An outing to Salerno is bucking the trend, with the traveling crowd heading further west along the Amalfi Coast. Those that stay behind are left with a city that will not easily release its mysteries.

Facing the eye-catching Gulf of Salerno, the city itself can at first appear coarse. Its old buildings, weary from centuries of life, blend in oddly with modern designs and a burgeoning waterfront.

In any case, exploring the Centro Historico by walking peels back the curtain on Salerno to reveal a town deeply connected to ancient Campania, ancient Rome, and the Renaissance. History and culture flow out of these cathedrals and palaces into the plazas surrounded by bustling trattorias.

1. Salerno Cathedral

Seemingly every town in Italy has an eye-catching cathedral that will stop you in your tracts. Salerno is the same. Nonetheless, the draw of the Salerno Cathedral isn’t necessarily the vibrant facade, vaulted ceilings, or towering towers.

The Salerno Cathedral is dedicated to St. Matthew and required eight years to complete, beginning in 1076. Presently, thanks to a 1930s rejuvenation, the cathedral shines with its previous splendor.

The outside bell tower is the main element to draw you in, then the mullioned windows and Romanesque facade. Be that as it may, the real pearls remain inside. Here, you’ll find north of two dozen columns boasting Arab art and ancient sarcophagi.

2. Villa Comunale

The Minerva Gardens may have memorable significance in Salerno, however, the town’s main green space remains the Villa Comunale. Featuring plant species from across the Mediterranean and similar global biological systems, the garden is a popular gathering spot for locals.

The Villa Comunale was created in 1874. In any case, a few parts of the gardens are even older, including the beautiful Tullio Fountain from the late 1700s. Walking paths lead to colorful gardens and elegant landscapes, interrupted by striking figures from local and national history.

In summer, crowds gather for music and events. While in winter, the Villa Comunale shows some signs of life with spectacular lights that illuminate the gardens.

3. Vietri sul Mare

Below, we discuss the temperances of exploring the Amalfi Coast from Salerno. Yet, there’s one town, Vietri sul Mare, that we purposely ignored. It is a hidden jewel along this famous coastline, one without crowds, with stunning terra-cotta rooftops and marvelous vistas.

Only 15 minutes from Salerno, there’s no excursion involved between the two. If you arrive via train, the view right out of the station will help you capture Vietri sul Mare in all her glory.

4. Chiesa San Pietro a Corte

Representing the best-preserved Medieval development in Salerno, Chiesa San Pietro a Corte is a fascinating look into ancient Campania. Built-in the year 774 by the Duke of Benevento, the only remaining palace in Europe used Longobard architecture.

The palace is the Second story Room, which stands upon a significant Roman spa complex that dates back to the late 1st century. A bathhouse that was later repurposed as a resting place for major figures in Salerno’s Middle Ages.

5. Lungomare

With your morning coffee under lock and key, make your way down to Lungomare. This is a shady and refreshing tree-lined parkway that stretches along Salerno’s waterfront.

Early risers can be found walking with a hearty pace along the promenade alongside cyclists. The blend of paths and green spaces provides plenty of space to move as well as kick back and enjoy the perspectives.

Speaking of, facing out toward the west, this is a vibrant spot to take in the nightly dusk. Ventures from waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars it’s a simple task to carry on with the evening once the sun has fallen.

6. Complex of Santa Sofia

First developed in the latter years of the 10th century, the Complex of Santa Sofia was the first of its kind dedicated to the saint. A short distance from the Piazza Abate Conforti, the original Benedictine convent, housed priests for quite some time.

Later, nuns took up residence here before the complex undertook multiple roles into the twentieth century. These include serving as a civil court and becoming a state school.

7. Medieval Aqueduct

Known as the Bridges of the Devil, the Medieval Aqueduct was constructed in the ninth century. In any case, as legend would have it, the aqueduct took the devil a single hard-working night to complete. Assuming you wander under the arches around evening time, you may even encounter the man himself.

Whichever you choose to believe, the Medieval Aqueduct is a captivating association with the Middle Ages. You will find it in the notable heart of Salerno close to the Arechi Castle. From its ancient beginnings, the aqueduct supplied water to the St. Benedict Monastery, and it is a poignant reminder of the engineering capabilities of the era.