 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 a tourist city in Italy, where any tourist will be interested in spending time. It is here that everyone can enjoy the old streets, ancient architecture and medieval churches.
*Prices are valid for September 2018
July 21st, 2016 , 10:09 pm
Ah, this Salerno… A charming seaside town surrounded by mountains. Deprived of gloss and splendor, it captivates you gradually. The further you delve into its shady arched streets and courtyards, the more you become imbued with its atmosphere. Salerno ancient and modern city. WITH rich history, which is not in a hurry to tell you. It is like a locked pantry with accumulated good - pull the string, the door will open!
Before the cruise, I tried to find information about Salerno. Few have been found.
Like, Salerno is a nondescript city and for many just a starting point to the nearest attractions - Amalfitana, Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, Capri. Salerno has a large port, railway station, bus station.
Well, since you lingered in it, what to see? Duomo, giardino, castello - cathedral, botanical garden, fortress.
We obediently include all three in the program of our walk.
1. Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle of the 11th century, main city church, it contains valuable relics, it is also a museum, located in the center of the old city.
2. Garden of Minerva - the first botanical garden in Europe, founded in the 14th century, located on the terraces of the hill - rare plants, fountains, gazebos, great views.
3. Arechi Fortress (Castello di Arechi) of the 13th century rises above the city at an altitude of about 300 meters.
From the ship to the city center, we arrived by shuttle bus. At his stop stand tourist office. We take a map, ask the girl on duty how to get to the castello? We decided to start with him. She does not advise. He says it's risky, the bus runs once an hour, but now it's siesta. You can also take a taxi, but then do not let go of the car to be sure to return downstairs in time. Hmm, then the castello is cancelled, let's go to the city. After all, beautiful views of the surroundings open from the garden of Minerva. Can it be reached on foot? She smiles - si !
Delving into Old city. The first thing I pay attention to is the poster on the window - “ WelcomeinSalerno-thepearloftheTyrrheniancoast!"(Welcome to Salerno - the pearl of the Tyrrhenian coast!)
Pearl?! We'll see…
We ask the vegetable merchant how to get to the Duomo. He vigorously tries to explain to us with words and gestures - first destra, then sinistra and again destra (left, right, left). We smile. Not because they didn’t understand, but because it’s funny to look at him. But he decides to take us to the place so that we don't get lost. He leaves his trays unattended and, like a leader, marches ahead of us.
Duomo San Matteo built on the site of an ancient Roman temple during the heyday of Salerno. Then Salerno was the capital of the principality, stretching from the Gulf of Naples to the Ionian Sea. When the cathedral was built, one of the Popes consecrated it in 1085, and he is buried in it.
In the lower crypt of the cathedral, the remains of the saint, the same Apostle Matthew, who wrote the Gospel, are kept. We did not get into the crypt, it was closed. And in the courtyard, preparations were underway for the evening anniversary concert.
Ancient lions sit at the gates and at the door to the cathedral.
According to legend, during the attack on the city of the Saracens, the lions came to life and did not let them into the cathedral, where the townspeople were hiding.
Now let's go looking botanical garden. Here is the pointer to the Giardino, and there is no need to ask.
And we walked, and walked, higher and higher, the streets more and more deserted and narrower.
Are we going there? I asked the old woman who looked out the window. There, there, she waved her hand up. The forced march in the heat became tiring, and we were already thinking about whether to turn back, as we saw another arrow - Minerva's giardino!
Here we are at the target! But faced closed door. Siesta.
On the way back, we came across an elevator, on it and went down.
View from the elevator platform.
And this is at the bottom of the exit.
Below, unlike the garden of Minerva, the city park Villa Comunale was open and available to everyone. Shade and coolness were like a reward for us, exhausted by an unsuccessful ascent in the heat.
Do you want to sit here alone? You have been thought of and taken care of - single benches are placed around the park.
We sat, smoked, rested and again on the road.
The Salerno Medical School, founded by four physicians - an Arab, a Jew, a Roman and a Greek, was opened in the 9th century. It was the first educational institution in the Middle Ages in Europe to train physicians. The school enjoyed great fame and popularity. Salerno began to be called the city of Hippocrates. The inscription Hippocratica civitas still adorns the coat of arms of Salerno.
Against virtual museum The Pinacoteca (Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale) sheltered under the arch of the medical school, a small museum with an interesting collection from the Renaissance to the first half of the 19th century. The entrance is free.
Alfonso Gatto, a native of Salerno, (07/17/1909 - 03/08/1976) - Italian poet, writer, artist, journalist, film actor, member of the Resistance Movement. Civil pathos dominates in his works. Died in a car accident.
The evening was just beginning when our ship left the dock.
But why not at midnight, as in Malta? After all, at that time the evening coolness descended on the city, a concert began in the Arabic courtyard of the Cathedral of San Matteo and performances on the stage of the literary festival, merchants of all kinds set up their trays and tents on the embankment, street cafes were filled with visitors, benches in gardens and parks were occupied by couples, mothers with strollers and pensioners.
And tourists, many of whom never saw the city, sailed away on their liner...
View from the ship Vietri sul Mare. This village, 3 km north of Salerno, is called the gateway to Amalfitana. From it begins a 50-kilometer winding road along the rocky coast. Grottoes, bays, colorful towns hanging over the emerald sea. The composer Renato Fuccini eloquently said about this coast: “Those Amalfis who go to heaven will not notice any difference.”
