Salerno

Salerno is a city and port on the Tyrrhenian coast of southwestern Italy, and the capital of the Province of Salerno in Campania. It lies at the head of the Gulf of Salerno and functions as a commercial, cultural, and tourist hub for the region.

Historically, Salerno has ancient roots as Salernum. In the early Middle Ages it became a major port and the site of the Schola Medica Salernitana, one of Europe’s earliest medical schools, which helped transmit medical knowledge across the continent. The medieval core preserves Romanesque and Norman influences in churches and palazzi.

Key landmarks include Castello Arechi, the hilltop fortress overlooking the city, and the Cathedral of San Matteo, an 11th-century Romanesque church. The historic center features narrow streets, markets, and a waterfront promenade along Lungomare Trieste. The city also hosts cultural venues such as the Verdi Theatre.

Economically, the port and service sectors drive activity, complemented by tourism and light industry. Its location serves as a gateway to southern Campania, including the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento area. Salerno hosts the University of Salerno (Università degli Studi di Salerno), established in 1968, which supports regional research and higher education.

Transportation links include the Port of Salerno, ferry connections to Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and the Naples–Reggio Calabria railway line. The city is connected by the A3 motorway to Naples, with a Mediterranean climate featuring mild winters and hot summers.