In Salerno, stroll through the narrow streets of houses dotted with picturesque arches and ancient Roman columns. Enter a magnificent church shaped by art and time, where you can eat brioche and ice cream overlooking the water.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the long boulevard of the 19th century, is greeted with thousands of artistic lights during the famous Russi he d’Artista event, which runs from November to January. The tree-lined promenade wants you to walk (or run) with the word “wow” in your head.
You can reach the centre of Salerno in about 30 minutes from Naples by train. Step into Centro Storico, and you will find a pleasant and vibrant city that is becoming more and more attractive to tourists year by year. Not only because of its geographical proximity to the Amalfi Coast and Cilento.
Salerno is culturally vibrant with many initiatives, festivals and events such as the Festa di San Matteo, the Salerno Literature and the Film Festival that bring Salerno to life.
A place where a bold urban renewal plan merges the ideas of architects from around the world, renewing and improving the cityscape. A few days is enough to appreciate and marvel at the extraordinary charm of this ancient city.
Enter the house of a famous fictional character.
Vincenzo Marinconico is the protagonist of Diego de Silva’s popular novel series, set in Salerno’s romantic and believable setting. The hit TV adaptation is set against the backdrop of the city’s most famous and iconic landmarks.
Villa Comunale, Crescent, Palazzo of Giustizia, Palazzo Sant’Agostino.
But there is one more place that may not be as well-known as the one just mentioned, but with a lot of charm and beauty.
The elegant 18th-century residence Palazzo Copeta, at 27 Via Trotura de Ruggiero, rises on the slopes of Monte Bonadis and commands a majestic view of the city and its sea. A television writer chose this palace as Marinconico’s home. In fact, the magnificent Rococo building, rich in stucco decorations and contrasting colours, was once one of the last seats of the prestigious Scola Medica Salernitana.
It’s part of Salerno’s history, dating back to its post-earthquake construction in the 17th century. Get there and rediscover lesser-known gems of Campanian architecture.
In search of the most beautiful views of Salerno
Even better with your special one. Salerno has plenty of places to fall in love with the sea (with someone or just the view).
The specific places we would like to suggest offer a cue for simple but exhilarating excursions a stone’s throw from the historic centre. The Italian writer Hugo Foscolo was so impressed that he chose this place as the setting for his 1813 tragedy, Ricarda.
To find this landmark, you must reach the impressive Castello di Arechi on Mount Bonadies. If you are not afraid of steep slopes, you can also go by bus or on foot. The road crosses the maki and is very scenic.
There is a restaurant and bar in the castle courtyard, where you can take a break while admiring the beautiful views of the coast.
The Lombard complex houses the Medieval Museum, which has an extensive collection of weapons, pottery, and coins near the castle.
Discover the hidden gems of Via Massuccio Salernitano
Known to Salerno residents as Vicolo dei Caciocavalli (the famous Southern Italian cheese), this narrow street in Centro Storico has a very special atmosphere. Via Masuccio, Salernitano connects the Piazza de Portanova of Cedi Reddy and Piazza Flavio Gioia, known as La Rotonda.
The alley follows the route of the old medieval ramparts. When Arechi II began to expand the city limits, new terraced houses were built on this site.
Once you reach the widest point, take a closer look to discover the ruins of the ancient church of Santa Maria de Domno.
High arches overlooking alleyways and clock towers. Via Masuccio Salernitano, near the old Jewish ghetto Vicolo Giudaica, is an area full of little wonders. Not far away, Vicolo della Neve, in another charming corner of his own, offers a poetic tribute to the famous Alfonso, his gut.
Visit the maritime station.
Morro Manfredi’s futuristic sea station is shaped like an oyster. This is one of his last projects realized in Italy by the brilliant British-Iraqi designer Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016.
This unusual building symbolizes Salerno’s urban renewal and has contributed to the redesign of its already charming waterfront. The spectacle is even more captivating in the evening when the distinctive undulating ceramic tile roof is illuminated by hundreds of glowing LEDs.
From the terminal, there is pedestrian access to the waterfront and the brand new Piazza Libertà, Italy’s largest seaside square.
Walk along the Minerva’s garden.
Like a local, one of the best things to do in Salerno is to stroll the places that are its pride and joy. Giardino della Minerva is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. For a small fee, you can discover the history of this green and peaceful city.
Located in the ancient heart of Salerno, this small piece of nature dates back to the 12th century. In the past, the Schola Medica Salernitana used it to produce plants for therapeutic purposes. More than 300 species of plants are still grown here today.
Stroll quietly around the 5 terraces, take in spectacular views of the bay, and enjoy a drink at one of the delicious herbal tea shop tables.
Take some photos of the Rione Fornelle…
Salerno’s oldest district is also one of the city’s most modern and exciting artistic spots. An initiative called Muri d’Artista (Artists’ Walls) is breathing new life into this working-class neighbourhood.
Narrow streets, salt-soaked facades and balconies stroking laundry form the words and images that speak the language of poetry.
Street art gives an area long shunned and considered less touristy, not far from the Verdi Theater and Villa Comunale, a new attraction and an international perspective.
Among the murals are poems by Salerno’s beloved poet Alfonso Gatto, tributes to Campania’s most famous artists, and many references to the essential elements of this land.
Ocean. After exploring Rione Fornelle, you can take the elevator to the upper part of town to reach the true jewel of Salerno. Find its location in the next chapter.
Things to do in Salerno like a local: try the stuffed spleen…
The Feast of St. Matthew is a Salerno institution. Her city patrons celebrate her own extravaganza on September 21st.
The Festa is a tremendous collective ceremony for the community, with many people joining the procession through the historic centre to the magnificent Duomo, perhaps one of the most beautiful places of worship in all of Campania.
Like the self-respecting celebration of its patron saint, St. Matthew is accompanied by a riot of sounds, colours and scents. Among the stalls and happy crowds that stand out especially are:
The smell of the vinegar used to prepare the spleen stuffing, “La Mebeza Mbutunata,” as the Salernitani call it. Savouring this typical dish served in sandwiches is one of the things to do in Salerno like a local. I can’t. But we are sure our readers will appreciate it!
