Southern Italy is heralded as one of the most beautiful regions on earth and with good reason. Riveting history, interesting culture, excellent cuisine, extraordinary architecture, lovely people, and exquisite beauty await around every corner. I recommend going in May before the heat and crowds of summer set in. While studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, I was invited to go and spend a day in the ancient city of Salerno.
To get to Salerno from Sorrento you can either hire a car, ride the bus, or take the train. I decided to take the train. The cost of train fare was quite minimal as I was able to purchase tickets to and from for a few Euros. The train ride to Salerno from Sorrento is a two step process. First you must take the Circumvesuviana train line to the Pompeii Scavi stop where you will come out in front of the gates of the ancient city ruins. You must leave the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station and walk to a second Trenitalia train station. It is about a thirty minute walk or you can take a five minute taxi ride. Make sure and enjoy the views as you walk. The ancient city ruins of Pompeii are gorgeous and the modern streets are filled with vibrant vendors selling their wares. Do not be afraid to ask for directions if you feel you are lost. The people are very friendly and might even invite you to share a coffee while you wait for your train. Take a Trenitalia train from this second train station to Salerno.
Just outside of the train station at Salerno is a lovely place where you can sit and meet with friends or rest and get a feel for local life. It was while I sat here that I encountered my first group of roaming street "sock salesmen" attempting to sell me individual pairs of socks (a common occurrence while in Italy). As you sit be sure and take in the people and architecture surrounding the monument getting a feel for the ebb and flow of the city. There is much to see and do in Salerno from opera, churches, museums, parks, restaurants, etc. If you are a history buff like me it might be worth your time to stop at the Virtual Museum of Salerno's Medical School. Adult admission is three Euros, while students of any age can get in for two Euros. The Salerno Medical School was founded during the medieval period and the virtual museum allows visitors to learn about its history and the practice of medieval medicine. Make sure to walk the streets and explore the many hidden gems of ancient and medieval architecture along the way.
The patron saint of Salerno is Saint Matthew. In 1081CE the relics of Saint Matthew were brought to Salerno and placed in a crypt in the basilica. In 1688 an earthquake destroyed the basilica and the Cathedral of Saint Matthew was rebuilt. As a student of history I could not resist seeing this and it ended up being the best part of my daytrip.
The cathedral is beautiful and well worth the trip on its own, but the real jewel is what lies beneath. The crypt of Saint Mathew is an exquisite work of art with marble inlay and paintings covering every bit of available surface. It is extraordinary! Pictures do not begin to do it justice. It is one of those things you have to see to believe and fully appreciate it.
Another historic gem is the Arechi Castle (Castello di Arechi) where one can view exhibits and attend conferences. A lovely view of the castle can be seen while strolling along the Villa Comunale di Salerno.
Don't leave Salerno without enjoying a promenade along the Trieste Lungomare!
Hungry? Grab a bite at the lovely Osteria Nonna Maria.
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