The 10 things to do in Salerne

Are you planning to visit the South of Italy? Then discover the 10 things to do in Salerno during your stay!

Located on the Gulf of the same name, a few steps from the Amalfi Coast, Salerne is a magnificent historic city of southern Italy. The Normans even chose him as the capital of their kingdom of South Italy when they took the region in the 11th century. A prosperous city throughout the centuries, it was the hollow of the "Arabo-Byzantine Norman style". So sublime monuments remain of these different glorious periods. Would you like to visit Salerno?

So to help you in your adventures, we have listed the 10 things to do in Salerne. Let's find them together!

The old town of Salerne

1. Le Castello di Arechi

Located 300 metres above the sea, the Château d’Arechi overlooks the whole town of Salerno. The fortress was built in the 8th century by the Prince Arechi II , Byzantine Duke of Benevent. Later, the castle will be improved by the Normans and then by the Aragonese.

Wonderful defensive building, it's impossible if you come to visit Salerno. In addition, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Salerne and the city below.

2. The Cathedral of Saint Matthew of Salerno

Built in the 11th century under Robert Guiscard , the Norman duke of the city, the Cathedral of Salerno is one of the must-see monuments to visit in Salerno. It is dedicated to Sainte-Marie-des-Anges and Saint-Matthew, one of the four evangelists. The tomb of the latter is thus found in the crypt.

Beautiful Romanesque art building, it features a sublime campanile 56 meters high and arabo-normand style. Inside, take the time to admire its mosaics, its paintings of Francesco Solimena and above all her Gothic statue of the Virgin to the Child.

After the visit to the cathedral, do not miss a tour of the adjacent museum: Museo Diocesano San Matteo . He was in the last seat of the Salerno Medical School, which was abolished in 1811. His collections are made up of works of art offered to the diocese and works formerly preserved in the Cathedral of Saint Matthew. This museum is also one of the must-sees to visit in Salerno during his stay.

3. The Minerva Garden

Located in the heart of the historic centre, the Minerva Garden is the Botanical Garden of Salerno. It was used in the Middle Ages by the students of the medical school as a teaching space. Salerno was once known for his medical school, the first founded in Europe, around the ninth century.

Il Giardino della Minerva is thus considered one of the precursors of botanical gardens in the world. This plant space is especially the perfect place to read a book, meditate or simply relax during a beautiful sunny day. Don’t miss a tour between two museum visits or monuments.

4. The medieval aqueduct

At the turn of the streets of the historic centre, you will surely fall on one of the must-see things in Salerno. L’ Acquedotto medievale is a dating aqueduct, as its name suggests, from medieval times. Partly covered by vegetation, it blends perfectly into newer buildings.

A local legend wants that under his arcades met the four doctors who gave birth to the medical school in Salerno. The latter, of four different cultures, would have gathered their knowledge to create the institution that will make the reputation of this beautiful Italian city.

5. The Church of San Giorgio

The church of St. George is a short walk from the Cathedral of St. Matthew. The most beautiful baroque church in the city, the building is also one of the oldest monastic buildings in Salerne.

Its origin would thus go back to the Lombardy period. If you come to visit Salerno, do not miss admiring its beautiful interior fresco, decorated with geometric motifs torso and figures of saints.

The Salerno Museums

6. The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Salerno

Visiting the historic city of Salerno necessarily involves entering some of its museums. The first to do is certainly the Provincial Archaeological Museum. This small museum is known to house a bronze head of Apollo. Taken in fishermen's nets in 1930, it is an invaluable jewel dating from the I century before our era.

In addition to this sculpture, the museum houses lots of finds made in the province of Salerno or on the Etruscan archaeological site of Fratte.

7. The Virtual Museum of Salerno’s Medical School

Located in the church of San Gregorio, this virtual museum immerses you in the history of the famous medical school in Salerne. In the Middle Ages, this institution was renowned throughout Italy and Europe.

This small museum presents the exciting history of this medical school thanks to interactive and fun facilities. Videos will teach you everything about this famous period for the city.

8. La Pinacothèque provincial de Salerne

Just next to the Virtual Museum of Salerno’s Medical School is Pinacoteca Provinciale di Salerno . If you’re visiting Salerne, don’t miss entering this magnificent art gallery.

It is located on the first floor of Palazzo Pinto . This palace was once the patrician home of one of the most important noble families in Salerne. In this museum, you will discover works by Italian and foreign artists from the 15th to the 18th century.

9. The Museum of the Landing and Salerno Capital

This small private museum is located south of the city, far from the historic centre. Not accessible, however, it will delight military history lovers. Dedicated to the Second World War, he focuses particularly on the allied landing in Salerno.

In the collections, you will admire the uniforms and equipment of time, some explanations, weapons, models and photographs.

10. Surroundings

If you are visiting Salerne, take the time to discover its surroundings. Vietri sul Mare , nearby town, is thus one of the entrance gates of the beautiful Amalfitaine coast. Stop in this charming village to enjoy the beach, but especially to admire its colorful ceramics, which made its fame.

Then continue your adventures on the Amalfi Coast , one of the most beautiful in Italy and even in Europe! Along this winding road, which stretches from Salerno to Sorrento , you will admire the steep mountains falling into the sea. In addition to breathtaking landscapes, coves and beaches will make the joy of travellers in search of farniente and swimming.

North of Salerno, Cava de’ Tirreni is another must to do absolutely. The city is known for its Benedictine abbey and cathedral, two exceptional monuments. If you have time, don't miss going there during your stay.

How to get to Salerno?

The town of Salerno is located southeast of Naples in the Campania region. If it has a small airport technically, the Salerno Airport is only served by small local airlines. You will have to land at Naples airport and then reach Salerne by train, bus or even by car.

By plane

To go to Salerno, you will likely have to fly to Naples. Fortunately, regular flights reach the third city of Italy from the main cities of France , sometimes even online directly. To find a flight at the best price, you can consult a flight comparison like Skyscanner For example.

By train

Salerno is easily reached by train from the Naples Central Station. The journey can last between 40 minutes and one and a half hours, depending on the trains used and stops. The ticket costs 4,70€ for the longest and longest routes 20€ for the shortest.

To check the schedules and buy your tickets online, you can visit Trenitalia's official website.

By bus

Salerno is also accessible by bus. You can use public bus lines, but this requires, in particular, changes in the cities of the coast or the hinterland. It is better then to favor the train or bus companies like Flixbus. The journey usually lasts one hour from Naples to Salerno.

By car

To go to Salerno, the ideal means of transport turns out to be the car. With your own vehicle, you can easily visit the entire province and especially the beautiful Amalfi Coast. If you do not come to Italy with your own car, you will be able to rent one at your arrival in Naples . You will then have full freedom to discover this beautiful region of southern Italy!

Where to stay in Salerno?

If you come to visit Salerno, we can only recommend you to stay in her Historic Centre . This is where all the entertainment, restaurants, bars and cafes, concentrates. You will also find the most important monuments and buildings in the city.

In terms of accommodation, you will find it for all prices and for all tastes. The historic centre houses both family and charming hotels and the most luxurious. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the offer that best suits you. For a more cozy experience, you can also choose accommodation at home via the platform Airbnb .