Villa Comunale (Municipal Villa), Salerno

The Municipal Villa, often referred to as the city's "garden," is a captivating botanical haven that originated in 1870. Nestled within its embrace is the renowned Tullio Fountain, a symbol of both history and elegance.

This enchanting Municipal Villa serves as a genuine botanical garden, adorned with rare plant specimens and preserving the serene ambiance of the post-Risorgimento era when it was conceived. It aimed to craft a public space for recreation, leisure, and representation, catering to the emerging class of the newly unified Italy.

The historical core of the Villa features a tree-lined avenue commencing from the famous Aesculapius Fountain, affectionately known as "Don Tullio" after the generous Salerno resident who donated it in 1790. The current iteration of the Villa, although significantly altered, took shape in 1874 based on a design by the architect Casalbore. The transformation included the addition of flowerbeds, meandering paths, plantings, statues, and fountains within a triangular layout intersected by two avenues. A raised base for musical performances took center stage, while the existing fountain served as a captivating focal point, drawing the eye towards the sea.

Over the years, the Villa has been adorned with monuments. In 1890, a statue by Alfonso Balzico was unveiled, paying homage to Giovanni Nicotera, the Minister of the Interior in the De Pretis government of 1876 and a participant in the "three hundred young and strong" expedition. Although the original sculpture was sacrificed during World War I, a new rendition by Corrado Patroni was installed in the 1960s, depicting Nicotera defiantly tearing up his own death sentence.

Each April, the Villa comes alive with a market-exhibition showcasing rare plants and garden objects. In winter, the garden transforms into the Enchanted Garden, adorned with the luminous installations of the Artist's Lights, providing a magical spectacle for visitors to enjoy.