SALERNO
Salerno is a city bathed by the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is rich in history, art and culture and has been an important port since ancient times.
History
The first settlements in Salerno date back to ancient times, near the river Irno. After the 5th century and the Etruscans left southern Italy, the Samnites settled here, then eventually left the area in 240 BC.
The importance of Salerno grew when Scipio decided to send 300 Roman citizens, to create a maritime colony here. The medieval era saw it under Byzantine rule up until 646, the year in which the Longobards made it part of the Duchy of Benevento. In the year 800, it regained its autonomy and became Principato di Salerno.
When Prince Arechi II moved here it grew economically and culturally. In the ninth century, the Medical School of Salerno was established and was the first centre for teaching medicine in the Western world. Then under the Bourbons, Salerno made a great leap forward and industry grew and Salerno was one of the cities that gave great support to Garibaldi and his Thousand in 1860.
Places to see
The historic centre of Salerno is full of churches and religious architecture worth a visit, most of which were built during the Middle Ages and were annexed to the monasteries. Walking through the streets of the centre the Baroque style captures you.
The Cathedral of Salerno is not to be missed it is probably built on a pagan temple and dates back to the eleventh century and its Norman-Arab style bell tower is 52 meters high. In addition to the religious architecture, the historic centre is full of ancient buildings, that have been frequently rebuilt and therefore bear various styles, the Palazzo San Massimo, Palazzo Fruscione and Palazzo Pinto.
Do not miss the city theatre, the Giuseppe Verdi Municipal Theater, which dates back to 1842 and was built on the proportions of the San Carlo of Naples. The curtain in this theatre is probably one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy.
Beaches
The beach of the historic centre is called Santa Teresa Beach, it has been redeveloped and has a solarium, it is a pleasant place to spend some time after visiting the architectural wonders in the city centre. Porticciolo di Pastena is a jewel nestled between the rocks and is surrounded by nature, located one kilometre from the centre. Via Allende beach is a good place to spend hours in total relaxation, it is sandy and rocky and a little further from the centre but we recommend it.