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Useful information for tourists about Salerno in Italy - geographical position, tourism infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Salerno is a popular resort on the Amalfi Riviera, the administrative center of the province of the same name and a major port on the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy. The city is located 56 km from Naples.

The first inhabitants of the territory of modern Salerno were Etruscan tribes. The city was then colonized by the Romans. But its real heyday came in the 11th century, when the Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, appeared here. It was he who made Salerno the capital of his duchy in 1076 and opened the famous Scuola Medica Salernitana medical school, which in the Middle Ages was one of the largest in Europe and which is known to this day. Because of the presence of this school, Salerno is often referred to as the "city of Hippocrates".

In the 16th century, during the reign of the Sanseverino family, one of the most powerful in southern Italy, Salerno became an important cultural and educational center, where prominent people of their time lived and worked. Later, in 1694, the city was seriously damaged during several devastating earthquakes and a plague, and then, until the 18th century, was under the rule of the Spanish royal house. During the Second World War, Salerno became the capital of Italy for several months.

Today Salerno is an important cultural center of Campania and all of Italy. The city is divided into three sectors: the medieval one, planned in the 19th century, and the more populated post-war one. The historic center of Salerno is a variety of medieval churches, old houses and luxurious Palazzos, between which crowds of tourists scurry. The promenade of Lungomare Trieste, created in the 1950s, is considered an ideal place for an evening walk.

local climate- typically Mediterranean with hot and relatively dry summers and rainy autumns and winters. Strong winds blowing from the mountains towards the Gulf of Salerno are especially severe in winter. With all this, Salerno is considered one of the sunniest cities in Italy.

To explore Salerno, you can go to Via dei Mercanti and go to the Palatina Chapel, which was built from Roman stones. In the same place, in the historical part of the city, stands the Cathedral of San Matteo with the famous Gate of the Lions - Porta dei Leoni, an Islamic colonnade, a classical fountain and a bell tower of the 12th century. A little further is the Abbey of San Benedetto with an archaeological museum. Another museum located in the building of the Palazzo Pinto, the Pinacoteca is famous for its interesting collection of art from the Renaissance to the 19th century. You should definitely see the Castello di Arechi, towering over the Gulf of Salerno. It was built in the 8th century as a fort, then it was rebuilt by the Normans and members of the Aragonese dynasty. Today, a collection of weapons, ceramics and coins is exhibited within the walls of the castle. There are other castles in Salerno - Forte La Carnale, built in the Middle Ages, and Castel Terracena, from which only some fragments have survived to this day.

The numerous palaces of Salerno invariably arouse the admiration of tourists - the Palazzo di Citta, built in the 20th century in the fascist style, the baroque Palazzo Genovese, the Palazzo De Ruggiero, the Palazzo Frusone of the 12th century and others.

Majestic Salerno(Salerno) is full of various stories, mysteries and myths. In every corner of the city, tourists will find a mysterious place that sets an exciting mood for all travelers. In distant times Salerno was under the rule of the Etruscan Federation, then became a colony of the Ancient Roman Empire, and then passed into the hands of the Normans, and only in the 11th century Salerno could be called the majestic capital of the Norman principality, which became an economic center with developed maritime trade.

Salerno is currently the largest port city in Italy located off the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Salerno has become popular among travelers and tourists who want to visit various dizzying and grandiose places. Despite the time, many historical monuments have been preserved here, such as the city Palace of Salerno, the Cathedral of St. Matthew, the Ruggiero Palace, the Areca Fortress, the Genovese Palace, the Papal Chapel and others.

Rest under the sun

When it comes to relaxing by the sea, in our heads all thoughts revolve towards the sea with bright sun and sandy beach. The question arises of choosing a place, and the answer suggests itself - Sunny Italy. Why is this country called that?
Salerno " sunny city"and the sun shines here 280 days a year, and the average temperature reaches above 25 degrees, the swimming season is open from May to October, when water temperatures in tyrenian sea from +20 degrees. IN winter time Salerno allows you to enjoy the grandiose landscapes of natural and cultural attractions.

Incredible journey through the streets of Salerno

At an altitude of more than 260 meters above sea level, there is a significant object of the city - areca fortress. It was built in the eighth century, but was subject to significant destruction and turned into ruins, however, after restoration restoration work, it is ready to receive tourists, showing collections of weapons, coins and armor.

Downtown Salerno you will see brilliant Cathedral St. Matthew built in the 11th century. The entrance to the cathedral is guarded by statues of two lions and is called the "Entrance of the Lions". According to legend, during the attack of the Saracens, the lions woke up and were able to save God's temple. The courtyard is surrounded by columns that once adorned the Roman forum. In the center of the courtyard is a granite fountain. Roman sarcophagi can be seen along the walls. The vault of the cathedral is decorated with mosaics and drawings depicting holy scripture, and in the center is the tomb of Matthew.

Ruggiero Palace- the palazzo, located opposite the Cathedral, was designed by one wonderful Italian master, originally for the famous Genovese family, in the Baroque style. In the 19th century, Bottiller himself was involved in the restoration of the palace. Currently, Ruggiero serves as an art gallery, where the works of the most talented artists are collected annually.

Ancient building of Salerno Hagia Sophia Complex(Complesso monumentale di Santa Sofia), built in the 10th century, which became the first monastery for the Benedictines. Years later, the building was the city court, and later - the school. Currently, exhibitions are held there periodically.

Trieste embankment- an amazing place for a peaceful walk. The alley, stretching for 2 km along the embankment, will please the traveler with clean air, pleasant aroma and a marvelous panorama of the Gulf of Salerni.

An attractive place for tourists is papal chapel- a chapel, which was built from the stone of the temple of the ancient Romans. In the chapel, the walls are decorated with millennial frescoes. Above the chapel is a small bell tower.

View from Santoro Palace overlooks the waterfront of Salerno. The building consists of seven floors and is similar to fairy palace built in the Coppede style.

The city also has the eponymous palace of salerno built in 1936. The first floor of the palace is occupied by a cinema with 700 seats, in the main "Marble" hall there are
Paintings by Pasquale Avallone.

A very young building in Salerno - Lighthouse of Justice, built of black and white marble up to 9 m high, in 2007.

On shopping street It houses the provincial art gallery, rich in works from the Renaissance to the mid-19th century. Local artists also bring their work here. The main place is occupied by the work of Sabatini, who, together with Raphael, worked on the design of the hall in the Vatican.

Palace of Ruja Argonskog o is located in the historical center of Salerno, occupies a fairly large area. Emperor Charles V was a guest here when he came on a visit to Italy, and thus glorified the Argonsky Palace.

In Palace Galdier and in 2009 the Roberto Papi Museum was opened. It contains original exhibits of medical instruments created by man since the 17th century, as well as the founders of the museum recreated medical cabinets from different eras.

In the vicinity of the hills of Salerno you can find real ancient roman bridges made in arched style. The bridges have not lost their functionality and durability, the local residents still use them today.
In Salerno you can visit many more fascinating places- Lancelotti Castle, underground passages in Pertosa, Minerva's Garden, Pinacoteca, medieval aqueduct, 7 churches and other attractions.

What to choose a trip to the store or to the theater? Or maybe both?

For shopping, you should go along the perennial shopping street "via dei Mercanti". In the 11th century, it was famous for the fact that it gathered big businessmen and merchants from all parts of the city, who traded in popular silk fabrics and curtains. Centuries later, it still remains a “shopping mall” where you can buy things from famous brands. The length of the street is about 1 km, and the width is 5 m, and in some places it reaches 3 m, and stretches to Portanova Square.
You can also go shopping along Vittorio Emanuele Street, this is a real paradise for casual shopping, there are goods for every taste, moreover, some stores arrange holiday discounts, which is comparable to outlets. For example, such as "United Colors of Benetton", "Intimissimi, Kiko", "Svarovski", "Swatch".

Fans of performances can visit the Verdi Theater, somewhat similar to the San Carlo Theater, located in Naples. The theater has been operating since the middle of the 19th century and is rich in a large number of brilliant performances, including the great composer Giuseppe Verdi, after whom it is named.
At night, the best club in Salerno "Mama Non Mama" will welcome guests, where Italian hits are played, and the musical rhythm and excellent lighting takes all visitors into a hot dance.

And in a restaurant... and in a restaurant...

Brera - an institution is an exemplary Italian restaurant with a classic modern menu, which includes seafood dishes combined with vegetable side dishes.
Vicolo Della Neve is a restaurant-pizzeria with a luxurious interior, paintings by Italian painters flaunt on the walls, reminiscent of a gallery in the local museum of Salerno.
Bacchanalia is an upscale restaurant where a rich selection of dishes is accompanied by first class service and a magical atmosphere.
Preference is given to meat and fish treats, game, cheeses and pastries prepared by recognized culinary craftsmen according to a special recipe. Italy will show you what an unforgettable meal means.

Luxuriously relax

From 65 hotels Salerno everyone will be able to find an apartment to their taste: from the most economical to luxury.

The most popular, among ordinary tourists and the most demanding, are:
Mediterranea Hotel & Convention Center is one of the most budget hotels but with the necessary amenities.
First, the rooms are comfortable.
Secondly, the hotel has its own private beach area, multifunctional and convenient parking, as well as four restaurants with amazing Italian cuisine that makes you feel like a king or queen.

For lovers of real luxury, we suggest staying at Relais Paradiso. The hotel is a 5-star hotel and its rooms embody the very luxury and wealth, and the building itself is located in a quiet and peaceful place a kilometer from the city. On its territory there are spa salons - procedures, restaurants, bars and an outdoor pool with unsurpassed views of the bay.

Salerno will open his heart to everyone and allow you to visit a fairy tale, delivering an unforgettable experience!

From Italy with love!

About konobella

A beautiful city Salerno (Salerno), "gazing" at one of the most beautiful and important bays - a real "treasure chest". In addition to the romantic waterfront and the magnificent Castello Arechi that dominates the city, Salerno holds countless charming places, squares, churches, palaces and museums in its narrow medieval streets - this "tourist's kit" makes Salerno a favorite destination for Italian and foreign travelers. .

Located halfway between the mountains of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the vast plain of the Sele River, dominating the waters of the gulf of the same name, Salerno- the second largest city in the region, offering the visitor, like other large population centers of the region, an unforgettable quintessence of nature, culture and history that has developed over the centuries.

A1 Naples-Salerno: exit to Vietri sul Mare or Salerno

A30 Caserta-Rome: exit at Fratte/Salerno centro

A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria: exit at Fratte/Salerno centro

A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria: Pontecagnano exit towards Fratte/Tangenziale

By train

Salerno. Thinkstock Photos

On a ferryboat

Ferries to Salerno depart daily from, Malta and Valencia.

Where to stay in Salerno?

Hotel Montestella - Corso Vittorio Emanuele 156, 84122 Salerno, Italy

Hotel Montestella is located on the main street of Salerno, in pedestrian zone Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Located just 400 meters from railway station, this family-run hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and free wifi.

Rooms feature modern interiors with carpeted floors and an LCD TV. Each has a work desk, minibar and private bathroom.

Breakfast is served every morning at Hotel Montestella" Buffet" from sweet and savory dishes. In summer, you can have breakfast right on the terrace.

Salerno Cathedral is 800 meters away, while tourist and trading ports are also nearby.

B&B Forte La Carnale - Via Carlo Pisacane 14, 84127 Salerno, Italy

B&B Forte La Carnale is located just 200 meters from the beach in Salerno. It offers a terrace, a garden, free private parking and rooms with a balcony with sea views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

The air-conditioned rooms are located on the 3rd floor and feature a flat-screen TV and tiled floors. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Other facilities include a shared lounge and a kitchen.

A traditional Italian breakfast of hot drinks, tea and pastries is served every morning.

Forte La Carnale is a 15-minute walk from Salerno Train Station and the ferry port. The Amalfi Coast is 7 km away.

Port of Salerno. Photo flickr.com

Albergo Fiorenza - Via Trento 145, 84131 Salerno, Italy

Albergo Fiorenza is 100 meters from the sea and public and private beach areas. Each room has a TV, private bathroom and air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy free use of DVDs from the common shelf (more than 300 films). Movies can be watched on the DVD player in the rooms.

The Fiorenza offers free outdoor parking and a garage on site. The SS18 national highway exit is just 1 km away.

Drinks are served at the elegant bar. The hotel serves a buffet breakfast. There is also a TV room. Discounts are available for hotel guests at a private partner beach.

Pompeii is 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. The pretty town of Amalfi is 30 km away.

B&B Sul Corso - Corso Vittorio Emanuele 126, 84122 Salerno, Italy

B&B Sul Corso is located in the heart of Salerno, less than 3 km from Salerno Port and a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal for Amalfi. At guests' service free WiFi public areas and air-conditioned rooms.

The rooms come with parquet floors, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Salerno Train Station is 500 meters from B&B Sul Corso. Naples International Airport is 45 minutes away.

Salerno. Thinkstock Photos

Hotel Plaza - Piazza Vittorio Veneto (P.zza Ferrovia), 42, 84123 Salerno, Italy

Hotel Plaza is located in the heart of Salerno, directly opposite the train station and close to the bus station and the beautiful seaside promenade. A buffet breakfast is served daily.

The rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and satellite TV.

The Plaza Hotel is an excellent base for exploring Salerno and the surrounding area. This family run hotel has a great team of staff who are always available to help and offer advice on how to make the most of your time.

Guests can take ferries to Sardinia and Sicily, while trains and buses can take you to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Attractions Salerno

Shopping street (via dei Mercanti)

Via dei Mercanti is an ancient shopping street that runs through the entire historical Center Salerno.

In the eleventh century this street was called "Drapparia" because it was dominated by shops selling fabrics or "drappi".

the length of this street is about a kilometer: Via dei Mercanti begins from the so-called "Arch of Areca" and stretches to Piazza Portanova, where it ends Old city and the modern Salerno appears to the eye. The width of the medieval road is, on average, 5 meters, but in some places the street narrows to only three meters.

Via dei Mercanti. Thinkstock Photos

Along the way, you will come across some of the most important churches in all of Salerno, such as the Churches of the Holy Cross and San Gregorio, as well as famous palaces such as Palazzo Pinto and Palazzo Carrara. It also has easy access to Via Duomo, which leads to the magnificent Cathedral of Salerno.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral is one of the most prominent sights in the historic center of Salerno. It was erected in the 11th century, significantly modernized in the 18th century, and was badly damaged by the 1980 earthquake. The cathedral bears the name of St. Matthew - one of the four evangelists, whose remains came to the city in 954 and rest in a vaulted crypt under the main altar. It is adjacent to the tomb of Pope Gregory VII (XI century), who consecrated the cathedral immediately after construction. In the right apse is the Cross Chapel, in which the crusaders blessed their weapons before the next campaign.

Thinkstock Photos

Today main church The city is also one of its main museums. It contains many works of art created over the past millennium, including silver statues of Christian martyrs, as well as documentation from the Medical School, which is recognized by many historians as the first European university. The cathedral has a rather rich sculptural decoration, and it is characteristic that animal figures predominate among the sculptures. The main staircase leading to the entrance is decorated with the majestic Lions Gate, which is an example of a unique architectural style.

The Cathedral is located in Piazza Alfano and is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

Papal Chapel (Cappella Palatina)

One of the creations of the Lombard Duke of Areca II. It's not just built on the spot. ancient roman sanctuary, but also made of stones of an ancient temple.

Fortress of Arechi

This castle is located quite spectacularly: it rises 263 meters above the city. It was built by Areki II - the Lombard Duke of Benevent - on the site of a Byzantine fortress. By making seemingly minor changes to the original building, the duke managed to make the fortress the cornerstone of the local defensive system. This happened in the distant VIII century, and subsequently significant changes were made to the building, first by the Normans, and later by the Aragonese.

Photo flickr.com

After the unification of Italy, the castle was abandoned for a long time until it became the property of the province. After lengthy restoration work in 2001, the historic building reopened its doors. Today, the fortress, which has become a museum building, houses permanent collections of ceramics, weapons and coins. It is also the best place to view the city, the Gulf of Salerno and its surroundings.

You can get here by bus number 19, which departs from the city center from May 24 Square (piazza XXIV Maggio). The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 15:30.

Provincial Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Provinciale)

South of the cathedral, on the territory of the Abbey of St. Benedict, there is an archaeological museum, the collection of which has absorbed most of the finds from all over the province. Interesting expositions dedicated to jewelry, starting from the Iron Age, many statues and precious dishes. The Provincial Museum houses the famous bronze head of an ancient Greek statue, caught off the coast of Salerno by a fisherman in 1931. Founded in 1927, in the 60s the museum moved to the building of the former monastery church of St. Benedict. To our days, the building is extremely dilapidated and the museum is currently closed for restoration.

Provincial Art Gallery (Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale)

In the very medieval heart of Salerno, in a small building, there is a collection of paintings dating back to the period from the beginning of the Renaissance and. Central location the gallery is occupied by the masterpieces of Andrea Sabatini, an outstanding southern Italian master, who, together with Raphael, worked on the design of the halls of the Vatican. It is also worth paying attention to the paintings of Giovanni Battista Caracciolo and Francesco Solimena.

Artwork by Andrea Sabatini

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

The art gallery is located at 63 Trade Street (via Mercanti). You can visit it completely free of charge from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 15:15 from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Sunday.

city ​​embankment

The Trieste embankment in Salerno is a pedestrian alley 30 meters wide and about two kilometers long. Its construction began in the first decades of the last century, but most of the work took place in the post-war period. For the sake of creating a modern recreation area, some historical monuments had to be sacrificed. To date, only one ancient site has survived in this area - St. Teresa Beach.

City embankment. Thinkstock Photos

Significant changes in the structure of the embankment took place in the early 1990s. The result of the design work were three parallel sidewalks, separated by lush vegetation.

Roman bridges

In the vicinity of Salerno, standing on the hills, quite a lot of ancient Roman bridges, made in the arched style, have been preserved. Centuries-old structures are so durable that they are not only well preserved to this day, but are still used for their intended purpose.

Ancient plumbing (Acquedotto medievale)

In the Middle Ages, the entire city was covered by a unique water supply - real pride local engineers and builders, built in the 9th century. Today, scattered, but numerous parts of this building remain.

Ancient plumbing. Thinkstock Photos

The people called the openwork arches of the aqueduct the "Devil's bridge", and there was even a legend that it was built in one night, only with the help of dark forces. Superstitious townspeople also considered it a bad omen to pass under the arch in the dark.

Roberto Papi Museum (Museo Roberto Papi)

This unusual museum was created in 2009 and is located in the historical palace of Galdieri. It contains many medical instruments dating back to the 17th century. The exhibits cover almost all areas of medicine: ophthalmology, dentistry, cardiology, various surgical areas, etc. In addition, the atmosphere of medical offices of different times is clearly recreated.

Benedictine Monastery of Santa Sofia

The Benedictine monastery of Hagia Sophia was founded at the end of the 10th century. At the beginning of its history, the building served as the abode of the monks of the Benedictine order, then 2 centuries later a school for boys was founded here. Later, after the simplification of the Benedictine order by Pope Clement XVI, the monastery was transferred to the Carmelite monks. At the beginning of the 19th century, the municipal court was located in the monastery. Then the building was abandoned for many years, but today the monastery has been restored and receives visitors.

Not far from the monastery is the church of Addolorata, built for parish priests at the end of the 16th century.

If you have reached the monastery, be sure to stop by the nearby Piazza Abbate Conforti, where, probably in the era ancient rome there was a forum. The remains of the forum have not reached us, but the many beautiful palazzos that served as residences for local aristocrats, whose windows overlook the square, fully compensate for this fact.

Minerva's Garden (Giardino della Minerva)

In the Middle Ages Botanical Garden in the city center was equipped for students of the Higher Medical School. It was located along the western fortress wall and contained those types of plants that were used for medicinal purposes. In the 17th century it was sold to a private owner, and after World War II it became the property of the city. In 2001, after a ten-year restoration, the Minerva Garden was enriched with many rare plants, received an updated system of canals and fountains and opened to the public. Today, the garden serves as a botanical nursery, it hosts tours among the ancient plantings with medicinal plants.

Photo flickr.com

Mercatello Park (Parco del Mercatello)

A large park in the eastern part of Salerno with an area of ​​ten hectares is one of the largest in all of Italy. Here you can wander in shady groves, and visit greenhouses with succulents, and relax on the shore of an artificial lake. The territory of the park often becomes a venue for cultural events.

City Palace of Salerno

This palace is very young compared to its medieval counterparts. Erected in 1936, it is made in a typical fascist style, has four floors and a total area of ​​​​5000 square meters. meters. The main hall of the building is called Marble and is decorated with paintings by the local artist Pasquale Avallone, depicting Salerno at different points in its development. On the ground floor of the town hall there is a cinema "Augusteo", which can accommodate up to 700 spectators.

Copet Palace (Palazzo Copeta)

This medieval building is located in the Lombard part of Salerno on the slopes of Mount Bonadies. Its L-shaped layout allows you to see both the southern plain and the west coast. The Kopet Palace became the last location of the Higher Medical School, it was based here for exactly half a century: the opening took place in 1811, and in 1861 the building was taken out of use by a ministerial order.

Ruggiero Palace (Palazzo De Ruggiero)

The Ruggiero Palace is located opposite the entrance to the city Cathedral and is made in the Baroque style. At the beginning of its history, the building belonged to the Genovese family and therefore bore their last name. In the 19th century, after restoration by the architect Bottilleri, the palace experienced a rebirth, and now art exhibitions are held here.

Palazzo Barone. Photo flickr.com

Genovese Palace (Palazzo Genovese)

Do not confuse this palace, located on Torgovaya Street, with the one described above. The building in the late Baroque style is known as the headquarters of the local university, and also has an extremely interesting design of the entrance, highlighted by heavy wooden doors and architectural elements.

Decoration of the entrance to the Genovese Palace. Photo colorimediterranei.it

Santoro Palace (Palazzo Santoro)

Palace with a view city ​​embankment is one of the examples of the rare architectural style of Coppede, named after an Italian architect who worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The seven-story building is crowned with a central tower and, thanks to many bizarre elements, resembles a fairy-tale palace.

Palace of Ruggi of Aragon (Palazzo Ruggi d "Aragona)

This palace is the largest in the historical center of Salerno. Currently, the building is in a state of restoration, but it is potentially one of the most interesting city sights, since at the beginning of the 16th century, Emperor Charles V stopped here during his three-day visit.

Palazzo Sant'Agostino. Thinkstock Photos

The monumental complex of San Pietro a Corte (Complesso Monumentale di San Pietro a Corte)

The monumental complex of San Pietro a Corte is the most important building of the Lombard era in this city. Was once here Supreme Court Lombard Principality in Campania, which is associated with the Duke of Benevento, Arechi II, who in 774 moved from Benevento to Salerno.

The church of San Pietro a Corte, which belongs to the complex, was built on the basis of an ancient Roman building and is one of the oldest monuments Salerno. The church chapel (Palatine chapel) of Arechi II was used as a court choir. Later, the complex of St. Peter was refurbished and housed the famous medical school of Salerno.

Today, the complex is part of the "Always Open Monuments" project of the Municipality of Salerno: it is open every day throughout the year. Here you can go on an introductory tour, during which you can see the Minerva Gardens and the Church of San Salvatore de Fundaco.

Archaeological area Fratte (Area Archeologica di Fratte)

The archaeological area of ​​Fratte is located on the northeastern outskirts of Salerno, on a hill rising on the left bank of the Irno River, testifying to the presence of an ancient settlement here, formed by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC.

The archaeological area was discovered by accident during the construction of a road in the early 19th century. During detailed excavations, archaeologists brought to the surface a whole ancient city, with an acropolis, fragments of streets paved with stones, ruins of houses, baths and even the remains of an Etruscan temple. Artifacts dating back to the 6th century BC were also found here, which today can be seen in the provincial archaeological museum of Salerno.

Fratte region. Thinkstock Photos

Fort Carnale (Forte la Carnale)

Karnale Fort was built near the Irno River in 1563 to protect the city from Saracen raids. The fort got its terrible name in memory of the bloody massacre during the pirate raid on Salerno in 872.

In the middle of the 17th century, the condottiere Ippolito di Pastena used the fort as a base during an uprising against Bourbon rule.

The fort was heavily damaged during German attacks during World War II.

Today Fort Karnale serves as a venue for cultural events, there are also several restaurants and bars, as well as a panoramic terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea.

Fort Karnale. Thinkstock Photos

Lighthouse of Justice (Faro della Giustizia)

A curious monument appeared in Salerno five years ago: a nine-meter cone made of black and white marble. Its construction was timed to coincide with the opening of the "judicial fortress", and the meaning of the monument is interpreted as a comparison of the past and the present, dialogue and drawing conclusions, the ability to compare the new and the established.

Photo salernoinfoto.blogspot.com

Province of Salerno: curious and unknown places to visit

The province of Salerno keeps in its bowels many treasures that are still unknown to most visitors. These sights are scattered everywhere - from the coast of the Cilento to the peaks of the picturesque mountains of Picentini. Of course, we cannot mention every piece of paradise in Salerno, but let's try to pay attention to some of the forgotten wonders and curiosities of the province.

Let's start our journey from the resort Terme Contursi, a pleasant place chosen by countless visitors a year, thanks to its sulphurous waters that can heal and keep the body in good shape.

Terme Contursi. Photo flickr.com

Located near the resort Valva(Valva), a small town descending from the eastern slopes of Mount Marzano, near the Serra delle Rose valley, which borders the Picentini mountain range. This area, mostly rocky, contains a real "diamond" - villa d "Ayala-Valva - a park that spreads over an area of ​​​​18 hectares, completely surrounded by walls. Its current appearance was last changed in the eighteenth century. Fountains, statues , small architectural structures, and then a system of caves and canals, which probably dates back to Roman times, beautiful gardens, as well as an open-air theater - everyone who comes here is impressed.The castle is also magnificent, which, together with its tower adjacent to the complex.

Another treasure of the province - Palazzo De Curtis in Roccagloriosa, Borgo, where the inimitable comedian Toto was born. Roccagloriosa, which is located on western slope capital mountains, is generally recommended for visiting those tourists who love mountains and hiking among magnificent landscapes. Passing through the mesmerizing panoramas of Mount Bulgeria and taking plenty of photographs of the calm waters of the Policastro Bay, you will reach the necropolis of the ancient Lucanian city fistelia, emerging among the olive trees, shrouded in the smells of juniper and myrtle, where you can enjoy the most beautiful views and feel peace with every fiber of your soul.

Roccagloriosa. Photo flickr.com

What to try in Salerno?

In addition to its rich culture, Salerno's other "trump card" in the eyes of tourists is definitely its gastronomy.

From the Amalfi coast to the Cilento coast, the cuisine of the province of Salerno can be summed up as a combination of exquisite flavors built on a variety of high quality products. Salerno's traditional dishes range from fish to puff pastries, from calzones to chestnut ravioli, offered in all restaurants in the city as a typical product of the area.

Among the especially delicious and unique recipes of the province, we recommend you to try spaghetti with shellfish, fish soups, swordfish rolls, and octopus cooked in clay pots with tomatoes from San Marzano.

The Salerno region is also extremely rich in snacks. For example, here is a real paradise for cheese lovers - in Salerno you will find delicious provolone, pecorino, Manteca Cilento, scamorza, mozzarella DOP Bufala y burrino, all produced with respect for the tradition of cheese making.

Local dishes are often "enriched" with the famous San Marzano tomatoes, which are used as an ingredient for first and second courses, such as "Scialatielli" or "Paccheri". Among the fish species here are very common Menaica anchovies (alici di Menaica), whose name comes from an ancient fishing technique once widespread in the Mediterranean Sea, which are abundantly poured with the juice of Amalfi lemons, known throughout the world, the "basic" raw material for the famous Limoncello liqueur ".

Salerno also makes exceptionally delicious desserts - rum baba, lemon biscuits and sospiri.

Among the wines, we note Costa d’Amalfi, il Cilento, il Castel San Lorenzo, il Gragnano, il Sorrento and il Lettere, the quality of which is guaranteed by the DOC quality mark.

Salerno is a city in southern Italy, the administrative center of the province of the same name in the Campania region, as well as a port on the coast of the Salerno Gulf of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

History and interesting facts

This seaside resort known since 197 BC, at that time it was a Roman colony and was used for military and commercial purposes. In the era of the migration of peoples after the fall of Rome, the city was the capital of the Lombards, from the middle of the 7th century - the Duchy of Benevento, from 839 - the Lombard kingdom. In the 11th century, the Normans conquered the kingdom, and the city fell under the rule of the emperors of the Staufen dynasty. In the XII-XV centuries Salerno was an independent administrative unit.

At this time, the city gains great fame due to the Salernitan Medical School and receives the nickname "City-Hippocrates".

Since the 15th century, the city has become part of the Kingdom of Naples, and since 1860 - part of a unified Italy. 145 thousand people live in the city. The patron saint of the city, as is commonly believed, is Levi Matthew, whose relics are kept in the local cathedral. The feast of the city, or as it is officially called "the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist" is celebrated on September 21st.

What to see?

Salerno is one of the most popular seaside cities in Italy, designed for seaside holidays. The climate here is warm and mild, which is typical for all cities of the Neapolitan Riviera. Tourism in Salerno is at a high level as the city is rich in historical and cultural center. Salerno contains a lot of attractions interesting for lovers of history, art and culture.

Market Street

The shopping street (via dei Mercanti) or, as the locals call it, the street of merchants, is the territory where local representatives of the merchants settled and traded since ancient times. This street has always been very crowded, which remains to this day. The shopping street is a bizarre mixture of museums, stalls and small shops; tourist walks and excursions traditionally start from here.

Cathedral of St. Matthew

In the very center of the city 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, one of the four authors of the Holy Scripture and the patron saint of the city. His relics from 954 lie in a crypt under the main altar of the cathedral. The Romanesque lion portal, the Islamic colonnade and the baroque crypt are wonderfully harmoniously combined in this architectural masterpiece. Next to the crypt is the tomb of Pope Gregory II, who consecrated the church immediately after construction. Today St. Matthew's Cathedral is the main museum of the city. This place has collected works of art that have been created over the past thousand years, as well as the documentation of the Salernitan Medical School. An art gallery is popular among tourists, where paintings by artists of the 13th-18th centuries are kept. The sculptural decoration of the cathedral impresses with its richness. Its peculiarity is the predominance of animal sculptures. The Cathedral is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ruggiero Palace

Opposite the entrance to the Cathedral is the Ruggiero Palace (Palazzo De Ruggiero). This baroque building originally belonged to the Genovese family and bore their name. The palace was restored by the architect Bottilleri in the 19th century and today is a venue for art exhibitions.

Genovese Palace

On Piazza Sedile Del Campo, in the historic center of the city, is the Genovese Palace (Palazzo Genovese). Once it was the mansion of Fabrizio Pinto, which he bequeathed to the Carmelite order. But the monks were unable to maintain the house, and it was ceded to Baron Matteo Genovese. In 1744 the palace was reconstructed in the late baroque style. For some time the building was the headquarters of the local university.

Hagia Sophia Complex

Another old building is the monumental complex of Hagia Sophia (Complesso monumentale di Santa Sofia) - this building was built in the X century and served as the first monastery for the Benedictines. Later, the city court was located in the building, and even later - a school. Now in the Hagia Sophia complex exhibitions of various levels are periodically held.

papal chapel

Many tourists are attracted by the Papal Chapel (Cappella Palatina) - a chapel built from the stones of an ancient Roman temple. Inside the chapel is decorated with millennial frescoes. On top of the chapel is a small bell tower.

Trieste embankment

Tourists who love leisurely walks are provided with the Trieste embankment. This is a pedestrian alley 2 km long and 30 m wide. To create a modern recreation area on the embankment, some historical monuments had to be sacrificed. The only ancient site preserved in the area is St. Teresa Beach.

Santoro Palace

With its facade, the Santoro Palace (Palazzo Santoro) proudly looks at the city embankment. This seven-story building, reminiscent of a fairy-tale palace, was built in the rare architectural style of Coppede.

Fortress of Areki

The Arechi Fortress (Castello di Arechi) is the main goal of tourists walking around the city. This is big castle complex located at an altitude of 263 m above sea level. The castle for a long time of its existence has basically turned into ruins. However, after lengthy restoration works, the fortress building turned into a museum where you can contemplate ancient collections of weapons, coins and ceramics.

Provincial Archaeological Museum

Some of the exhibits were transported to the fortress of Areca from the Provincial Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Provinciale). The museum is located a little south of the cathedral. The museum's collection includes significant archaeological finds from all over the province. The most famous exhibit is the bronze head of the statue of Apollo I, which was caught by a fisherman in 1931 in the waters of the Gulf of Salerno. The most ancient archaeological exhibits are Greek pottery and Etruscan tableware.

City Palace of Salerno

One of the youngest architectural creations is the city palace of Salerno (Palazzo di Città di Salerno). This four-story building, made in the fascist style, was erected in 1936. On the ground floor of the palace there is a cinema with 700 seats, and the main hall, called the "Marble", is decorated with paintings by the local master Pasquale Avallone.

Kopet Palace

On the slope of Mount Bonadies stands the Copet Palace (Palazzo Copeta) - a medieval L-shaped building, which was the last location of the Higher Medical School.

Provincial Art Gallery

The Provincial Art Gallery (Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale) is located in a small building in the heart of medieval Salerno on Commerce Street. Here are the works of artists ranging from the Renaissance to the middle of the XIX century. It also exhibits works by contemporary local artists. The central place of the gallery is occupied by the paintings of Andrea Sabatini, the famous southern Italian artist who, together with Raffaello Santi, decorated the halls in the Vatican.

Palace of Ruja of Aragon

Palace of Ruggi of Aragon (Palazzo Ruggi d'Aragona) largest palace the historic center of Salerno. The palace is famous for the fact that it was here that Emperor Charles V had the honor to visit during his visit.

Roman bridges

Salerno was built on hills, so the city has many bridges built during the time of Ancient Rome. Some Roman bridges are so strong that they are still used for their intended purpose.

Fragments of an ancient aqueduct

On Via Arce there are fragments of an ancient aqueduct (Acquedotto medievale), which was built in the 9th century. The aqueduct covered the whole city and was the pride of the engineers and builders of that time.

Roberto Papi Museum

In 2009, the Roberto Papi Museum (Museo Roberto Papi) was opened in the historic Galdieri Palace. The originality of this museum lies in the fact that the exhibits here are medical instruments that have been created by man since the 17th century. The exhibits of the museum cover literally all areas of medicine. In addition, medical offices of different times with the appropriate environment are visually recreated in the premises.

Minerva's Garden

In the center of the city is a botanical nursery called the Minerva Garden (Giardino della Minerva). The garden was built in the Middle Ages for students of the Salernitan Medical School. The garden contained many plants used for medicinal purposes. For a long time it was in private hands and did not have proper care, but after the Second World War it again became the property of the city. The garden was restored and supplemented with rare plants. Today the Garden of Minerva is a tourist site where guided tours are held.

Mercatello Park

In the eastern part of the city is Mercatello Park, one of the largest parks in all of Italy. On hot days, shady alleys give people life-giving coolness. The territory of the park is a popular place for a variety of social events.

Lighthouse of Justice

The city not only restores old architectural monuments but new ones are being built. So in 2007, a cone of black and white marble 9 meters high was built. The construction of the monument was timed to coincide with the opening of the “judicial fortress”. The monument was given the name Lighthouse of Justice (Faro della Giustizia).

Holidays in Salerno

Nowadays, there are many who want to see the sights of old cities, visit museums and galleries, but even more tourists tend to the sea. Salerno will satisfy both. Clean sandy beaches, warm azure sea, fresh air, good hotels and restaurants with unique Italian cuisine - what else do you need for a comfortable beach holiday!

The beauty and diversity of nature creates a unique relaxing atmosphere, and the hospitality of the locals will add a sense of comfort and tranquility. Salerno isn't called "for nothing" sunny beach because the sun shines here 280 days a year. The climate here is very mild, Mediterranean and is considered one of the most favorable in Italy. The average air temperature in summer is from +24C to +27C, in spring and autumn from +16C to +22C. The official holiday season in Salerno lasts from May, when the water temperature reaches +18C, to October, when it drops to the same temperature. However, even in winter, you can come to Salerno and enjoy the warmth and fresh air, the cleanliness of which is monitored by the Italian authorities with special care. Cars are strictly forbidden to enter many protected areas, as well as the centers of ancient cities. Speaking of protected areas. In the province of Salerno is the Amalfi Coast - one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

How to get there

Salerno is located 60 km from Naples and 260 km from Rome, where international airports are located. From both cities, both high-speed and regular trains run to Salerno. Naples - Salerno: 35 minutes, 6.5 euros. Rome - Salerno: 2-2.5 hours, 40-45 euros. There are also trains to Salerno in the direction from Basilicata, Reggio di Calabria, Apulia and Calabria.

• We recommend reading: how to buy train tickets in italy

From Naples Airport, you can also take the Buonotourist bus, which comes to the Salerno railway station, located in the very center of the city. The cost of such a pleasure is 7 euros, tickets can be purchased directly on the bus.

Hotels in Salerno

In Salerno you can find a hotel for every taste and budget. We will tell you about the most popular hotels from each price category.

• Recommended: B&B Luxury Suite Corso Vittorio – comfortable apartments in the city center, suitable for a family or a group of friends who want to be together, the staff speaks Russian.

Hotel Il Fuso B&B located in the heart of Salerno, 10 minutes from the train station and very close to main street of the city of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Each room is equipped with an LCD TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy sweet Italian cuisine for breakfast.

Mediterranea Hotel & Convention Center- one of the cheapest hotels, however, in addition to the low price, you will find quite a few other advantages in it. The 4* hotel and congress center is located on the very seashore and has a private beach area. It features 2 restaurants, a rooftop garden, private paid parking, and free public parking next to the hotel, a golf course, bike and car rentals, and much more. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, some rooms offer an unforgettable view of the sea from their balconies.

Hotel Relais Paradiso 5* considered one of the most expensive hotels on the coast. Is located in small town Vietri sul Mare, just three kilometers from Salerno, away from the port, where you can relax in a calm and peaceful environment. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to the private beach, as well as to the center of Vietri sul Mare. On the territory of Paradiso is outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking views of the bay. All rooms are equipped with free internet connection, and you can order spa treatments directly from the room.

However, there is something exclusive, luxurious, hidden from prying eyes away from the noise. tourist places. paradise entitled Hotel Caruso, which is located in the town of Ravello near Salerno. Luxurious, elegant rooms, a wide range of services, the highest service.

The hotels of this class have everything and even more to spend an unforgettable romantic vacation on the Amalfi Coast - one of the most beautiful places mediterranean. True romantics who want to make their most important day truly unforgettable can celebrate a royal wedding here, with all its inherent splendor and luxury. For those who want to get to know the area better, Hotel Caruso offers private walking tours, sightseeing tours by helicopter, boat trips, evening excursions around the city, as well as golf and tennis. If you're lucky, you might be able to get to music Festival in Ravello.

Salerno- Italian port and resort city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, located near Naples.

Salerno attracts tourists not only with its beach holidays and sights, but also with its feeling of "real Italy". Unlike resorts specialized in the service, in Salerno you can both sunbathe and swim, and live in the surroundings, as most people imagine classical Italy.

Rest

Salerno manages to combine almost all possible types resort holiday: beach, cultural, sightseeing, outdoor recreation. By its nature, the city is very similar to another Tyrrhenian resort-Terracina. In Salerno, the same structure of the city - elongated buildings along a large beach; ancient history that left behind the historical center; as well as the proximity of a large city (Naples), many interesting places and small resort villages.

But Salerno is different enough large size- Approximately 140 thousand people. The city lives not only due to tourism, there is also a small port and industrial production. As a result, prices for housing and food are lower than in other Italian resorts, and Salerno retains the spirit of a real non-tourist Italy.

Salerno is very convenient for its proximity to Naples. The distance between the cities is only 50 kilometers, the journey by car takes about half an hour. This gives, firstly, a quick transfer to the international airport, and secondly, the opportunity to go to Naples for excursions or shopping. Also near Salerno is Positano (25 km), by boat you can get to Capri (50 km by water). And between Salerno and Naples is located famous volcano Vesuvius and one of the most interesting sights in all of Italy - Pompeii. You can also get to Rome from Salerno by train, the journey will take several hours, but the route is direct, without transfers.

The beaches of Salerno

This Italian resort is located on sandy beach almost 10 km long, so there are no problems with places for swimming even in the city. It is only necessary to take into account that western edge there is a port in the city and the water near it can be dirty.

The beaches themselves are sandy, with fine sand and a gentle entry into the water. Just like everywhere else in Italy, most of beaches are paid, and free ones can be quite dirty. But many hotels have their own beaches or agreements with beach clubs for a free pass for guests.

But still, the best beaches of the Amalfi Coast are not in Salerno, the largest city in the region, but in small resort and fishing villages: Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, etc.

Weather

Salerno is already considered the south of Italy and the weather here is appropriate. Frosts are rare in winter, the climate is mild, and in summer the temperature often rises above comfortable levels. For example, in August, the hottest month, the average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius.

The water in the already warm Tyrrhenian Sea near Salerno warms up to 28-29 degrees in summer. beach season starts in May, but the water can be quite cool, 19-20 degrees. And the season actually ends in November, in the early days of the last autumn month it is quite possible to swim, the sea still retains heat at the level of 20–21 degrees Celsius, which is usually even higher than the air temperature.

The tourist season, when all hotels and establishments are open, begins in mid-May and ends in November. But Salerno is a large city, even in winter it does not die out, unlike small refined resorts.

Map

Story

The Etruscans, the indigenous population of Italy, lived in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Salerno from the 6th century BC. Judging by the finds, they were actively trading with the nearby colonies of Greece. After the key battle in the history of the Etruscans at Cum, a naval battle with the Greeks, Salerno was settled by the Samnites.

Roman period

With the expansion of Roman influence, the original settlement fell into disrepair, and the inhabitants moved to the Roman fort built on the hill. In the III century BC, the Romans migrated to Salerno, who began to play a key role in the city. In particular, thanks to Roman rule during the Second Punic War, it was possible to keep Salerno under Roman rule, although the common population supported Hannibal.

Gradually, the Italian Salerno lost its military significance and became a commercial center. This was largely due to the construction of the Popilian road, which went from Capua to Regium (now Reggio di Calabria, the very south of the Apennine Peninsula). Archaeological finds speak of the flourishing and wealth of the city, it is also known that in the 3rd century AD, Salerno had already become administrative center region.

Power of the Lombards

With the division of the Roman Empire, the city of Salerno goes to Byzantium. In the 6th century AD, a more serious fortress was built on the site of the Roman fort, but it did not help much in the war between Byzantium and the Lombard people. The latter in 646 receive legal authority in Salerno, but archaeological artifacts indicate that the Lombards were actually in this area a century ago.

Initially, Salerno was part of the Principality of Benevento. Prince Arechis II in 774, as part of measures to strengthen his possessions, makes Salerno the second most important city by building a powerful fortress here, the core of which was the Byzantine-Roman fortifications on the hill. The treasury of the principality also moves to the fortress.

But thanks to this strengthening, already in 839 Salerno became the capital of the independent principality of the same name. The 11th century can be considered the peak of prosperity for Salerno, Prince Gvemar IV received power over almost the entire south of Italy, but he also laid the foundation for the Norman invasion. The attacks of the Saracen pirates, which became regular, did not add stability.

Norman power and the Middle Ages

In 1076, the Normans approached Salerno and entered the city after a siege that lasted 8 months and led to starvation among the urban population. But even under the new government, Salerno continued its development.

Over the next two hundred years, Salerno becomes the center of contention between the local rulers. The power struggle includes the rulers of Sicily, the Norman faction led by Matteo of Salerno, as well as the Holy Roman Empire. Salerno played an important role in the fall of the Norman state in southern Italy, for which he eventually paid the price - King Frederick II moved the center of regional influence from Salerno to Naples as revenge.

Since the beginning of the XIV century, the Salerno region has been given to the Sanseverino family, which quickly gained great influence and power. Salerno for some time enters a period of another heyday - in the 15th century it becomes a cultural center, the princes of Sanseverino invite artists and writers to the city. But at the same time, the city takes part in the conflict of the Spanish royal families, and the local aristocrats again alternately take one side or the other. The result is the death of the Sanseverino family and the decline of Salerno.

new time

For two centuries, Salerno actually lay in ruins. In the middle and end of the 17th century, the city suffered an epidemic of plague and two earthquakes. According to the documents of 1755, the population decreased to 10,000 people.

Restoration began in the XVIII century, with the fall of the power of Spain, a new stage in the life of the city begins, new areas are being built, the center is being reconstructed. But the French occupation by Napoleon's troops again threw the city back - the same medical school was closed, the property of monasteries and church orders was confiscated.

In 1860-1861, Salerno supported Garibaldi, the inhabitants of the city took part in the war for the unification of Italy. In parallel, industry develops, in 1877 more than 20 textile factories worked on the territory of Salerno, employing 10,000 people, more than a third of the inhabitants.

Modern history of Salerno and our days

Before the Second World War, the city grew rapidly, the population grew to 80,000 people. But during the war, Salerno was destined to become the center of the landing of allied troops in Italy. After the bombing on September 9, 1943, the "Operation Avalanche" began, the fighting lasted more than a week, during which many civilians died, and 80% of the city buildings were damaged. But the city was liberated, and in 1944 Salerno became the residence of Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy. Salerno itself took over the functions of the capital of the state for several months.

Immediately after the war, Salerno experienced problems, but in the 50s a new industrial zone was built, giving the city an incentive to grow. In twenty years, the population has doubled, reaching a peak of 160 thousand inhabitants by the beginning of the 70s. After that, a period of stagnation and a slow decrease in the population began, which continues to this day.

In the 90s, the Salerno authorities set a course to improve housing conditions, the city's infrastructure, and also develop it as a resort. The results of this policy are clearly visible, Salerno is enough popular resort both locally and globally.

Attractions

Photo

Salerno- Italian port and resort city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, located near Naples.

Salerno attracts tourists not only with its beach holidays and sights, but also with its feeling of "real Italy". Unlike resorts specialized in the service, in Salerno you can both sunbathe and swim, and live in the surroundings, as most people imagine classical Italy.

Rest

In Salerno, it is possible to combine almost all possible types of resort holidays: beach, cultural, sightseeing, outdoor recreation. By its nature, the city is very similar to another Tyrrhenian resort -. In Salerno, the same structure of the city - elongated buildings along a large beach; ancient history that left behind the historical center; as well as the proximity of a large city (Naples), many interesting places and small resort villages.

But Salerno is quite large in size - about 140 thousand people. The city lives not only due to tourism, there is also a small port and industrial production. As a result, prices for housing and food are lower than in other Italian resorts, and Salerno retains the spirit of a real non-tourist Italy.

Salerno is very convenient for its proximity to Naples. The distance between the cities is only 50 kilometers, the journey by car takes about half an hour. This gives, firstly, a quick transfer to the international airport, and secondly, the opportunity to go to Naples for excursions or shopping. Also near Salerno is Positano (25 km), by boat you can get to Capri (50 km by water). And between Salerno and Naples is the famous volcano Vesuvius and one of the most interesting sights in all of Italy - Pompeii. You can also get to Rome from Salerno by train, the journey will take several hours, but the route is direct, without transfers.

The beaches of Salerno

This Italian resort is located on a sandy beach almost 10 km long, so there are no problems with swimming places even in the city. It is only necessary to take into account that there is a port on the western edge of the city and the water near it can be dirty.

There is a myth on the Internet about a small number of beaches in Salerno and about the fact that they are all located in the city center near the port. The inconsistency of such statements can be seen simply by looking at the map of the city.

The beaches themselves are sandy, with fine sand and a gentle entry into the water. Just like everywhere in Italy, most of the beaches are paid, and free ones can be quite dirty. But many hotels have their own beaches or agreements with beach clubs for a free pass for guests.

But still, the best beaches of the Amalfi Coast are not in Salerno, the largest city in the region, but in small resort and fishing villages: Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, etc.

Weather

Salerno is already considered the south of Italy and the weather here is appropriate. Frosts are rare in winter, the climate is mild, and in summer the temperature often rises above comfortable levels. For example, in August, the hottest month, the average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius.

The water in the already warm Tyrrhenian Sea near Salerno warms up to 28-29 degrees in summer. The beach season starts in May, but the water can be quite cool, 19-20 degrees. And the season actually ends in November, in the early days of the last autumn month it is quite possible to swim, the sea still retains heat at the level of 20–21 degrees Celsius, which is usually even higher than the air temperature.

The tourist season, when all hotels and establishments are open, begins in mid-May and ends in November. But Salerno is a large city, even in winter it does not die out, unlike small refined resorts.

Map

Story

The Etruscans, the indigenous population of Italy, lived in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Salerno from the 6th century BC. Judging by the finds, they were actively trading with the nearby colonies of Greece. After the key battle in the history of the Etruscans at Cum, a naval battle with the Greeks, Salerno was settled by the Samnites.

Roman period

With the expansion of Roman influence, the original settlement fell into disrepair, and the inhabitants moved to the Roman fort built on the hill. In the III century BC, the Romans migrated to Salerno, who began to play a key role in the city. In particular, thanks to Roman rule during the Second Punic War, it was possible to keep Salerno under Roman rule, although the common population supported Hannibal.

During the war, the city received a certain portion of glory, its inhabitants were noted by Scipio Africanus himself, who praised the brave Salertian warriors.

Gradually, the Italian Salerno lost its military significance and became a commercial center. This was largely due to the construction of the Popilian road, which went from Capua to Regium (now Reggio di Calabria, the very south of the Apennine Peninsula). Archaeological finds speak of the flourishing and wealth of the city, it is also known that in the 3rd century AD, Salerno had already become the administrative center of the region.

Power of the Lombards

With the division of the Roman Empire, the city of Salerno goes to Byzantium. In the 6th century AD, a more serious fortress was built on the site of the Roman fort, but it did not help much in the war between Byzantium and the Lombard people. The latter in 646 receive legal authority in Salerno, but archaeological artifacts indicate that the Lombards were actually in this area a century ago.

Interestingly, it was the rule of the Lombards that marked the beginning of the richest period in the history of Salerno, which lasted almost 500 years.

Initially, Salerno was part of the Principality of Benevento. Prince Arechis II in 774, as part of measures to strengthen his possessions, makes Salerno the second most important city by building a powerful fortress here, the core of which was the Byzantine-Roman fortifications on the hill. The treasury of the principality also moves to the fortress.

In the 9th century, the Salerno School of Medicine was founded, the first Christian medical institution in Europe. It is believed that this school became the ancestor of traditional medieval universities. It was also here that women for the first time received equal rights to study with men.

But thanks to this strengthening, already in 839 Salerno became the capital of the independent principality of the same name. The 11th century can be considered the peak of prosperity for Salerno, Prince Gvemar IV received power over almost the entire south of Italy, but he also laid the foundation for the Norman invasion. The attacks of the Saracen pirates, which became regular, did not add stability.

Norman power and the Middle Ages

In 1076, the Normans approached Salerno and entered the city after a siege that lasted 8 months and led to starvation among the urban population. But even under the new government, Salerno continued its development.

At the end of the 11th century, the population of Salerno was approximately 50,000 people, which is only 2.5 times less than now and quite a lot by the standards of the Middle Ages.

Over the next two hundred years, Salerno becomes the center of contention between the local rulers. The power struggle includes the rulers of Sicily, the Norman faction led by Matteo of Salerno, as well as the Holy Roman Empire. Salerno played an important role in the fall of the Norman state in southern Italy, for which he eventually paid the price - King Frederick II moved the center of regional influence from Salerno to Naples as revenge.

Since the beginning of the XIV century, the Salerno region has been given to the Sanseverino family, which quickly gained great influence and power. Salerno for some time enters a period of another heyday - in the 15th century it becomes a cultural center, the princes of Sanseverino invite artists and writers to the city. But at the same time, the city takes part in the conflict of the Spanish royal families, and the local aristocrats again alternately take one side or the other. The result is the death of the Sanseverino family and the decline of Salerno.

new time

For two centuries, Salerno actually lay in ruins. In the middle and end of the 17th century, the city suffered an epidemic of plague and two earthquakes. According to the documents of 1755, the population decreased to 10,000 people.

Restoration began in the XVIII century, with the fall of the power of Spain, a new stage in the life of the city begins, new areas are being built, the center is being reconstructed. But the French occupation by Napoleon's troops again threw the city back - the same medical school was closed, the property of monasteries and church orders was confiscated.

In 1860-1861, Salerno supported Garibaldi, the inhabitants of the city took part in the war for the unification of Italy. In parallel, industry develops, in 1877 more than 20 textile factories worked on the territory of Salerno, employing 10,000 people, more than a third of the inhabitants.

Modern history of Salerno and our days

Before the Second World War, the city grew rapidly, the population grew to 80,000 people. But during the war, Salerno was destined to become the center of the landing of allied troops in Italy. After the bombing on September 9, 1943, the "Operation Avalanche" began, the fighting lasted more than a week, during which many civilians died, and 80% of the city buildings were damaged. But the city was liberated, and in 1944 Salerno became the residence of Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy. Salerno itself took over the functions of the capital of the state for several months.

Immediately after the war, Salerno experienced problems, but in the 50s a new industrial zone was built, giving the city an incentive to grow. In twenty years, the population has doubled, reaching a peak of 160 thousand inhabitants by the beginning of the 70s. After that, a period of stagnation and a slow decrease in the population began, which continues to this day.

In the 90s, the Salerno authorities set a course to improve housing conditions, the city's infrastructure, and also develop it as a resort. The results of this policy are clearly visible, Salerno is a fairly popular resort both locally and globally.

Attractions

Castle of Arechis (Fortress of Arechi, Castello di Arechi)	The main attraction of Salerno is a medieval castle that arose during the reign of the Lombard prince Arechis II. The fortress is located on a hill 300 meters high, the towers, part of the walls and the citadel have been preserved. You can go upstairs by bus from the embankment or on foot (about 2 kilometers from the center). Near the castle is equipped Observation deck with a really nice view of Salerno and surroundings. There is a small museum inside Arechis Castle, where archaeological finds from reconstruction and excavations are exhibited, mainly coins and ceramics.
Cathedral of Salerno	The main temple of the city is always one of the most interesting places to visit. This cathedral is interesting for its history and architecture. It was founded at the beginning of the 11th century, but during the earthquake of 1688 it was badly damaged. After the reconstruction, the temple acquired the appearance that all tourists see it today. At the same time, many elements of the cathedral, for example, the tower, have been preserved almost in their original form.
Medieval plumbing (Acquedotto medievale)	The construction of this engineering structure dates back to a maximum of the 9th century AD. Water through a canal laid on high columns (up to 21 meters in height) flowed to the Benedictine monastery near the city walls, but later the aqueduct was continued to the second monastery, which was located on the shopping street (now located in the old city). Separate sections of several hundred meters have been preserved from the original length of 650 meters.
Old city	The interweaving of streets and a heap of houses that retained the spirit of the Middle Ages and even antiquity. It was this part of the city that was the core of the ancient Roman settlement and remained central part throughout the existence of Salerno. Most of the historical sights are collected here (the beginning of the path to the fortress, the cathedral, the aqueduct, palaces) and it’s just nice to walk along the streets, taking a break from the beaches.