Salerno is everything in the center of Campania, Italy

Salerno is an ancient city and comune in Campania (southwestern Italy) and is the capital of the namesake province, being the second largest city in the region by number of inhabitants, after Naples. It is located on the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Though the region is typically known as a jet-setters' paradise, less-glitzy Salerno has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a more tranquil, but nonetheless fascinating place to discover ancient historical sights, sparkling beaches, nature parks, and authentic southern Italian cuisine.

In recent history the city hosted Victor Emmanuel III, the King of Italy, who moved from Rome in 1943 after Italy negotiated a peace with the Allies in World War II, making Salerno the capital of the "Government of the South" and therefore provisional government seat for six months. Salerno was the scene of the Allied landings during World War II and suffered much damage, but today the city has become an important commercial center which boasts one of the largest seaports on the Tyrrhenian coast.

Salerno is often overlooked but – but it shouldn’t be. This lively coastal city brims with historic beauty, from its atmospheric old town to its palm-lined promenade. Marvel at botanic Minerva Gardens, the art-packed Salerno Cathedral, and the treasure-filled Archaeological Museum. With excellent transport links, all this and many popular destinations across the bay are in reach. White it has a prevalently modern appearance, it still retains an interesting and characteristic historic center with a maze of charming alleyways and a wealth of beautiful buildings and monuments.

The city is divided into three distinct zones: the medieval sector, the 19th century sector and the more densely populated post-war area, with its several apartment blocks. The economy of Salerno is mainly based on services and tourism, as most of the city's manufacturing base did not survive the economic crisis of the 1970s. Its main draw is its transportation network: Salerno has a major railway station with excellent train connections to Naples, Rome, Paestum and the south of Italy.
The Port of Salerno is one of the most active of the Tyrrhenian Sea. During the summer season ferries, depart from Salerno's port to reach Amalfi, Positano and Capri. The SITA regional bus lines conveniently connect Salerno to the Capodichino airport in Naples, the central train station in Naples, and the the Amalfi Coast towns of Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Minori, Maiori and Amalfi itself. In short, it's in the center of everything you want to see in Campania!

For travelers Salerno is an interesting point for touring around as it is in a central location and enjoys a hip nightlife, and offers shops, restaurants, museums and monuments. Salerno is well known for its hot nightlife and entertainment scene, called the "movida". Show up in the area around the town hall in the evenings after 9:00 pm and join in. People gather in the street to chat, dine, stroll, drink, and hang out with friends as well as meet new ones. Venture into the alleys of the historic center to reach the piazza Largo Campo, another popular gathering spot. Nearly every night in the summer and every weekend night in the winter is busy with the "movida". Go out and people watch. In Salerno, don't be surprised if you visit late and find yourself stuck in traffic at 2:00 in the morning!

If "movida" isn't your style, take a tranquil stroll along the Lungomare, the seaside promenade, which is one of the longest in Italy. Stop in at Bar Nettuno, across the road from the Lungomare, for the best gelato (ice cream) in town. Visit to the sights of Salerno. The main monument is the Cathedral (Duomo), a 12th century Romanesque building dedicated to the apostle, St. Matthew, who is the city's patron saint. His body and that of Pope Gregorio VII (who was banished in Salerno) are kept inside the church.