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 remodeled in the 18th century, it sustained severe damage in a 1980 earthquake.

It is dedicated to San Matteo (St Matthew), whose remains were reputedly brought to the city in 954 and now lie beneath the main altar in the 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, harmonious courtyard, surrounded by graceful arches and overlooked by a 12th-century bell tower. Carry on through the huge bronze doors (similarly guarded by lions), which were cast in Constantinople in the 11th century.

When you come to the three-aisled interior, you will see that it is largely baroque, with only a few traces of the original church.

These include parts of the transept and choir floor and the two raised pulpits in front of the choir stalls.

Throughout the church you can see extraordinarily detailed and colorful 13th-century mosaic work.

In the right-hand apse, don’t miss the Cappella delle Crociate (Chapel of the Crusades), containing stunning frescoes and more wonderful mosaics.

It was so named because crusaders’ weapons were blessed here. Under the altar stands the tomb of 11th-century pope Gregory VII.

The Arechi Castle is a medieval castle, situated at a height of about 300 meters above sea level, overlooking the city and the Gulf of Salerno.

It is named Arechi because the construction of this fortification is associated, traditionally,  to the Lombard Duke Arechi II.  The oldest building phase, according to some archaeological investigations, dates back to the sixth century and is the work of craftsmen goto-Byzantine.

The castle assumed great military importance in the eighteenth century, with the Longobard Prince Arechi II who, although didn’t introduce major changes to the fort, made it the cornerstone of the defense system of the city.

In 774 this prince considered the strategic position of the city of Salerno and made the residence of the court of the Duchy of Benevento.

In fact the city was a bridgehead for trade and to control trade with other regions of the Mediterranean.

Hence his attention to the fortifications: the castle became the vertex of a triangular defense system, the walls were falling down along the slopes of the hill Bonadies girdling fact all ancient Salernum to the sea.

The castle currently consists of a central section protected by towers, joined together with a crenellated walls.

On March 1st 1992, the Italian Post Office has dedicated a postage stamp.

Nowadays the castle is home to events, ceremonies, conferences, besides hosting a museum.

Paestum is one of the most important and best preserved archaeological sites in Italy.

It is still possible to admire the Greek ruins, architecture and monuments such us the imposing Temple of Poseidon and the Basilica.

The city of Paestum hosts a beautiful and interesting museum which houses the famous “Tomb of the Dive”, a magnificent example of the Greek art representing a funeral banquet.

The majestic Doric temples, illuminated by sunlight and the long coastal strip, brushed by a sparkling sea, are the elements which make Paestum a charming place in which you can spend your holidays.

The old city is located in a strategic position, a few km  South of the Amalfi Coast and on the north of the Cilento Coast, it is the door to the National Park of Cilento.

Although most people visit Paestum for the day, there is a surprising number of good hotels, and this delightful rural area makes a convenient stopover point for travelers heading for the Cilento region.

Considered by the U.N.E.S.C.O. as a world heritage, Paestum remains, for its art, nature, tastes and events which characterize it, one of the most important beautiful cities of Magna Grecia, which must be visited and discovered.

Tenuta  Vannulo  is a 10-minute drive from Paestum.

It makes its mozzarella exclusively from buffalo milk, unlike most producers who combine it with cows’ milk.

The farm is open for tours ( in English and Italian) of the production facilities, the buffalo stables and an agricultural museum.

You can have lunch, with advance reservations.

The mozzarella produced here is generally considered to be the best in the region.

The fact that it is organically produced makes all the difference to the quality and taste.

Vannulo’s farm produces 408 kg of unpasteurized mozzarella di bufala per day, enough for several thousand caprese salads.

It also makes wonderful ice cream. Contact us to discover their special product!