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Salerno, Italy
While living in Italy during our year in 2019, Gary and I wanted to visit the town of Salerno. Salerno is a port city just southeast of Naples in the Campania region and sits on the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Location, Location, Location
Salerno is often overlooked by the more well-known and very popular city of Naples. Although, as a tourist destination, Salerno’s location is a great base to visit the stunning Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal landscape in all of Italy. It also a great town to explore the northern region of Campania. We enjoyed this area of Italy Months 7 & 8.
Amalfi itself is a small commune and is a quick train stop from Salerno. You can even take a ferry from Salerno to reach Amalfi and Positano. They run almost every hour and is a great change if you don’t want to take the train or bus.
Excellent Timing on our Part
Upon arriving and checking into our B&B, we find out that Salerno is celebrating its football (aka soccer) team which turned 100 years old! The team itself didn’t even place in the top ten – but that is not what they were celebrating – their team having a major birthday!
Maroon streamers and decorations were being strung throughout the small medieval streets. The sea of color was certainly maroon and gold and we found ourselves right in the middle of it! We even came across the huge parade of people waving flags, setting off maroon-colored smoke, and singing through the streets.
The singing and celebration lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. Luckily, they weren’t too noisy by our B&B but it was exciting to be part of this event. We even tried to find Gary a t-shirt to commemorate the jubilee – but none were to be found.
The Duomo of Salerno
The Cathedral is, of course, the most historic church in the city and constructed back in the 11th century. It is dedicated to Saint Matthew and has a beautiful large courtyard in the front. The bell tower is composed of decorative Norman style artwork and the top dome is quite ornate, for a tower anyway.
Trieste Lungomare
When we walked down by the water, we found a beautifully maintained promenade known as Trieste Lungomare. It follows the coastline and provides shading for bicycles, pedestrians, and those pushing a stroller – parents and grandparents alike. It begins at Piazza della Liberta and is about 3/4 of a mile in length arriving at Porto Turistico.
The Streets and Sights of Salerno
Castello di Arechi
Towering high above the city you can see the castle that dominates the Gulf of Salerno. Constructed in the medieval times, it is associated with Longobardo Arechi II and created as a means of defense for the surrounding region of Campania around Salerno.
The castle is well-preserved and although some areas have been restored, is a great place to visit and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbor and town below.
Final Thoughts
This town is amazing and a great place to visit, even if they are not celebrating football! We really would like to go back and do more exploring in this town as well as others in Campania. We never made it up to the castle so that is on our list. Great location to visit the surrounding areas. Put it on your travel list and if you go, please let us know your thoughts!
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