Villa Comunale

The so-called Villa Comunale (public gardens) is a green area in the western part of the ancient city. Historically the whole area was born to connect the city with the other important urban centres in the North-East, first among the others Naples, the capital. At the end of the 16th century the road, leading to Vietri, was built and then restored during the 18th century.
In 1754 the building of the port began and it was located in the same area that became the turn-off with the road to Naples and the centre of the city. Soon after, in 1790 the famous fountain, called of Don Tullio, that is of Aesculapius, was commissioned. It was to refresh people and travellers coming from the sea. During the Napoleonic period, the fountain that turned towards the sea, was turned to the city and a large wooded avenue was built in front of it.
However the first plan of the public gardens was not carried out and was worked out only in 1817. It will be executed only during the years following the Unity of Italy.
As a matter of fact, the gardens were planned strictly connected with the Verdi theatre according to the Mayor Matteo Luciani's request.
In 1874, according to the plan of the architect Casalbore, the works were carried out with a development parallel to the coastline.
During the years the Villa has been enriched by other monuments dedicated to famous historical characters and by other botanical species, becoming a place where the inhabitants of Salerno meet. As all the places dedicated to human comfort and relief, even the Villa has suffered periods of abandonment and splendour.
Recently a project for a botanical and architectonic restoration has been carried out; new rare plants, that go well with a Mediterranean culture, have been planted and the wooded avenues have undergone a new geometrical division.