Salerno

Salerno: the capital of the Campania province

Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Salerno, an Italian commune located in Campania, of which it is the capital of the province. With a population of over 127,000 inhabitants, Salerno is the second most populous municipality in the region.

But what is the history of this city? During the Early Middle Ages, Salerno was one of the most important centers under Lombard domination. In fact, it became the capital of the Principality of Salerno, an entity that included most of southern Italy.

In addition, the Salernitan Medical School was present in Salerno, considered the first and most important institution of European medicine at the beginning of the Middle Ages. This school was the forerunner of modern universities.

Since 1968, Salerno has been home to the University of Salerno, located in the neighboring municipalities of Fisciano and Baronissi. But the city also had a historical role during World War II, when it was the temporary capital of Italy, hosting three successive governments.

Salerno: the city between the sea, rivers and hills

The physical geography of Salerno

The territory

The territory of Salerno extends over the Gulf of Salerno in the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Amalfi Coast and the plain of Sele. The city is located in the Irno Valley, where the river flows into the sea. The municipal territory is very diverse, with hills in the background that extend from the coast to reach the Picentini plateau.

The territory of Salerno is characterized by the presence of the Irno River and the Picentino River, which separates Salerno from the nearby city of Pontecagnano Faiano. On the outskirts of the city there is also a small artificial lake, Lake Brignano.

The climate

The climate of Salerno is Mediterranean, with mild and humid winters and moderately hot summers. The city is often affected by winds, mainly those from the southwest and north. In winter, there are often incursions of cold air from the Balkans heading towards the city.

Conclusion

Salerno is a city with a very important historical and cultural heritage. The Salernitan Medical School, for example, was one of the founders of modern medicine. In addition, the city played an important role in the history of Italy during World War II.

From a geographical point of view, Salerno extends over a very diverse territory, including hills, rivers and sea. The climate is Mediterranean, but the city is often affected by winds from different directions.

In short, if you are looking for an ideal destination for your holidays, Salerno is definitely a city to visit to immerse yourself in its culture and history.

Camilla Ricci
Wrote by Camilla Ricci
Updated Thursday, Feb 17, 2022