Attractions of Salerno

Arechi Castle

Among the main sights of Salerno, there is at first place the Arechi Castle. The view that will open up in front of you, once you get to the top of the castle, will leave you astonished and speechless. From Arechi Castle, which overlooks the Gulf of Salerno, you can enjoy a breathtaking view that sweeps from the Amalfi Coast up to Agropoli.
It still represents an authentic sample of Medieval architecture, still well preserved, and appreciated throughout Italy.

Medieval Aqueduct

Back in town, just outside the old town, start the real urban itinerary, at via Arce you can begin, this time on foot, the discovery of Salerno's Medieval Aqueduct, popularly renamed "Bridges of the Devil", it is said that it was built in a single night, with the help of demons, by the magician of the twelfth century Pietro Barliario. The popular superstition considered also that venturing under the arches between dusk and dawn would bring to the meeting with devils or evil spirits.

Salerno Art Gallery

Proceeding through the evocative and ancient Via de' Mercanti, main shopping street, which goes through the whole old town, you can reach the Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno which is located on the first floor of the seventeenth-century Pinto Palace, aristocratic residence of one of the most important noble families in Salerno. The history of the gallery is actually crucial to the provincial administration of Salerno, committed not only in the recovery in the enhancement of the paintings but also in the restoration of the same building container. The exhibition inside is divided into three sections, divided chronologically: from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, Salernitani and Coast people, and Foreign Artists.

Salerno Cathedral

Leaving the gallery and continuing towards the left until the intersection with Via Duomo, at this point we turn right to reach the Cathedral of Salerno which is in Piazza Alfano I.

It is the main place of Catholic worship in the city of Salerno, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno. It has the dignity of minor basilica. The cathedral was built in Romanesque style in the eleventh century and later modified several times.

Santa Sofia Church

Leaving the Duomo, you continue to climb Piazza Alfano I and turning left there is Piazza Abate Conforti hosting the Monumental Complex of Santa Sofia. Built in the late tenth century, originally it housed the Benedictine Order dedicated to Santa Sofia, from which it takes its name. After the restructuring it is used as a venue for hosting events, exhibitions and events. It has hosted exhibitions of painters and personalities of international renown, such as Picasso, Miro, Caravaggio, Warhol and Pierluigi Nervi. Each year there are also events, projects and exhibitions related to the various organizations and public festivals such as the Linea D'Ombra Festival and the Fair of the found Crucifix.

Minerva Gardens

From here continuing along Via Torquato Tasso you reach the Gardens of Minerva, a magnifique paradise since the twelfth century belonged to the family of Matteo Silvatico, eminent doctor of the Schola Medica, an expert of plants used for the production of medicines. It is a terraced garden that runs along the axis that goes from the Villa Comunale to the Castello di Arechi. The garden, now open in all its glory, was the first Botanical Garden of Europe for the cultivation of plants for medicinal purposes.

Villa Comunale

The Villa Comunale of Salerno is the "garden" of the city. The Villa Comunale is home to several events for years. In April there is the traditional "Exhibition of Minerva", a market-exhibition of rare plants and items for the garden. Over the weekend are organized conferences, seminars, courses and workshops on the world of plants, as well as guided tours of the Garden of Minerva. In winter the villa, however, is transformed into an Enchanted Garden, with the light installations of Luci D'Artista, an exhibition of bright artworks that traditionally lights salernitane nights over the Christmas period.

Salerno Promenade

After the visit at the Villa Comunale, and having dined in some typical downtown restaurant as the conclusion of our trip, we can not certainly miss a long and relaxing walk at the Salerno Promenade, one of the landmarks of the city. Its benches facing the sea offers a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Salerno. The cliff, the small wharf for boats docking and the artistic lighting are the characteristic features of this lovely promenade.