Salerno Cathedral: how to buy, prices and discounts

Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most impressive cathedrals in Italy and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

Salerno Cathedral: how to buy, prices and discounts

Salerno Cathedral | ©Feng Wei

If you are planning to visit Salerno, you cannot miss its cathedral. It is a jewel of Romanesque architecture with elements from different periods, making it a must-see for any lover of history, architecture and culture. Moreover, inside the cathedral are some of the city's most valuable treasures, such as the ancient high altar and the crypt of St. Matthew, which dates back to the 9th century.

In this article I will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit and, moreover, to know why visiting the cathedral is considered one of the best things to see and do in Salerno. I'll tell you everything from how to get tickets, opening hours, how to get there, prices and recommendations on what other places to visit in the surrounding area.

Where exactly is Salerno Cathedral located?

Salerno Cathedral| ©g.roscigno
Salerno Cathedral| ©g.roscigno

An architectural monument that you will visit on any of the best guided tours of the city of Salerno. The exact address of the Cathedral is Piazza Alfano I, Salerno SA, Italy. It is located in one of the most important squares in the city of Salerno.

The square itself is a beautiful place, surrounded by historic buildings with a wealth of architecture that deserves to be appreciated. The cathedral is the main place of worship in the city. It is worth noting that over the years, it has undergone several renovations and changes, but still retains much of its original structure.

Book a guided tour of Salerno

How to get to Salerno Cathedral?

Train from Italy| ©dok1969
Train from Italy| ©dok1969

To get to the Salerno Cathedral, there are several transport options. In case you are already staying in the city centre area, you can easily walk to the cathedral. There is also a train station nearby, the Salerno Station. From the train station, the cathedral is about a 20-minute walk.

Another option is to take a local bus that stops near the cathedral. Buses are an inexpensive and easy way to get around the city, and there are several lines that pass through the cathedral area, but the main one is the 5120. Another way to get here is by taxi, although this can be a little more expensive than other public transport options.

How much do tickets to Salerno Cathedral cost?

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Entrance to Salerno Cathedral is completely free. A small contribution of only 1 euro per person is required to visit the crypt with the mortal remains of the apostle Matthew.

What are the opening hours of Salerno Cathedral?

Church bell tower| ©Jules
Church bell tower| ©Jules

The opening hours of the cathedral are from 8.30 am to 8 pm. Please note that the opening hours may vary during certain public holidays or special events in the city. Generally on public holidays, the Cathedral is open from 8:30am to 1pm and from 4pm to 8pm.

The Cathedral Crypt also has different opening hours. On weekdays, the crypt is open from 9am to 8pm. On public holidays, it is open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 8pm.

The Treasury Chapel, on the other hand, is only open on the 21st of each month (except on September 21st, the patron saint's day), from 9am to 1pm.

Timetable of ceremonies

The Cathedral offers masses at different times depending on the day. On weekdays, Holy Mass is celebrated at 7pm at the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. On feast days, three timetables are offered: at 10am, 12 noon and 7pm in the Cathedral.

It is important to note that on September 21st, the feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist, the Holy Mass has a different timetable to the rest of the feast days. Masses are offered at different times throughout the day in the cathedral.

What is the best time to visit Salerno Cathedral?

Duomo and bell tower| ©John Meckley
Duomo and bell tower| ©John Meckley

The best time to visit the cathedral is between 09:30 and 11am. During this time, the cathedral is generally less crowded and therefore easier to move around and explore. In addition, the sunlight in the morning is very beautiful and can bring out the beauty of the architecture.

How much time do you need to visit Salerno Cathedral?

Duomo| ©Sam Weller
Duomo| ©Sam Weller

You can visit the entire cathedral in about 1 hour. This can vary, of course, depending on how much you want to explore the details. Also, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Salerno, you may want to take a guided tour which will certainly take longer. In general, it is recommended that you allow at least half an hour to explore the cathedral at your own pace and really appreciate its beauty and historical importance.

And then you can make the most of the day and take one of the best tours of Salerno, the city has a lot to offer and is well worth discovering.

Is it advisable to attend Salerno Cathedral with children?

Inside the cathedral| ©Sam Weller
Inside the cathedral| ©Sam Weller

Yes, it is advisable to attend Salerno Cathedral with children, as long as the necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and the environment is respected.

Salerno Cathedral is a place of great historical and cultural importance in the city, and can be an enriching experience for children to learn about history, architecture and religion. However, it is also important to keep in mind that the cathedral is a sacred place and a cultural heritage whose environment should be respected in an appropriate manner.

Are there guided tours of Salerno Cathedral and is it worth it?

Cathedral tour day| ©stanbr54
Cathedral tour day| ©stanbr54

Yes, guided tours are available for Salerno Cathedral and can be an excellent way to learn more about the history and significance of this important cultural site.

Guided tours are often led by experts in the history and architecture of the city, and can provide detailed information about the various aspects of the building, including its design and construction, its art and its religious significance.

In addition, guided tours can help visitors to better understand the rich history and culture of the city of Salerno and to appreciate more fully the role that the Cathedral has played in its development.

What you can't miss at Salerno Cathedral

Crypt of the Cathedral| ©Ricardo Fernandez Quijada
Crypt of the Cathedral| ©Ricardo Fernandez Quijada

There are many interesting things to see and experience in Salerno Cathedral. Here are some highlights not to be missed during your visit:

The crypt

The crypt is one of the highlights of the Cathedral and is known for its well-preserved frescoes and unique architecture. This crypt is one of the largest in Italy and features numerous altars and tombs of saints, most notably the presence of the remains of the apostle Matthew.

The portal

The portal is the main entrance to the Cathedral and is one of the most striking parts of the building. It is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and features a wealth of carved details.

The bell tower

The bell tower is one of the tallest structures in Salerno and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Gulf of Salerno.

The museum

The Cathedral of Salerno has a museum which exhibits various works of art and sacred objects related to the history of the cathedral. The museum is an excellent way to learn more about the rich history and culture of the region.

The chapels

The Cathedral has several chapels, each with its own architectural style and artwork. The chapels are an excellent way to experience the rich history and religious culture of the region.

Tips for visiting Salerno Cathedral

Touring| ©mcmillant75
Touring| ©mcmillant75

Here are some general tips for visiting Salerno Cathedral to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

Pay attention to opening hours

Be sure to check the opening hours of the Cathedral before planning your visit, as they may vary according to the season. Similarly, check the times of mass and ceremonies, so that you can decide whether to attend or avoid them.

Dress appropriately

The Cathedral is a sacred place and visitors are expected to dress respectfully. It is recommended that you wear comfortable and, if possible, inconspicuous clothing.

Respect the sacred environment

The Cathedral is a place of worship and visitors are expected to respect its sacred environment. It is recommended that you keep your voice low and do not make excessive noise.

Respect the rules regarding the taking of photographs.

Photography is permitted in the Cathedral, but it is recommended not to use flash and to respect the privacy of other visitors.

Make arrangements if you decide to take a guided tour

If you wish to take a guided tour or enter the museum, a ticket is required, so plan your visit in advance to allow enough time for the tour.

Be aware of your safety

The Cathedral is a busy place and it is recommended that you keep a constant eye on your personal belongings and do not leave valuables unattended.

Consider accessibility

The Cathedral has ramps and lifts for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Cathedral staff before your visit.

Where to eat near Salerno Cathedral?

Eating oysters| ©Krista
Eating oysters| ©Krista

If you are looking for dining options near the Salerno Cathedral to complement your visit with the best of Italian gastronomy, I must tell you that fortunately there are several excellent places to choose from. Three options you should definitely consider are the Osteria dei Mercanti, the Vasilico and the Posteria.

The Osteria dei Mercanti is a cosy and elegant restaurant serving classic Italian food. Its menu is full of delicious and authentic dishes, such as fresh pasta, risotto and grilled meats. In addition, the atmosphere is very pleasant and the service is excellent.

Another place not to be missed is Vasilico, which is a very popular restaurant in Salerno. This place specialises in fresh fish and seafood, and everything they serve is really delicious. If you like the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean, you will definitely enjoy your visit to the Vasilico.

La Posteria is a bar and restaurant in Salerno that offers a variety of Italian dishes, such as pizza, pasta and meats. Its speciality is small plates. It also has a wide selection of drinks and cocktails, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a casual meal.

If you were interested in Salerno Cathedral you might be interested in

Streets of Salerno| ©Antonio Cozzolino
Streets of Salerno| ©Antonio Cozzolino

If you liked the information about the imposing cathedral of this Italian city, you can also take a boat tour along the coast, or better yet, a guided walking tour of Salerno. The latter will also take you to the most impressive sights the city has to offer.

What is the guided walking tour of Salerno like?

It is a 2 to 3 hour guided tour that will take you to the highlights of Salerno, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and then you will make stops and walk around specific points.

What will I be able to see on this tour?

On this tour you will have the opportunity to enter the Medieval Castle of Arechi, where you can discover the rich history of Salerno. But that's not all. You will also visit Vietri sul Mare, where you can admire its famous ceramic rooftop and other points of interest offered by the great heritage of the city.

Get to know the historic centre

Another highlight is the historic centre, which you can also explore if you take the guided walking tour. It has narrow winding streets, historic buildings and a charming atmosphere that make it ideal for strolling and exploring on foot. Here you will come across numerous restaurants, craft shops, churches and monuments that reflect the history and culture of the city.

Villa Comunale

Another must-see included in the tour is La Villa Comunale, a beautiful garden located in the heart of Salerno. This garden has a wide variety of plants, trees and flowers that create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a stroll or an afternoon outdoors. In addition, in this place you can find some statues and monuments that pay homage to important personalities of the city.

Liberty Square

Piazza della Libertà is another of the most popular places to visit in Salerno that you will also get to know within this experience. The square has a large central fountain surrounded by palm trees and plenty of benches and seating areas. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun, as well as being a meeting point for the city's inhabitants.

Advantages of this tour

The tour is done with a small group of about 8 people, which allows you to enjoy a more personalised experience. In addition, during the tour, you will be able to enjoy complimentary alcoholic drinks and snacks to complement your sightseeing experience.

During this interesting experience you will have the opportunity to visit the most spectacular viewpoints of Salerno, from where you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the city and the sea. In addition, the expert guide who will accompany you will provide you with detailed information about the sites you visit, allowing you to learn about the history and culture of the city.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 34 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantage of this option: includes complimentary drinks and food.
  • Disadvantage of this option: it has limitations for wheelchair users.

Book a guided tour of Salerno