The port city of Salerno is the capital of Campania’s southernmost province that bears its name. It is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea in the beautiful gulf of the same name and it is near the dazzling Amalfi Coast. Schola Medica Salernitana, the world’s first medical university is located here.
This is a vibrant city with medieval churches, brightly lit wine bars and neighborhood trattorias. The seafront is a wonderful place for an evening stroll.
A Little Bit of History
The city was originally an Etruscan colony and later it was taken over by the Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Longobards and Normans, respectively.
The Port of Salerno
It flourished during the 11th century under the Norman reign. It was made the capital of the Norman Dukedom in 1076, by Robert Guiscard and it was under his patronage that the Schola Medica Salernitana became a renowned medical institute of medieval Europe.
It was the landing site of the invasion of the WWII Allies on September 9, 1943 and this reduced much of the center to rubble. Even though it was rebuilt, its charm has never been restored.
On the other hand, the city has seen some of the greatest architects of the world build structures and buildings here, such as Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid, to name a few.
Gulf of Salerno
Festival of the Crucifix is the most famous historical tradition of Salerno. The Crucifix is a large market that hosts craftsmen from all over the region. The city hosts an International Tango event during which there will be round-the-clock tango dancing in the city center and on the seafront.
The old merchant street in the historic center of the town is the main shopping center and you can find all kinds of clothing, footwear, accessories, lace, glass lamps, handicrafts and ceramic items.
Where is Salerno?

- 14.9 miles/ 24 km from Amalfi, Italy
- 24.8 miles/ 40 km from Positano, Italy
- 18.6 miles/ 30 km from Pompeii, Italy
- 34.7 miles/ 56 km from Sorrento, Italy
- 34.7 miles/ 56 km from Naples, Italy
- 319.3 miles/ 514 km from Florence, Italy
- 162.7 miles/ 262 km from Rome, Italy
- 13 miles/ 21 km from Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, Italy
- 75 miles/ 47 km from Naples International Airport, Italy
- 176.4 miles/ 284 km from Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy
- 160.3 miles/ 258 km from Rome Ciampino Airport, Italy
Things to See
Salerno Old Town
- Cathedral
- Chiesa della SS. Annunziata
- Castello di Arechi
- Museo Archeologico Provinciale
- San Giorgio Church
- Lungomare Trieste
Beaches
- Santa Maria di Castellabate
- Laurito
- Centola, Spiaggia del Buon Dormire
Excursions
- Amalfi Coast Sea Kayaking
- Paestum
- Santa Maria de Castellabate
- Salerno War Cemetery
Salerno is a lively and sociable place with a busy seafront boulevard, and plenty of nightlife and shops.
It’s an interesting hub from which you can explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!