Salerno is located between the Amalfi coast (to the west) and the Sele plain (to the east) in a splendid position between the sea and the mountains.
The symbol of Salerno is the Castle of Arechi: a fortification whose origins go all the way back to the Greco-Gothic War and which was then developed first by Prince Arechi II (promoter of a triangular defensive system of walls that would never be conquered), then by the Aragonese (authors of the large bodies of buildings in the eastern area) and the Normans (to whom we owe the Bastille, dated to the 16th century).
Among the local military architecture, it is also worth mentioning the various towers distributed throughout the city, among which the Carnale, a cavalry tower built in 1569 that has functioned as a weapons depot over the years, certainly stands out; Torre Angellara on the eastern shore, the Gualferio Tower and the Cetrangolo Tower are also worth a visit.
The most representative buildings are located in the historic center, such as the important historic Norman palaces such as Palazzo Fruscione or Palazzo Pinto, the Giuseppe Verdi Municipal Theater, the most important in the city. and it is here that you will find both the most typical stores and the liveliest clubs. The center is also home to Salerno's most important religious architecture, and although most of the churches are Baroque in style, the city's most important Christian structure is undoubtedly the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Mary of the Angels, St. Matthew and St. Gregory the Great: it was built in the 11th century, its shape is inspired by that of the Abbey of Montecassino, and one of its most characteristic elements is the bell tower (added in the 12th century, in Arab-Norman style) a full 52 meters high. It is to the city's patron saint that the Feast of St. Matthew, Salerno's most important event, is dedicated: it occurs every September 21 and is characterized by a rowing race in which as many as 6 crews participate, as well as band concerts and fireworks displays.
There are dozens of annual events, including the "Salerno Literature Festival," the "Salerno Film Festival" (whose origins date back to 1946), but above all the "Luci d'Artista" event, which takes place during the Christmas season and during which the historic center of Salerno is illuminated with artistic paths of great beauty.
Finally, Salerno boasts what has been called for years the "most beautiful promenade in the Mediterranean": its design dates back to 1948 and it stretches for 1.3 kilometers, hosting both beaches and various tree species including plane trees, palms and oleanders. Another green area of absolute importance is the Minerva Gardens, or the oldest botanical garden in Europe, which for centuries has linked its history to the ancient Salerno Medical School: it is located in the heart of the old city center and today houses more than 300 species of plants, including specimens of very special medical significance.
Finally, for lovers of out-of-town trips, we recommend a visit to Mount San Liberatore, which is located towards Vietri sul Mare and dominates the city from the other side of its 466 meters of height: the ideal destination for both lovers of trekking (it has several paths of varying difficulty) and those of art and history (who, once at the top, will be able to visit an ancient little church historically used to welcome pilgrims).
