Hotel Montestella
Salerno - Corso Vittorio Emanuele 156
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Unspoilt landscapes, azure seas and millennia of history – welcome to Salerno, a Campanian city perched on the shores of its namesake gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Protected by the Apennines and nestled between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento, Salerno is a true gem waiting to be discovered, where extraordinary architectural treasures meet sparkling azure waters.
A city steeped in ancient history, Salerno was ruled by the Etruscans, Romans and Lombards – civilisations whose influence remains evident in the architecture of the historic centre. Most notably, during the Lombard kingdom, the city served as capital of the Principality of Salerno, with traces of this prosperous past visible at Arechi Castle and the San Pietro a Corte complex.
Salerno is also renowned internationally as the birthplace of the Salerno School of Medicine in the 11th century, considered Europe’s first and most important medical institution. Today, the city is celebrated worldwide for Luci D’Artista, an annual festival during the festive season that transforms the city into a magical destination, enchanting visitors with luminous artworks of light and colour.
Many view Salerno as merely a stopping point for those heading to Amalfi and other well-known Amalfi Coast destinations, but in truth the city boasts an extraordinary historic and architectural heritage. Salerno features a splendid cathedral and a medieval city centre that has remarkably preserved its character over the centuries. Beyond its historic buildings, Salerno also boasts a glorious seafront promenade and beautiful beaches where you can unwind and watch spectacular sunsets.
Built in Romanesque style in the 11th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Matteo and San Gregorio Magno is today a blend of architectural styles due to numerous alterations over the centuries. The façade is Baroque, whilst inside you’ll be captivated by the Romanesque quadriportico with polychrome inlays and arches decorated in volcanic stone, whilst the bell tower showcases Arab-Norman style.
Of particular importance inside is the crypt, which houses the remains of San Matteo, one of the four evangelists. It’s adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from Matthew’s Gospel and key moments in Salerno’s history.
Arechi Castle sits perched on a hilltop 300 metres above sea level, commanding views over Salerno and the coast. The fortress is believed to date from the 6th century, but came into its own in the 8th century when Prince Arechi II incorporated it into the city’s defensive system.
Today, the castle hosts a small museum displaying coins, ceramics and artefacts discovered in the area, and serves as an enchanting venue for weddings, receptions and elegant events.
The Santa Sofia Monumental Complex dates back to the late 10th century and originally housed a Benedictine order dedicated to Santa Sofia. Following recent restoration, it now serves as a venue for exhibitions and shows by internationally renowned artists including Picasso, Miró, Caravaggio and Warhol. The complex also hosts major local events such as the Linea D’Ombra Festival and the Fiera del Crocifisso Ritrovato.
In the historic centre of Salerno lies the Minerva Garden, a magnificent botanical garden founded in the 12th century by the family of Matteo Silvatico, a physician of the Salerno School of Medicine.
Silvatico was an expert in medicinal plants and made the garden available to all students of the Salerno School of Medicine, Europe’s first and most important medical foundation. Today, the garden is considered one of the city’s green lungs and the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll discovering plants and flowers.
The city’s most famous and characteristic street is Via Mercanti, which during the Lombard period was Salerno’s principal commercial thoroughfare and remains the main shopping destination today. Located in Salerno’s oldest quarter, it was once known as the “Drapparia” because of the numerous textile shops lining its length.
Along Via Mercanti you’ll find Palazzo Pinto housing the Pinacoteca Comunale, the Cathedral and the didactic museum of the Salerno School of Medicine. During the festive season, Via Mercanti and many other city streets are adorned with lights and decorations for the traditional Luci D’Artista celebration.
Long regarded as Italy’s most beautiful seafront, Lungomare Trieste is an almost 2 km promenade that hugs the coastline from Piazza della Libertà to Salerno’s harbour, running alongside Santa Teresa beach.
After a day exploring the city, there’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a leisurely stroll along the seafront, taking in the breathtaking vistas across the Gulf of Salerno and towards the Amalfi Coast.
The San Pietro a Corte Archaeological Complex was founded in the 8th century by Prince Arechi II, who made Salerno the capital of the Lombard kingdom and endowed the city with a prestigious royal court. The archaeological site now showcases artefacts from various civilisations that shaped Salerno’s history, from Romans to Lombards. The earliest visible layer comprises remains of ancient Roman thermal baths, followed by a paleochristian church, and finally, the uppermost layer reveals the remains of the Lombard royal palace.
The sole surviving structure from the royal court is the palatine chapel, built upon the pre-existing Roman baths. Following the end of Lombard rule, the building became home to Parliament and hosted the ceremony for awarding degrees from the Salerno School of Medicine. The Church today, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, features a single nave with a semicircular apse and a bell tower in Romanesque style.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Luci D’Artista, or the Salerno Lights Festival, is an artistic and cultural celebration held annually in Salerno from late November through January, attracting nearly a million visitors. The illuminations installed throughout the city during these months are genuine works of art rich in symbolic and allegorical meaning. These masterpieces, created by internationally renowned contemporary artists, are positioned in the city’s most evocative corners and accompanied by musical and theatrical events, alongside market stalls selling local specialities.
Salerno offers a wide choice of accommodation, from luxury hotels with stunning sea views to intimate bed and breakfasts. The best area to stay is undoubtedly the historic centre, which allows you to reach the main attractions on foot. This is a pedestrian zone closed to traffic, brimming with restaurants serving excellent local cuisine and accommodation housed in beautiful historic buildings.
Many tourists choose Salerno as a “base” for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast and other parts of Campania, as the city offers excellent facilities at more competitive prices than surrounding tourist destinations. Those planning multiple excursions to other coastal areas may prefer accommodation in a slightly less central location but near the train station or ferry port for convenient onward travel.
The nearest international airport is Naples Capodichino, approximately 58 km away. From Naples airport, you can reach Salerno by train or bus. Salerno also has a railway station with high-speed rail connections, allowing relatively quick access from major cities in central and southern Italy.
In July 2024, Salerno Airport – Costa d’Amalfi will open to passenger traffic.
Alternatively, you can reach Salerno by sea from various cities including Palermo, Catania, Cagliari, Tunis and Valencia. If arriving by car from northern Italy, take the A1 motorway (Milan–Naples) followed by the A3 motorway to the Salerno centro exit. Those coming from southern Italy should take the A3 (Salerno–Reggio Calabria) to the Salerno centro exit.
What's the weather at Salerno? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Salerno for the next few days.
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