Via dei Mercanti Guide
Stroll Through History: Discover Via dei Mercanti Guide
Via dei Mercanti, or "Street of Merchants," is the historic heart of Salerno. This narrow, pedestrianized street winds its way through the old town, offering a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. A walk along Via dei Mercanti is a journey through time, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of medieval Salerno. Via dei Mercanti has been a commercial hub since the Middle Ages, when Salerno was a thriving port city and a center of trade. The street's name reflects its historical role as a marketplace where merchants from all over the Mediterranean came to sell their goods. Many of the buildings lining the street date back to the medieval period, with their narrow facades and arched doorways. Keep an eye out for the remnants of ancient Roman walls that are incorporated into some of the structures. Today, Via dei Mercanti is a bustling pedestrian zone filled with shops selling everything from souvenirs and local crafts to clothing and jewelry. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes offering traditional Salernitan cuisine. This is the perfect place to sample local specialties like "pizza fritta" (fried pizza) or "sfogliatella," a shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta cheese. The street is particularly lively in the evenings, when locals and tourists alike come to stroll, shop, and dine.
Transportation
Via dei Mercanti is located in the pedestrian zone of Salerno's historic center and is best accessed on foot. * **Bus:** Several bus lines stop near the historic center, within a short walking distance of Via dei Mercanti. Lines 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 17, 27, and 34 are all options.