Next meeting information

This meeting is for members of TIMELESS research project or invited guests, and will be held on 7th October 2025, in Salerno, Italy, commencing at 09.00 local time. The meeting will take place at The Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Salerno (DICIV, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132 - Università di Salerno)

Massimo Latour - Coordinator contact@rfcs-timeless.com

Contact

Details of the meeting

The city of Salerno

Salerno is a vibrant coastal city in southern Italy, located along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Campania region. With a population of approximately 130,000 inhabitants, Salerno is known for its rich history, stunning waterfront, and lively cultural scene. It serves as a gateway to the world-famous Amalfi Coast and is well-connected to major cities like Naples and Rome, making it an accessible and attractive destination for visitors. The city's central train station, Salerno Stazione Centrale, is conveniently located near the city center, offering direct connections to Naples, Rome, and other key destinations via high-speed and regional trains. Salerno is also served by the Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, situated about 20 kilometers southeast of the city, which provides regional and limited international flights. In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Salerno is home to the University of Salerno (Università degli Studi di Salerno), one of Italy's leading academic institutions. The University is located in Fisciano, a suburban area approximately 15 kilometers from the city center of Salerno, which can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or bus.

The University of Salerno has a rich history dating back to the 8th century, when it was originally established as the Schola Medica Salernitana, the first medical school in medieval Europe and a renowned center for medical science. Today, the modern University, re-established in the 20th century, has grown into a major educational hub with a wide range of academic disciplines and a modern campus environment (https://web.unisa.it/en/university).

Travel information

Transport from the airport:

Rome Fiumicino to Salerno

A first option is to travel to Rome Fiumicino which is quite well connected to the train station of Rome. If your journey begins at Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci Airport), you can reach the centre of Salerno as follows:

Step 1: Take the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini (Rome's main train station). Trains depart every 15-30 minutes, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Tickets and schedules are available on the Leonardo Express official page (https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/leonardo-express.html)

Step 2: From Roma Termini, take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) to Salerno. The journey typically lasts 2 hours, but some trains take 1.5 hrs. Check schedules and book tickets on the Trenitalia (https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html) or Italo websites (https://www.italotreno.com/en).

Naples International Airport (Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli):

Step 1: Use the Alibus shuttle service to reach Napoli Piazza Garibaldi (Central Train Station). Alibus tickets cost €5 and can be purchased onboard. The bus departs every 20–30 minutes. More information is available on the Alibus website.

Step 2 (Train): From Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, take a regional or high-speed train to Salerno. The journey typically takes 30–40 minutes. Visit Trenitalia for train schedules (https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html).

Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport:

Salerno has a new, but still small airport. If you are lucky you can find some flights that might suit your schedule. There are a number of options offered by the main companies (https://www.aeroportosalerno.it/voli-diretti#). If you are flying directly to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, we can pick you up quite easily upon arrival. Please contact us directly for assistance.

TAXI IN NAPLES AIRPORT

If you choose to reach Napoli train station by Taxi, please consider that the taxi lane is conveniently located just outside the airport terminal, in front of the arrivals (https://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/by-taxi).

Consortaxi: +39 0812222

Consorzio Taxi Napoli: +39 081 8888

Radio Taxi Napoli: +39 081 5564444

Radio Taxi La Partenope: +39 081 0101

Attractions and surroundings

Salerno boasts a rich history that dates to its founding by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. It flourished in the Middle Ages as a prominent cultural and educational center, most notably for the Schola Medica Salernitana, the first and most important medical school of medieval Europe, earning it the title "City of Hippocrates." During the Lombard period, Salerno became the capital of the Duchy of Salerno, further solidifying its importance in the region. The city experienced significant growth under the Normans in the 11th century, becoming a hub of Mediterranean trade and culture. Salerno was also a battleground during World War II. in 1943, it was a key site of the Allied landings during Operation Avalanche. Today, Salerno blends its ancient and medieval heritage with modern developments, making it a vibrant city rich in culture and history. Salerno is a city steeped in history, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past through its many historical monuments and landmarks:

• Salerno Cathedral: Dedicated to Saint Matthew, the city's patron saint, this Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 11th century. The stunning crypt, adorned with Baroque decorations, houses the relics of Saint Matthew.

• Arechi’s Castle: Overlooking the city and the Gulf of Salerno, this medieval castle offers breathtaking views and a museum showcasing artifacts from its history. It is a perfect spot to explore Salerno’s ancient defense system.

• Minerva’s garden: This enchanting medieval botanical garden, linked to the Schola Medica Salernitana, is a serene oasis showcasing medicinal plants and historical horticultural practices.

• Zaha Hadid’s Maritime Station: A modern architectural masterpiece, this sleek and innovative structure designed by Zaha Hadid testifies the Salerno’s blend of history and contemporary design. The station serves as a gateway for maritime travellers and is an iconic symbol of the city’s modern identity.

• Trieste Promenade: Known as one of the most beautiful seaside promenades in Italy, it stretches along the coastline and is ideal for a relaxing stroll with picturesque views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.

• Mercanti street: A historic street in the old town, bustling with local shops, artisan workshops, and cafes. It reflects Salerno’s medieval charm and is perfect for a leisurely walk.

Surroundings

• Amalfi Coast: Just to the west of Salerno, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and enchanting towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Salerno serves as a primary gateway to the coast, with ferries departing from the city’s port, making exploration convenient and scenic.

• Paestum: About 40 km southeast of Salerno lies Paestum, a site of ancient Greek origin famed for its three exceptionally well-preserved Doric temples. These majestic structures date back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE and are dedicated to the deities Hera, Athena, and Poseidon. Paestum also houses an archaeological museum that provides context for its ancient history.

• Pompeii: Located 30 km northwest of Salerno, Pompeii is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 CE, Pompeii offers a detailed look at Roman urban life. Trains from Salerno to Pompeii make it an easy and rewarding day trip. Visit Pompeii Archaeological Park for more information.

• Naples: Around 55 km to the northwest, Naples is a bustling city celebrated for its rich history, vibrant street life, and culinary delights, including its world-famous pizza. The city also serves as a gateway to Mount Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Visit Naples Tourism for insights.

• Cilento Coast: South of Salerno, the Cilento Coast offers pristine beaches, charming villages, and access to the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is less crowded than the Amalfi Coast, making it an excellent destination for those seeking tranquillity

Agenda of the next meeting (click to enlarge)

Events history

Location

Online

Date

17th July 2025. 14h-15h

Extreme Event Cluster Webinar

Title

Description

This event has been organized by ISISE and featured presentations on the latest activities of the Extreme Events Cluster. During the webinar, a general overview of the TIMELESS project was delivered

Title

7th Conference on Sustainability in Civil Engineering

Location

Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad - Pakistan

Date

7th August 2025. 11h-11:30h

Description

This conference featured a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Massimo Latour on “Sustainability as a Catalyst for Resilience: Insights from Recent European Research Projects”. The presentation provided an overview of recent European initiatives and research outcomes, highlighting the role of sustainability-driven approaches in enhancing resilience within civil engineering practice.

Title

Kick-off meeting of the project

Location

University of Salerno - Italy

Date

7th October 2025. 9h-18:30h

Description

The kick-off meeting of the TIMELESS project will take place on October 7, 2025, at the University of Salerno – Fondazione UNISA. The event will bring together the partners to discuss the project’s objectives, timeline, and collaborative framework.

Would you like to take part to the meetings?

Stay updated with our calendar to follow the upcoming meetings and events related to our research project on demountable construction. Upon request, selected meetings may be opened to external participants who wish to provide a specific contribution to the discussion. Proposals for participation are subject to evaluation and approval by the consortium.

Contact

Massimo Latour - Coordinator contact@rfcs-timeless.com