Salerno

A tour of Salerno – water, wonders and baroque splendour

Salerno is a city that doesn't impose itself—but those who explore it on foot are rewarded with surprising depth. On our walking tour, we encounter a centuries-old aqueduct, venerable church art, Norman splendor, and the winding charm of the old town.

The medieval aqueduct

The walk begins at the Acquedotto Medievale, one of the oldest buildings in the city. The stone arches rise seemingly randomly between residential buildings – as if someone had placed a piece of the past right in the middle of the present. Built by the Lombards in the 9th century, the aqueduct once served to supply water to the monasteries. Today, it stands as a silent witness to a turbulent history – and an atmospheric prelude to our walk.

The Cathedral of Salerno

A few steps further, we enter the heart of the city: the Duomo di Salerno. Even the forecourt is impressive with its arcades and blend of Norman and Arabic architecture.

Inside, things get even more monumental – the Crypt of St. Matthew is a baroque work of art in its own right, with its golden glow and dramatic frescoes. A place that not only tells history, but breathes it.

The Church of San Giorgio

Hidden away in a side street, but impossible to miss: the Chiesa di San Giorgio. Plain from the outside, its interior reveals overwhelming Baroque splendor. Gold, stucco, frescoes – the church is a 17th-century gem and considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in Salerno. The ceiling paintings by Andrea Sabatini, in particular, draw the eye upwards and invite awe.

The old town – Centro Storico

The tour ends where Salerno is at its most vibrant: in the Centro Storico. Narrow streets, brightly painted houses, small artisan shops, and hidden courtyards characterize the scene. This is where real life pulsates. No place to rush—instead, walk slowly, look, listen. Perhaps an espresso in one of the bars on Largo Campo—and simply let the atmosphere take over.