Visiting Salerno

Salerno, located along the stunning Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, is a city rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural charm. It offers a mix of historic landmarks, vibrant local traditions, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that appeals to travelers year-round.

Top Attractions in Salerno and Nearby Areas

• Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno). It is the main church in the city of Salerno. Dedicated to Saint Matthew, it features impressive bronze doors, a historic bell tower, and an ornate crypt where the saint’s relics are preserved.

• Lungomare Trieste. It is a large tree-lined garden (entirely pedestrian, 30 meters wide and about 1.5 km long) that runs along the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Minerva’s Garden (Giardino della Minerva). It is a historic botanical garden located in the old city, the first of its kind in Europe.

• Castello di Arechi. Overlooking the city from a hilltop, this medieval castle provides stunning panoramic views of Salerno and the coastline.

• Pompeii. Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This ancient Roman city was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and remains remarkably well-preserved.

• Paestum. Located a short distance from Salerno, Paestum is an archaeological site known for its exceptionally preserved ancient Greek temples. Founded around 600 BC, it features three impressive Doric temples and a museum showcasing artifacts, including the famous Tomb of the Diver.

• Vietri sul Mare. Just minutes from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is famous for its handcrafted ceramics. Visitors can explore shops selling colorful pottery and enjoy the beauty of this charming coastal town.

• The Amalfi Coast. Salerno serves as an excellent gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Towns such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are easily accessible and offer breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and a unique atmosphere.

Cuisine

Salerno’s cuisine reflects the traditions of the Mediterranean diet, with fresh and locally sourced ingredients at its core.

Salerno’s culinary traditions also include hearty and flavorful dishes. Stuffed spleen (also known as Meveza) is a unique local specialty prepared by filling the spleen with garlic, parsley, and chili, then cooking it with olive oil and vinegar. You can try it at Botteghelle 65. Another cherished dish is Ciambotta, a comforting vegetable stew made with cubed eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Cheese enthusiasts will delight in the Buffalo Mozzarella, a world-famous specialty from the province of Salerno. Particularly noteworthy is the Zizzona di Battipaglia, a generously sized and flavorful variation of this beloved cheese. No visit to Salerno is complete without tasting the variety of fried delicacies, such as arancini. You can try them at Friggitoria Sabatino. Seafood lovers will be delighted by the fish fritters at Sfrizio.

Among the region’s most famous desserts is the Delizia al Limone, a dome-shaped sponge cake filled with luscious lemon cream made from the iconic lemons of Amalfi or Sorrento. For those with a sweet tooth, the Apolline by Pasticceria Romolo is a must-try. Another standout is the Scazzetta del Cardinale, created by the historic Dolceria Pantaleone. This sponge cake is filled with wild strawberry cream and topped with a bright red glaze, resembling a cardinal’s hat, which gives the dessert its name. In addition to these local specialties, visitors can enjoy classic Campanian pastries like babà, sfogliatelle, and pastiera. We also suggest the brioche with ice cream by Nettuno, a soft, freshly baked brioche filled with artisanal ice cream.

The region’s signature liquor is Limoncello. This zesty and refreshing digestif is crafted using the peels of Amalfi lemons, combined with sugar, water, and alcohol. Its bright, tangy flavor makes it a perfect way to conclude a meal.

Events and Festivals

Salerno hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The Luci d’Artista festival, held in the winter, transforms the city with elaborate light displays, while summer brings concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional festivals celebrating local heritage.