Gulf of Salerno facts for kids
The Gulf of Salerno (in Italian: Golfo di Salerno) is a large bay found in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is located off the coast of the province of Salerno in southwestern Italy.
The northern part of this coast is called the Costiera Amalfitana, also known as the Amalfi Coast. It stretches to Punta Campanella. This area includes famous towns like Amalfi, Maiori, Positano, and the city of Salerno itself. To the east, the gulf touches the Piana del Sele plain. To the south, it borders the Cilento coast, ending at Punta Licosa. The distance between Punta Campanella and Punta Licosa is about 61 kilometers (38 miles). The gulf covers an area of around 2,450 square kilometers.
The Gulf of Salerno is separated from the Gulf of Naples (to the north) by the Sorrentine Peninsula. The northern coast of the gulf is very rocky. It has steep slopes from the Lattari Mountains that drop right into the sea. This area is so beautiful that people call it the "Divina Costiera" (Divine Coast). To the east, the coastline of the Sele plain is flat and sandy. It is partly covered by pine forests.
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History of the Gulf of Salerno
Ancient Times
The Gulf of Salerno area was home to ancient Italic tribes long before the powerful Roman Empire began. One of the oldest cities, Poseidonia (later known as Paestum), was founded during this time. The city of Salerno itself was started by the Etruscans around the 3rd century BC. It slowly grew to become an important place in the region's history.
Roman Era
During Roman times, Salerno was known as Salernum. It became a significant Roman colony and was famous for producing many goods. The gulf was a key spot for trade and travel, giving access to the sea. The town of Amalfi is believed to have been founded by a Roman family. Their ship ran aground nearby, and they settled there, naming it Melphes. Later, they moved north and started a new town, calling it "A Melphes" in memory of the old village. This is how Amalfi got its name.
Medieval Period
In the Middle Ages, Salerno and the areas around it were part of the Lombard Duchy of Salerno. The city was a center for learning and culture. This was especially true from the 5th to the 7th centuries, when the Roman Catholic diocese of Salerno was set up. Later, in the 9th and 10th centuries, the Schola Medica Salernitana, a famous medical school, was established near the Giardino della Minerva. The town of Amalfi was the capital of the maritime republic known as the Duchy of Amalfi. It was a major trading power in the Mediterranean Sea between 839 and about 1200.
Norman Conquest
In 1076, the Normans took control of Salerno and the surrounding region. This happened under the leader Robert Guiscard. The area then became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. This event brought big changes to the politics and culture of the region. In 1084, the Saint Matthew Cathedral was blessed by Pope Gregory VII. The University was founded in 1150. In 1194, Salerno was attacked by the forces of Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor. In 1260, construction began on the Port of Salerno.
Renaissance and Beyond
Salerno and the Gulf continued to do well during the Renaissance period. However, over many centuries, the region became less important. Other nearby cities like Naples and Palermo grew to be bigger centers for trade, culture, and politics.
Modern History
In more recent times, the Gulf of Salerno has been part of many important events. Artists like Joseph Wright of Derby visited and painted scenes, such as his "Grotto in the Gulf of Salerno". The gulf also played a role in World War II. It was a landing point for the Allied forces during the Italian Campaign.
Climate
The Gulf of Salerno has a typical Mediterranean climate. This means it has mild winters with not much rain. The summers are hot and can feel humid due to high moisture in the air.
The climate is classified as zone C, 1087 GR/G. On the Amalfi coast, the average temperature in January (the coldest month) is about 10.7°C (51.3°F). In August (the hottest month), it's about 26.8°C (80.2°F). In the Salerno area, the average January temperature is about 10.4°C (50.7°F). In July and August, it's about 26.4°C (79.5°F). In the Sele plain, the average January temperature is about 12.6°C (54.7°F). In July and August, it's about 30.9°C (87.6°F). In Paestum, the average January temperature is about 6.8°C (44.2°F). In August, it's about 24.4°C (75.9°F).
The area gets sunshine for at least 250 days a year. This makes it a popular place for tourists to visit, not just in summer, but also in spring and autumn.
See also
In Spanish: Golfo de Salerno para niños
