GENTLE SALERNO

Famous tourist centre for its Mediterranean climate and its sea, a town rich in historic and architectural beauty. Besides the considerable industrial development there are also important resources in the province for summer tourism.

History

Salerno dates back to the 6th century B.C., with the development of the Hellenic civilisation of Sapri. Latter it passed under the domain of Syracuse and in 276 B.C. the Romans conquered the whole of the Campania region and planted a colony in Paestum and one in Salerno. In 640 A.D., the town became part of the Longobard Principality, which was a turning point in its history; later it was conquered by the Normans and then by the Swabians, and began to decline due to the increasing development of nearby Naples. After the Swabians, the Angevins took over who made Salerno the capital with the provinces of Avellino and Benevento. With the arrival of the Bourbon Monarchy, the attention turned to Naples and Caserta, and Salerno lost importance; in 1820 it faced the victories and defeats of the Carbonaro uprising and, in 1848, obtained the right of Constitution from Ferdinand IV. From 1870 until now, Salerno has been protagonist in the events of Italy freed by Garibaldi and during the Second World War it was here that the allied troupes landed in Italy.

The city and its monuments

Salerno is a mythical choice for Italian tourism, known throughout the world as being the first Marine Republic, it was already surprising foreign travellers back in the 10th century. Famous tourist resort for its mild climate and beautiful Mediterranean architecture, with the narrow alleys that wind around the town and the white houses clinging to the rocky faces of Mount Lattari, surrounded by a deep blue sea in perfect contrast with the green Mediterranean scrub and the colours of the cultivated terraces. But Salerno is more besides, there are also some very important monuments: the Cathedral, which Pope Gregory VII had built in the 11th century, with a structure that copies the famous Abbey of Montecassino; the Arechi Castle, which has been added to depending on whoever was commanding the territory; the Church of the Crucifix, with the interior Basilica plan and the crypt with a 15th century fresco.

The geographical area

Despite the recent increase in industry, fishing, cattle breeding and agriculture (vegetables, fruit, cereals and tobacco) and summer tourism activities are still the main economic resources for the province. The most important towns are: Pontecagnano, farming and industrial centre, which was one of the most advanced posts of the Etruscans in Campania; Maiori and Palinuro, the most modern bathing resorts on the coast, and the famous Positano, tourist centre with its small shops, artists studios, restaurants and houses all built in Mediterranean style, situated between the grey rock, the luxuriant green vegetation and the deep blue sea.

Other cities nearby Cilento

Salerno ·

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Positano (photo of Regione Campania)

GENTLE SALERNO

Famous tourist centre for its Mediterranean climate and its sea, a town rich in historic and architectural beauty. Besides the considerable industrial development there are also important resources in the province for summer tourism. » Visit

Marina di Camerota, Salerno. Fototeca ENIT, foto di Gino Cianci. (www.enit.it)

Marina di Camerota

Holiday destination unsurpassed for lovers of crystalline seas, fine sands, open air activity; the mediterranean climate guarantees sun and good weather for most of the year. » Visit

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