Salerno: Lombard principality, medical school and Tyrrhenian gulf
Salerno is the capital of the province of the same name in Campania and stands on the Tyrrhenian Gulf, at the point where the Irno valley opens towards the sea. The city occupies a transition position between the Amalfi Coast to the west and the Sele plain to the south-east.
History and identity
In the early Middle Ages Salerno flourished as the capital of the Lombard principality, which came to include a large part of southern Italy; it was then the Norman capital of the Duchy of Puglia and Calabria. The Salerno Medical School, active as early as the 11th century, is considered a forerunner of modern universities. From February to August 1944 the city hosted the Italian government.
What to see
The center and the gulf allow you to follow together the political history, the medical tradition and the relationship with the sea. To the west the Amalfi Coast begins, while to the south-east the Sele plain opens up. The Irno river crosses the territory and the valley of the same name penetrates the hills that rise up to Monte Stella.
Understand the place
Check timetables of historic places and services before your visit. If you intend to continue towards the Amalfi Coast or the Sele plain, check traffic, transport, maritime connections and weather conditions.
Where to stay
A hotel in the center facilitates historical routes and access to the seafront. To use Salerno as a base for the Amalfi Coast or the Sele plain, compare rail and sea connections, traffic, parking and travel times before booking.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.