Moving Around the City
Within the city visitors can walk around to explore the attractions, most of which are located close to the center of the city. There are many beautiful pedestrian streets and large piazzas in the city that can be easily explored on foot. The public buses in the city can also be used for sightseeing in the city and beyond. Those who have a car can easily drive around since traffic is not a problem and parking is available in most areas.
Points of Interest in Salerno
Salerno Cathedral is the main tourist attraction in the city. The cathedral's large bell tower dominates the historical center of the city. In the cathedral's crypt is the tomb of Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles.
Another church worth visiting is Chiesa della SS. Annuziata, which was built in the 14th century and is situated near the entrance to the old city in the north. The main feature of the church is the beautiful bell tower designed by Ferdinando San Felice.
There is also San Gregorio Church, a 10th century structure that today is the home to the Museum of the Medical School of Salerno, and San Giorgio Church. San Giorgio is the best example of Baroque architecture in Salerno. Inside the church you can view beautiful paintings created by Andrea Sabatini and frescoes by Angelo Solimena and Francesco in the 17th century. The church is related to the oldest monastery in the city, which was built in the 9th century. Various apse frescoes have also recently been discovered in the building.
If you like to walk and people watch head to Lungomare Trieste, the city's promenade, which was built in 1950 and is known to be one of the best in the country. Lungomare, literally translated as "along the sea," extends for five miles and is lined with palm trees. It is often compared to the beautiful promenades of the French Riviera.
Castello di Arechi is a large castle built on the top of a hill by Arechi II over an existing Byzantine-Roman castle. Today the castle is mainly used for meetings and exhibitions. If you visit the castle you will be able to enjoy a gorgeous view of the city and the sea beyond.
One of the most interesting places to visit in the city is the historic center of Salerno, considered to be among the best preserved in Italy. The merchant street of the city is also the main shopping center in Salerno.
The Minerva Garden, or Giardino della Minerva, is located close to the old part of the city. The first ever botanical garden in Europe can be found in this garden.
The large castle Forte La Carnale was named from an ancient battle that was fought against the Arabs. The fort is now part of a large sports complex that today is used as a local cultural center.