Retire Early Lifestyle
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Exploring the Historic Streets of Salerno, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Are you dreaming of an Italian getaway filled with rich history, charming streets, and a vibrant atmosphere? Look no further than Salerno, a captivating coastal town nestled in southern Italy.

Salerno boasts a history stretching back millennia, with its streets whispering tales of Roman rule, medieval conquests, and a modern resurgence.

Ancient Echoes: Roman Legacy and Beyond

Step back in time as you wander Salerno's streets. The city's layout and architectural remnants hint at its Roman roots. Imagine the legend that the devil helped build this aqueduct and picture the bustling marketplaces that once thrived within this very city.

Salerno's story extends far beyond the Roman Empire. Explore the influence of Goths, Byzantines, and Lombards who each left their mark on the city's character. And then there was the destruction by both World Wars.

A City Reborn:

Modern Salerno Awaits While remnants of the past linger, Salerno is a city that thrives in the present. Its resilience is evident in its modern facade, boasting a charming port area and a welcoming atmosphere.

Take a look!

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II known as Corso in Salerno

This Corso in Salerno, is a main pedestrian street in the city. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, because the street is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. Sometimes on weekends or holidays there will be entertainers making their living by tips.

It's all very colorful and alive.

You can see the Monti Lattari range at the end of the street which forms the backbone of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast.

Much of Salerno’s historic interest derives from its medical school—the earliest in Europe—which flourished here in the 11th and 12th centuries.

 Students from Europe, Asia, and northern Africa flocked here and it still exists today.

At this time, the Schola Medica Salernitana was the first medical school in the world.

A corner panetteria and salumeria

Lovely clean streets are common and this attractive corner has a bakery and delicatessen.

Outdoor seating surrounded by beautiful planters make for an enjoyable place to eat.

In 1077 the Normans made Salerno the capital of their rule in all continental southern Italy.

Later on in the 16th century, the powerful feudal lord family of Sanseverino family caused this city to become a great centre of learning, culture and the arts. The family hired several of the greatest intellectuals of the time and the reputation of Salerno was upgraded even further.

Hotel Montestella

This hotel is right on the Corso pedestrian street, 450 yards from the train station and only a 9 minute walk to the beach.

It's a great location and the rooms - which include breakfast - run about $100USD+ a night.

There was a time in Italy's history where the southern area of Italy was not part of what is called the country of Italy today. A man named Garibaldi fought for the unification of Sicily with Italy, and afterwards, urban development continued.

After World War II the population grew from 20,000 people during the time of Garibaldi to 80,000 people in the early 20th century.

Women on the walking street in Salerno

In World War II the Salerno coast was the scene of a battle between Allied landing forces and the Germans. Parts of the old city suffered great damage before the British army forced the Germans to withdraw.

But as you can see today, it's quite modern.

OVS department store

OVS is a very popular Italian chain of retail store.

They are found all over Italy, with over 1200 stores in the historic sections of the cities, but also in malls.

Restaurants, apartments and stores

You can appreciate how wide open and clean the streets of Salerno are.

Here you find shops, stores of various sorts and outdoor seating for restaurants.

There is always a bit of green to add charm to the area, and in the upper left of the photo you can see a rooftop with a garden.

Graffiti was seldom seen and it felt safe.

Another outdoor restaurant

Salerno is famous for their pasta with seafood, Eggplant Parmesan, Limoncello and their Mozzarella de bufala.

How did water buffalos get to Italy?

That's a good question.

The predominant theory suggests Arabian or Islamic traders brought water buffalo from the East during their expansion westward in the 6th-7th centuries AD.

These animals might have reached Italy through North Africa and Sicily, eventually settling in the southern regions.

Limoncello is an Italian lemon-flavored liqueur, mainly produced in Southern Italy. Traditionally made with lemons native to the Sorrento Peninsula of Italy, this is a refreshing liqueur served chilled at the end of a meal.

It's really delicious, and you must try it!

Pastel buildings with a view of the sea

It seems these coastal towns of southern Italy paint their buildings in cheerful, bright pastels. When the sunlight hits the sides of the buildings, it is very inviting. It's perfect for an artist to draw or paint, or for a photographer to catch a certain mood.

This tradition of painting buildings pastel colors might be because these light shades reflect heat better, keeping the buildings cooler during hot summers.

Or it could be that the available materials in the area, like lime-based washes would naturally result in pale hues.

At any rate, this custom has continued even into contemporary life after the introduction of modern paints.

More outdoor seating, more pastel-colored buildings

It's the same again here, with peach, yellow, cream and tan colored paints.

Outdoor restaurant seating and benches for pedestrians all create a sense of community.

LeCafe offers variety

This cafe offers everything from food, coffee and beer to wine by the glass, cocktails and aperitifs.

You can clearly see the sign for Amari which are bitter liqueurs used for digestive qualities.

Aperol is currently a huge favorite in Italy, even though it's been around since 1919. The Aperol drink is combined with a dry Italian sparkling wine called Prosecco and then the drink becomes the Aperol Spritz. Aperol is a little less bitter than other Amari and has a very prominent orange flavor that makes for easy drinking and combines well with sparkling wine or soda.

Definitely the beau monde drink this Spritz as they people-watch the afternoon away.

The famous Gutteridge men's tailor shop

Gutteridge produces Accessories and Menswear. The label was founded in Italy in 1878, just after the unification of Italy.

Mr. Gutteridge was a Scotsman and he started a thriving textile import trade in an agreement with his father-in-law who had a leading textile business in Scotland. 

Apparently there are a thousand shades of blue, beige and brown and the shirts Gutteridge present change every season.

Gutteridge is a man's tailor shop with a focused attention to detail, and nothing is left to chance.

This brand has become very popular throughout Europe.

Another wide open area

Even though some of the side streets are a bit narrow, when several streets come together they open up wide like this photo shows.

With the sky so blue, the palm trees, wrought iron lamps and pastel buildings, it's like a Hollywood movie set.

Salerno's active sea port

Salerno's sea port is on the Tyrrhenian Sea and utilizes the Naples–Reggio di Calabria railway.

This city mainly exports food, construction materials, textiles, ceramics and their famous wrought ironwork.

The Monti Lattari mountain range cradles the harbor making a scenic photo.

Salerno, as a coastal city, offers much for the tourist to enjoy, and seems an inviting, safe and stylish place to live.

We hope you get a chance to visit!

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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