Karl WP Beyer Salerno, picturesquely situated between the Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Paestum, is the capital of the province of the same name in the Italian region of Campania. The ancient Romans already valued the area. They gave it the name "Campania felix", in English "happy landscape".
Salerno - marina
Salerno - some history
The first settlers in the climatically favored area on the west coast of the "Italian boot" belonged to the Etruscan people. Their settlements emerged in the region between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. The Etruscans were followed by the Romans, Byzantines, Lombards and Normans. In addition to Naples, the ancient “Salernum” gained importance as a Roman military base and trading center. Trade contacts led from Salerno to Sicily, which was then still Muslim, and to North Africa. The prosperous city became a bishopric, and an archbishop has resided in Salerno since 983.
Salerno - central nave of the cathedral
The plague and two serious earthquakes in the second half of the 17th century claimed many lives. A census carried out in 1755 for the purpose of collecting taxes showed around 10.000 inhabitants. A hundred years later the number of people had risen to 20.000. Salerno then developed into an important economic center as a result of increasing industrialization.
Salerno - education and teaching
Salerno has been a university town since 1968. At the ten faculties of the Università degli Studi di Salerno around 40.000 students are currently enrolled. The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery builds on the work and fame of the Salerno School, founded in the 9th century. This is considered to be one of the first medical teaching and research institutes in Europe.
Coat of arms of the School of Salerno
Salerno in the present
The city with 126.000 inhabitants (Census 2011), the second largest city in the region after Naples, is an industrial and port city, media location and seat of several public administrations.
Although Salerno does not appear as a tourist center, the city is a good starting point for visits to the neighboring Amalfi Coast and the Parco Nazionale del Cilento. The second largest national park in Italy has been under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage since 1998.
The cruise destination Salerno
Cruise ships have been visiting Salerno's port for years. In 2019, 45 cruise ship calls were planned. A modern cruise terminal was built to meet the growing demand.
Salerno - the new cruise terminal
Salerno - Cruise ship Emerald Princess in the industrial port
With its Mediterranean climate and picturesque landscape, the city offers its guests attractive options for a day stay. We describe what there is to see in the city and its surroundings and what visitors can do in a day under Salerno - Sightseeing.
Update May 2021
