Salerno welcomes you with a breathtaking sea view. Strolling along its seafront promenade amid palm trees and glimpses of the gulf is the perfect way to be enveloped by the beauty of the Mediterranean. The beating heart of Salerno is the charm-filled old town center where ancient alleys, Romanesque churches and handicraft shops reflect a centuries-old history. Don't miss the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Matthew, a masterpiece of medieval art, and the evocative Via dei Mercanti lined with small shops, historic cafés and pastry shops. If you love contemporary art and urban design, Salerno will surprises you with the harbor station designed by Zaha Hadid adjacent to the newly built Piazza della Libertà, a large terrace overlooking the sea and the gulf. But it's in winter close to Christmas time that the city comes alive with light installations for the "Artist's Lights" event. Salerno is a perfect destination for those looking for a city that is lively, rich in history yet relaxing and human-sized.