Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Salerno
Top Sights
1
Duomo
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Sights
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Sleeping
F3
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Eating
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Sights
Duomo
(Piazza Alfano; 9.30am-6pm Mon-Sat, 4-6pm Sun)
You can't miss the looming presence of
Salerno's impressive cathedral, widely considered to be the most beautiful medieval
church in Italy. Built by the Normans in the 11th century and later aesthetically remod-
elled in the 18th century, it sustained severe damage in the 1980 earthquake. It is dedic-
ated to San Matteo (St Matthew), whose remains were reputedly brought to the city in 954
and now lie beneath the main altar in the exquisite vaulted crypt.
Take special note of the magnificent main entrance, the 12th-century
Porta dei Leoni
,
named after the marble lions at the foot of the stairway. It leads through to a beautiful har-
monious courtyard, surrounded by graceful arches, overlooked by a 12th-century bell
tower.
CATHEDRAL
