Salerno Overview

As capital of the Norman Empire from 1077 to 1127 and home to Europe’s first medical school, Salerno (sa-LEHR-no; pop. 144,000) once played host to a proud, powerful culture. During WWII, however, the city was blasted by Allied bombs and much of its medieval past was turned to rubble. Unlike the dreamy villages of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno is an urban reality with an industrial core and a famous university. A cheap base for visiting the Amalfi Coast and Paestum’s ruins, Salerno is not wholly without charm of its own; side streets in the old city and the sea front promenade offer pleasant walks and views.

• Transportation to Salerno

Trains: (☎ 089 25 50 05), in P. V. Veneto. To: Naples (45min., 37 per day 3:41am-10:21pm, €5-10); Paestum (40min., 17 per day 5:52am-9:55pm, €2.70); Reggia di Calabria (3-5hr., 16 per day 2 ...more

• Practical Information

Salerno’s train station is in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The pedestrian Corso Vittorio Emanuele veers right out of the piazza, becoming Via dei Mercanti upon reaching the old quarter, the liveliest ...more

• Accommodations

Ostello Ave Gratia Plena, V. Canali (☎ 089 23 47 76; www.ostellodisalerno.it). Take C. Vittorio Emanuele into the old district, where it becomes V. dei Mercanti; then turn right on V. Canali. Amazing ...more

• Sights and Activities

To take in the evening air, stroll down C. V. Emanuele or sit in the lush gardens of the Villa Comunale (open daily 7:30am-midnight). For a bit of history, explore the medieval section, starting at C. ...more

• Restaurants

Hosteria Il Brigante, V. Linguiti 4 (☎ 089 22 65 92). From P. Duomo, head up the ramp, look for sign on the left. Laid-back. Handwritten menu boasts “rigorously homemade” dishes like ...more

• Daytrips

The simplest way to get to Paestum is by train from Salerno (30min., 17 per day, round-trip €5.80). Exiting the Paestum station, walk under the arch for 7min. until you see the museum and entrance ...more