Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa), Salerno

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa), Salerno

Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa), Salerno

The Municipal Villa, often referred to as the city's "garden," is a captivating botanical haven that originated in 1870. Nestled within its embrace is the renowned Tullio Fountain, a symbol of both history and elegance.

This enchanting Municipal Villa serves as a genuine botanical garden, adorned with rare plant specimens and preserving the serene ambiance of the post-Risorgimento era when it was conceived. It aimed to craft a public space for recreation, leisure, and representation, catering to the emerging class of the newly unified Italy.

The historical core of the Villa features a tree-lined avenue commencing from the famous Aesculapius Fountain, affectionately known as "Don Tullio" after the generous Salerno resident who donated it in 1790. The current iteration of the Villa, although significantly altered, took shape in 1874 based on a design by the architect Casalbore. The transformation included the addition of flowerbeds, meandering paths, plantings, statues, and fountains within a triangular layout intersected by two avenues. A raised base for musical performances took center stage, while the existing fountain served as a captivating focal point, drawing the eye towards the sea.

Over the years, the Villa has been adorned with monuments. In 1890, a statue by Alfonso Balzico was unveiled, paying homage to Giovanni Nicotera, the Minister of the Interior in the De Pretis government of 1876 and a participant in the "three hundred young and strong" expedition. Although the original sculpture was sacrificed during World War I, a new rendition by Corrado Patroni was installed in the 1960s, depicting Nicotera defiantly tearing up his own death sentence.

Each April, the Villa comes alive with a market-exhibition showcasing rare plants and garden objects. In winter, the garden transforms into the Enchanted Garden, adorned with the luminous installations of the Artist's Lights, providing a magical spectacle for visitors to enjoy.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salerno. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa) on Map

Sight Name: Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa)
Sight Location: Salerno, Italy (See walking tours in Salerno)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Salerno, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Salerno

Create Your Own Walk in Salerno

Creating your own self-guided walk in Salerno is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salerno Introduction Walking Tour

Salerno Introduction Walking Tour

A vibrant seaport on the southeastern fringe of Italy's famed Amalfi Coast – the one often viewed as an attraction for jet-setters, – Salerno stands apart from its glitzy counterparts in that it is favored by those who seek a serene yet captivating retreat.

Human settlement at Salerno dates back to pre-historic times. The city's name, believed to have originated from the Latin...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Salerno Medieval Architecture Walking Tour

Salerno Medieval Architecture Walking Tour

Salerno's medieval architecture is a captivating tapestry woven with the threads of history, culture, and craftsmanship. Our journey through its facets starts by the sea, at the ancient New Gate (Porta Nova) that once served as a crucial entry point to the city, welcoming travelers and protecting residents within its sturdy walls.

Our next stop is the picturesque Medieval Aqueduct...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles