Salerno, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cabalist12

Nestled in the shadow of the soaring Sorrentine Peninsula, Salerno is one of the Campania region’s most overlooked and underrated cities. Combining the convenience of big-city life with the charm of a small town, it remains a delightful place that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism-let’s hope it stays that way!

Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Salerno is a historic city with significant importance, primarily due to its role as the seat of the Salerno Medical School, Europe's first medical institution, established in the Middle Ages.

You can delve into this storied past by visiting landmarks such as the magnificent Salerno Cathedral, a stunning example of the region's mixed architectural tradition, or the imposing Castle of Arechi. Perched on a hilltop, the castle offers panoramic views of the cityscape and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

When hunger strikes, indulge in authentic regional dishes like scialatielli, a famous seafood pasta, or the delectable sfogliatella, a pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream. And, as with everywhere in this part of Campania, don’t miss the chance to taste locally produced limoncello, a beloved regional staple.

History of Salerno

Prehistory and Antiquity

Salerno has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of Neolithic remains. Originally settled by Oscan-speaking populations, the area was colonized by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC, who founded the city of Irnthi (now the Fratte district). This settlement was a significant trade hub for the Etruscans with nearby Greek colonies. In the 5th century BC, the Samnites took control following the Battle of Cumae, bringing the region under Syracusan influence.

With the Roman conquest of Campania, the importance of Irna waned in favor of the newly established Roman colony of Salernum around 197 BC. The city, initially a military outpost, developed into a thriving trade center connected to Rome via the Via Popilia. By the late 3rd century AD, under Emperor Diocletian, Salernum became the administrative center of the “Lucania and Bruttii” province. The city’s significance continued through the Gothic Wars, with brief Byzantine control before falling to the Lombards in 646, becoming part of the Duchy of Benevento.

Middle Ages to Early Modern Age

Salerno experienced its most splendid period under the Lombard dukes. In 774, Arechis II of Benevento moved the duchy’s seat to Salerno to evade Charlemagne and solidify control over Campania. This era saw the rise of the famous Salerno Medical School, fortifications, and the construction of the Castle on Bonadies Mountain. By 839, Salerno declared independence from Benevento, establishing a prosperous principality that extended to Capua, northern Calabria, and Apulia.

In the 10th century, Salerno expanded its influence under Prince Guaimar IV, who annexed neighboring territories. However, the principality faced continuous threats from Saracens and internal conflicts, leading to its decline. The Normans conquered Salerno in 1077, with Robert Guiscard building the royal palace of Castel Terracena and the cathedral. The Schola Medica Salernitana reached its peak during this time, attracting scholars and practitioners. Salerno became the Norman capital of southern Italy until Palermo rose in prominence.

Late Modern and Contemporary

Salerno was a hub of Carbonari activities supporting Italian unification in the 19th century. Many locals joined Garibaldi’s campaign against the Bourbon rule, and the city’s population grew significantly post-unification. Industrialization began in the 19th century, with foreign industries like textile mills establishing operations, earning Salerno the nickname “Manchester of the two Sicilies.”

During World War II, Salerno was the site of Operation Avalanche in September 1943, suffering extensive damage. The city briefly hosted the Italian government and King Vittorio Emanuele III from February to July 1944. Post-war, Salerno’s population doubled from 80,000 in 1946 to nearly 160,000 by 1976, marking a period of rapid urban development and industrial growth.

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

Visiting Salerno for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Salerno on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.