Free walking tours in Cava de' Tirreni and what to see

Must-sees

Cava de' Tirreni lies in a green valley between Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Its centre revolves around the Borgo Scacciaventi, the arcaded main street built by merchants and craftsmen in the 15th century to protect their goods. Walking under those arches, among shops and cafés, is the best way to understand the town. Close by is the cathedral of Santa Maria della Visitazione.

A few kilometres away, in the hamlet of Corpo di Cava, is the Benedictine abbey of the Santissima Trinità, founded in the early 11th century by Saint Alferius next to a cave on Monte Finestra. It holds an archive with thousands of medieval parchments and a library of manuscripts. The hills around the valley, with Monte San Liberatore and the castle of Sant'Adiutore, offer good views towards the Gulf of Salerno.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Cava de' Tirreni. What you will find is a private tour of the town, covering the historic centre and its arcades with a guide just for your group. For nature lovers, there is also a guided hike up Monte San Liberatore, with views over the valley and the coast. The abbey can be visited on your own.

How long to spend

In a day you can see the main sights: the Borgo Scacciaventi and the cathedral in the morning, and the trip up to the abbey at Corpo di Cava in the afternoon. If you add a walk in the hills, allow a second day. Cava is also a convenient and affordable base for visiting Salerno and Vietri sul Mare, with its ceramics, and for going down to the Amalfi Coast.

Where to stay

The most convenient choice is to stay in the centre, near the corso and the railway station, from which Salerno is a few minutes away. There are hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in old buildings by the arcades. If you want peace and quiet, the hill hamlets have agriturismi and rural houses, but you will need a car. Vietri sul Mare and Salerno, very close, are the alternative if you want to stay by the sea.