SALERNO where Italy preserved its Roman heritage
Other than offering stunning gorgeous views of the got geo us wonderful gulf of Italy, wonderful sunny landscapes, sunny beaches waters, and azure waters, the city provides of Salerno provides great Roman insights into and the Roman history and culture an
The view from the castle top is nothing short of stunning as you can view the entire crescent-shaped gulf
LIFE BY THE BEACH
Salerno, the second largest of the five cities in Campania region in Southern Italy, is nothing less than a hidden gem on the Italian gulf. With just over 140,000 inhabitants, the city offers breath-taking views of the shore, dotted with yachts of all sizes, boats and cruise ships ferrying passengers to every holidaymaker’s favourites–Amalfi, Capri and Ischia islands, Vietri and Positano. The city is situated 50 kms south of Naples and two hours by road from the busy Rome Fiumicino Airport. The ride from the airport to Salerno takes you along several kilometres of hills and beautiful farmlands. But wait, the journey is just a prelude to what the destination beholds. From the hills, you enter straight into cobblestone streets lined with the trendiest brands and open cafes offering the best of Italian cuisines and a perfect glimpse into Italy’s Roman history entwined with modern culture. Salerno is blessed with an incomparable landscape, ancient history and a rich cultural heritage. The Salerno Beach is not just a part of the city, it is a lifestyle which engulfs people of all ages from all walks of life. A weekday does not deter locals and travellers alike to unwind on the glistening white sandy beach bracing the strong summer sun. Starting 2006, visitors enjoy beautiful Artists’ Lights, a series of illuminated decorations created by Italian artists that line the streets of Salerno and some parks and squares. Really worth visiting are those in the ‘Villa Comunale’ or the City Park. Apart from this, the lesser known fact is that Salerno is also a centre of university education with an ancient tradition. The oldest school of medicine in Europe, the Salerno School of Medicine, was here and reached its fame between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is known for its Regimen Sanitatis Salernitanum (Salernitan Sanitary Regimen). It is considered the forerunner of modern universities of medicine in Europe. Salerno has ancient origins, which is evident from the Arechi Castle. The 6th Century AD castle was built on Mount Bonadies and in the 16th century it became the residence of the Sanseverino princes. The castle was opened to public some years ago and houses a museum. It opens up for private functions, weddings and social gatherings. The view from the castle top is nothing short of stunning as you can view the entire crescentshaped gulf while sipping your glass of perfect Italian wine. Out of the myriad itineraries that one can choose from, the best is still on foot. Walking through the Villa Comunale built in 1874, one can simply relax and gaze through the variety of local, exotic and rare species of plants and trees. Close to this is the Verdi Theatre, which has witnessed many a famous artists perform here since its opening in 1872. Salerno’s Bell Tower dates back to the 15th or 16th centuries and leans a bit to one side because part of it was built on solid Roman wall while the other part was built on crumbly soil. Just 100 meters from the Bell Tower is the Duomo di Salerno (Salerno Cathedral), dedicated to St. Matthew who was buried in Salerno. Inside the Cathedral, which boasts of baroque architecture, one can witness a mosaic representation of St. Matthew, probably from the 13th century. A visit to Salerno is incomplete without going to the new Zaha Hadid’s Harbour Station and walk along the Lungomare in the sun. Not far from the Villa Comunale is the new Piazza della Liberta (Liberty Square) which is under construction. The square was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofil and is part of the new Salerno waterfront. If weather permits, walk to the Molo Manfredi (Manfredi Wharf) and admire the new Stazione Marittima (Harbour Station) designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, an interesting piece of modern architecture. Boats from this harbour leave every day between April and October for Amalfi and Capri.