Audio Guide: Salerno Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Salerno

A lively seaport on the southeastern fringe of Italy's famed Amalfi Coast, often viewed as an attraction for jet-setters, Salerno stands apart from its glitzy counterparts as a destination favored by those seeking a serene yet captivating retreat. Human settlement at Salerno dates back to prehistoric times. The city's name, believed to have originated from the Latin "Salernum", hints at its roots as a Roman colony.

In the early Middle Ages Salerno was an independent Lombard principality, which around the 11th century comprised most of Southern Italy. It was then that Salerno's Medical School, the first of its kind in the world, was founded. In 1077, the Normans made Salerno the capital of their rule in all continental southern Italy, and in the 16th century the city became a great center of learning, culture, and arts.

During Spanish rule, Salerno suffered a crisis that would last until the 18th century. Under Napoleon, it became part of the Parthenopean Republic, and later supported the ideas of Italian unification, welcoming Garibaldi in 1861. Throughout the same period, foreign industries settled in the city. In 1877, Salerno was the site of as many as 21 textile mills employing nearly ten thousand workers, ultimately earning it the nickname "Manchester of the two Sicilies".

In recent history, the city saw Allied landings during the invasion of Italy in World War II in 1943. Today's Salerno is a lively location with plenty to keep visitors engaged. One of its prominent landmarks is the bustling maritime station connecting Salerno to nearby islands and coastal destinations. Religious heritage is abundant in the city. Its patron saint is Saint Matthew, the Apostle, whose relics are kept here at the crypt of Salerno Cathedral. The nearby Museum of Saint Matthew houses a treasure trove of religious art and artifacts.

Venturing further into Salerno, you may want to visit the Medieval Aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering, or stroll along Merchants' Street, where echoes of the city's mercantile history still resonate. In the end, unwinding at the local seafront, where the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea meet the cityscape, may be a good idea.

Replete with historical wonders, sun-kissed beaches, verdant nature parks, and the authentic flavors of southern Italian cuisine, Salerno is ready to indulge you in all its delights. Our self-guided tour hereby offers you a chance to discover the allure of this enchanting city. Go for it!