Luminarie Salerno: luci d’Artista

Salerno Art Lights: the enchantment of the 2024/2025 illuminations

The city of Salerno is preparing to experience another unforgettable edition of Art Lights, an event that transforms streets and squares into a wonderful display of lights and colors. With Christmas approaching, the capital of illuminations in southern Italy is enriched with new artistic installations that promise to enchant residents and visitors. In this article, we will explore the news of Art Lights for 2024/2025, the official dates, the themes of the illuminations and much more, to offer you a complete guide to this magical event.

The official dates of Art Lights 2024 The Art Lights event will take place from November 29, 2024 to January 19, 2025. Every day, starting at 5:00 pm, the center of Salerno will light up with spectacular luminous installations. The main streets, the municipal villa and the historic squares will become the stage for a unique Christmas atmosphere, attracting tourists from all over Italy and beyond.

• Start: November 29, 2024
• End: January 19, 2025
• Time: from 5:00 pm every day

The official theme of the XIX edition

Each year, Luci d’Artista presents a central theme that guides the creation of the lights. For the XIX edition, the theme will focus on various aspects of nature and fantasy. Among the most anticipated new features is the reintroduction of the animal zoo at the municipal villa, enriched with new creatures that will bring a world of wonders to life.

Themes of the lights

• Animal zoo: new installations representing different animal species.
• Space and cinema: in piazza Flavio Gioia, the lights will be inspired by space themes, with decorations shaped like spaceships and rockets.
• Marine world: in piazza Largo Campo, the theme will be dedicated to jellyfish, with installations that reproduce the fascinating underwater world.

The Majestic Christmas Tree

An iconic element of Luci d’Artista is the great Christmas tree that towers over Piazza Portanova. For the 2024/2025 edition, the municipality of Salerno has invested 210 thousand euros in a 20-meter tree, decorated with 72,000 white LED lights. This tree not only represents a festive symbol but also becomes the ideal place to take unforgettable photos.

Tree Features

• Height: 20 meters
• Branches: 800
• LED Lights: 72,000 with flashing effect

Side events during Luci d’Artista

In addition to the illuminations, Salerno will offer a series of side events that will enrich the visitors’ experience. Concerts, Christmas markets, and activities for children will transform the city into a true Christmas village.

Concerts and shows

• New Year’s Eve concerts: a big concert will take place in Piazza della Libertà, featuring famous artists. This year, the chosen star is Giorgia, who promises to deliver an unforgettable show.

Christmas markets

The Christmas markets will be present in various squares, offering handmade products, sweets, and local specialties. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by live music and activities for the little ones.

How to reach Salerno

Salerno is easily accessible thanks to a well-developed transport network. Whether you arrive by car, train, or bus, the city is well connected with other Italian locations.

Transportation options

• By car: Salerno is connected to the A3 motorway.
• By train: Salerno train station offers frequent connections to Naples and other cities with high-speed trains.
• By bus: several bus lines connect Salerno with major cities in southern Italy.
• By plane: Salerno now has an airport (Salerno Costa d’Amalfi) in nearby Pontecagnano. There are daily flights from various parts of Italy and the world.

Where to stay during Luci d’Artista

If you are planning to visit Salerno during the event, it is important to book accommodation in advance. The city offers a wide range of options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

Booking tips

• Hotels in the center: choose a hotel in the center to be close to the lights and events.
• Apartments: consider renting an apartment for a longer and more comfortable stay.
• Hostels: if you are looking for a budget option, hostels can be an ideal choice.

What to see in Salerno besides the lights

Salerno is not just about the lights; the city also offers a rich history and culture to explore. During your visit, don’t miss the chance to visit some of its most iconic places.

Must-see attractions

• History of Medicine Museum: a journey through the history of medicine in a fascinating palace.
• San Pietro a Corte Monumental Complex: an example of Lombard architecture that tells the history of the city.
• Fratte Archaeological Area: discover an Etruscan-Samnite necropolis with pre-Roman artifacts.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

To make the most of Luci d’Artista, here are some useful tips:

• Visit at different times: the illuminations offer a unique look both day and night.
• Attend events: check the event schedule so you don’t miss concerts and shows.
• Take photos: don’t forget your camera to capture special moments.

The previous editions of Luci d’Artista in Salerno

The first edition of Luci di Salerno dates back to the winter of 2006. Since then, the Luminarie di Salerno have grown year by year until becoming a fixed appointment for the curious and the festive. For a few years now, on the seafront, during the Luci edition, Salerno has equipped itself with the Ferris Wheel, another major attraction for the seaside city. At Christmas and New Year’s, Salerno, thanks to the Luminarie, registers fully booked.

Salerno Luci d’Artista: 2019 – 2020

2019 Luci d’Artista Theme: Flowers, snow and stars
Date: from November 15, 2019 to January 19, 2020
Luci d’Artista Hours: every day from 5:00 PM until 2:00 AM.
Luci d’Artista Cost: the visit is completely free.

Flowers, snow, stars. Until January 19, Salerno lights up its Luci d’Artista. It is a spectacular open-air exhibition of luminous artworks installed in the parks, streets, and squares of the city of the Salerno Medical School. A journey of lights, colors, and atmospheres that attracts millions of visitors from all over Italy and the world.

Salerno Luci d’Artista, what to see

There are many suggestions evoked by Salerno’s Luci d’Artista in a luminous path that extends along over 40 kilometers of cables with about five million low-energy LED bulbs. The authors’ imagination translates into real masterpieces that emerge glittering and captivating from the darkness. The walk to discover Salerno Luci d’Artista offers splendid emotions to share with children, family members, and friends at every step.

Luci D’Artista: what not to miss

• The Villa Comunale of Via Roma hosts The Zoo I Would Like. Among the avenues and flower beds appear animals of every kind that almost seem ready to come to life at any moment. It is the children’s kingdom who move from one attraction to another to not miss a single animal in this enchanted forest. An Ark of Noah that also contains a moral: the future of the world passes through a peaceful coexistence between humans and every living creature, starting with a gigantic luminous elephant 8 meters tall.
• The Traditions of the Amalfi Coast are the inspiring theme created in St. Augustine Square between the city waterfront and the Cathedral of the millennium. Salerno, since its origin, has an unbreakable bond with the sea for fishing, trade, and both human and international relations. The sea for Salerno is the past but at the same time also the future. A vital energy that is unleashed through the intense colors of the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all dominates the bright yellow of the sfusato lemons, whose scent can be imagined with a bit of fantasy.
• The magnificent Flavio Gioia Square, which in the past hosted a very lively fish market, has become a Golden Forest. A majestic tree dominates the scene, its branches extending over the entire square creating a real luminous sky.
• Salerno Luci d’Artista has the magical power to even alter the climatic geography. Here appear colonies of funny penguins along the Mediterranean promenade that have taken residence from Antarctica on the rocks of the waterfront and on the beach of Santa Teresa alongside Moonlight, the work created by Luca Pannoli on the beach most loved by Salernitans and visitors.
• Snow Trees on Corso Garibaldi and Light Waterfalls on Corso Vittorio Emanuele light up the main city streets with magic, leaving everyone looking up.
• Marine waves and tropical flowers, constellations and planets, jugglers and flying teddy bears, light sculptures and reindeer dotted over the streets and squares of all Salerno, in a true burst of colors and shifting atmospheres.
• Enrica Borghi signs a work entirely made with recovered plastic bottle bottoms. Her Mosaic, installed in the alleyways of the Historic Center, is a strong warning to safeguard planet Earth devastated by climate changes, the plundering of natural resources, and the indiscriminate use of plastic.
• The Ugo Nespolo’s Things of the World await visitors along Via Trento and Via Posidonia, the main axis connecting the eastern area to the city center. In Via Santa Margherita and Via Amendola here is Cyrcus by Luca Pannoli.
• Eduardo Giannattasio created luminous works inspired by the gospel story: The Nativity on the Church of San Pietro in Camerellis; the Annunciation on the Church of the Sacred Heart.
• The legend of Nello Ferrigno enhances Via Pietro del Pezzo.
• Christmas luminous installations starting from the giant Christmas tree in Piazza Portanova, the angelic parades around the Cathedral of the Patron Saint Matthew, and the sparkling installations.

Salerno Luci d’Artista invites togetherness, to live in the streets and among people overcoming the anxieties and fears of a troubled time. It is a popular event where beauty meets the joy of fun and discovery. With a strong ecological matrix both in the choice of themes and in the use of eco-sustainable and/or recycled materials and low-energy lighting.

Luci d’Artista: Van Gogh, street food and craftsmanship

The visit to Salerno Luci d’Artista is also a great opportunity to discover the interesting historical, cultural, commercial, and food and wine attractions of Salerno.

• The Addolorata Monumental Complex hosts the beautiful immersive exhibition dedicated to Van Gogh which allows appreciating his visionary genius.
• The Minerva Garden, botanical garden of the Salerno Medical School, is increasingly visited. There still grow the ancient medicinal and healing essences that can be purchased or tasted at a welcoming refreshment point. And at sunset Lumina Minervae performs.
• The Giuseppe Verdi Municipal Theater directed by Daniel Oren stages Boheme by Giacomo Puccini, the Christmas Concert of the White Voices, the double January 1st Concert, Music under the Tree in Piazza Portanova where Christmas choirs, music bands, jazz and pop orchestras will also perform.
• On New Year’s Eve night the Big New Year’s Concert in Piazza Amendola to celebrate together the start of the new year with the biggest Italian music stars.
• The gigantic Ferris wheel in Concordia Square exceeds sixty meters in height offering a breathtaking view of the city and the Salerno gulf.
• Jazz concerts, stories for the little ones, sand nativity scenes, and many other events for all tastes and all ages.
• Artisan shops, fashionable stores, restaurants and bars, street food kiosks and Christmas markets offer shopping, relaxation, and tastings for all tastes and all budgets. Also thanks to a special card that allows getting discounts for purchases and visits to exhibitions and events.

Salerno illuminations: Luci d’Artista 2018 – 2019

Luci d’Artista 2018 2019 is an edition that will last more than two months. The lighting is scheduled for Friday, November 9, while the switch-off will be on Sunday, January 20, 2019.

Another spectacular edition for Luci d’Artista in Salerno, the now historic appointment with the wonderful Christmas illuminations, with some new features. From November to January, the Salerno Luci d’Artista will light up again: the novelties are more than one, all clearly visible from the first switch-on. Also this year, the city of Salerno hosts a manifestation – which is also an artistic event – of great character and great attraction: about 27 kilometers of streets are covered by joyful lights, from the Villa Comunale up to the streets plunging onto the waterfront or leading to this area of the city.

The suspensions arranged on Corso Vittorio Emanuele also have a great impact, somewhat similar to those of previous editions but far from predictable. From this area up to the Villa, other figures then show off colors and cheerfulness, in a succession of artistic creations with no equal.

The luminous works of “Luci d’Artista” in Salerno will remain lit throughout the Christmas period, until the first half of January and, from these days, many arrivals are expected in the city: a weekend in Salerno allows to experience the magic of Christmas letting oneself be positively enchanted by these wonderful tales of light. The next good opportunity might be the Immaculate Conception holiday but, anyway, Salerno is easily reachable at any time either by plane, flying into Naples airport (or Salerno Pontecagnano when flights are available), or by Frecciarossa or Italo train, since Salerno is a terminal station for both railway companies.

Luci d’artista Card

Luci d’artista Card offers discounts and services to tourists, visitors, and citizens, to enjoy the beauties of the Luci d’Artista event and the City together with the cultural attractions of Campania. It costs 5 euros and can be purchased at the Salerno Mobility offices in Piazza Amedeo and the Piazza della Concordia Parking. It is valid only for up to two people from November 9, 2018, to October 31, 2019 and is active at the time of receipt. An app is available (iOS and Android) for Luci D’Artista Card.

What you can do with Luci d’artista Card

You can receive discounts and advantages for:

• Museums and cultural attractions
• Commercial, artisanal, restaurant, and accommodation activities
• Parking
• Discounts on events and experiences

In particular:

• 15% discount on the purchase of goods/services for those who show and register the card at the affiliated sales points
• 20% discount on the cost of parking managed by Salerno Mobility in the automated fenced areas of Foce Irno – Mazzini – Concordia – Sottopiazza della Concordia.
• Dedicated ticket for entrance to Museums/Events/Attractions for holders of the Salerno Luci d’Artista CARD (updated online list and cost of the dedicated ticket).

The participating businesses, commercial activities, and facilities in the initiative will display the promotional identifying window sticker.

Holders of the SALERNO LUCI D’ARTISTA CARD, to benefit from discounts at the affiliated sales points and facilities, must show and allow the card to be read, either paper or virtual (on smartphone), at the time of purchase and allow scanning by the operator who can only verify its validity in this way (the APP will indicate the CARD activated in the previous edition).

What to do in case of loss or theft of Luci D’Artista Card

In case of loss, theft, damage, the holder must repurchase the card, communicating the number of the lost or stolen card by email to lucicard@comune.salerno.it, if they have not previously dematerialized it by registering online or on the app (using the appropriate function).

Salerno Lights: from November 4, 2017, to January 22, 2018

Inauguration on November 4, 2017, of Luci d’Artista, the spectacular open-air exhibition of luminous artworks in the streets and squares of Salerno.

The previous editions of the Luminarie: Salerno Lights of the Artist

Luminaria Salerno: Lights of the Artist 2016

To make the visit to the installations even more exciting, Lights of the Artist identifies 4 main themes that conceptually collect the different works: THE MYTH, THE DREAM, TIME and CHRISTMAS. (source: Municipality of Salerno)

Luminarie Salerno: Lights of the Artist 2015

The theme of this edition is “Fairy tales, Aurora and the Enchanted Garden“. The protagonist is “The Forest”, Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland.

Luminarie Salerno: Lights of the Artist 2014

The theme for the 2014-2015 edition is the Boreal Aurora and fairy tales. Fairy tale characters, like Peter Pan and Cinderella, take the form of enormous luminous statues that will be placed in the two central squares of the city. Meanwhile, the Villa Comunale, to the delight of all children, will be transformed into a true enchanted garden where you can admire many Disney characters.