Considered by many citizens of Salerno as a true green lung and the ideal place to spend a few hours relaxing in a tranquil atmosphere, the Municipal Villa of Salerno is essentially a botanical garden.

The Municipal Villa of Salerno was designed by the architect Casalbore in 1874, after the unification of Italy. Casalbore's project envisioned the construction of a city park around the famous Esculapio Fountain, also known as "Don Tullio," named after a wealthy Salernitan citizen who donated it to the city in 1790. Its purpose was to provide refreshment to travelers arriving in the city from the Amalfi Coast and Naples.

The design concept of architect Casalbore included various flower beds, plantings, statues, fountains, and two large tree-lined avenues, along with a raised area at the center of the park ideal for small music concerts and religious events. Before long, the Municipal Villa of Salerno became the hub of social life in Salerno during the 19th century.

Over the years, the Municipal Villa has been enriched with numerous monuments. Starting from 1890, a statue dedicated to Giovanni Nicotera, the Minister of the Interior in the De Pretis government, was installed. However, this statue was removed for military purposes; the original bronze statue was taken down during the last war to be turned into bullets. Later, in the 1960s, a new statue of Giovanni Nicotera was placed back in the villa, this time depicting him in the act of tearing up his death sentence.

Throughout the years, the Municipal Villa has been adorned with other monuments representing famous historical figures from Italy and the city of Salerno, as well as a variety of botanical species, becoming a gathering place for the citizens. During the 1990s, the Municipal Villa underwent a prestigious architectural and botanical restoration, which saw an expansion of greenery with the addition of new rare plants related to Mediterranean culture.

1. Fountain of Esculapio: This historic fountain, donated to the city in 1790, is a central feature of the villa and serves as an important symbol of hospitality for travelers.

2. Flower Beds and Gardens: The villa is characterized by beautiful flower beds and well-maintained gardens, perfect for a stroll or a moment of relaxation.

3. Statues and Monuments: Within the villa, you will find several statues and monuments, including one dedicated to Giovanni Nicotera, which narrates the history and culture of the city.

4. Scenic Pathways: The paths winding through the villa offer the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and discover various botanical species.

5. Event Area: The villa frequently hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, making it a lively and dynamic place.

6. Relaxation Zones: There are many benches and shaded areas where you can sit and enjoy the tranquility of the park.

7. Children's Play Area: There are playgrounds for children, making the villa an ideal place for families.

8. Library and Cultural Spaces: In some areas of the villa, there are spaces dedicated to culture, such as libraries or halls for cultural events.

These features make the Municipal Villa of Salerno an enchanting place and a green refuge in the heart of the city, perfect for a visit.