Salerno's Piazza della Libertà inaugurated after 15 years

Piazza della Libertà in Salerno, designed by Ricardo Bofill's studio RBTA, has been inaugurated after over 15 years of planning and construction. The 28,000-square-meter square, located about 5 meters above sea level, transforms a former neglected port service area into a gateway from the sea, connecting the city's waterfront to the Amalfi Coast and Cilento peninsula. Its triangular layout features a water mirror at the apex, linking visually to the sea. The square sits atop a parking system for 700 cars, with elevators and stairs leading to a lower level set to host restaurants and shops by next summer. With a capacity of 100,000 people, it will host major events including the New Year's concert and the return of Luci d'Artista after the pandemic. Campania Region President Vincenzo De Luca, former mayor of Salerno, called the square the meaning of his life, symbolizing the city's moral and urban revival. The project also integrates with Zaha Hadid's maritime station, creating a focal point for cruise passengers.