Following the Trails of Operation Avalanche
Day 1 – From Salerno to Paestum: the landing beaches and the US–UK front
The itinerary begins in Salerno, on Colle Bellara, where the Bunker Masso della Signora was part of the city’s defensive system and was later occupied by German forces to control the port and coastline during the British landing.The route continues to the Salerno War Cemetery, one of the main memorial sites connected to Operation Avalanche, and then to the beach of Battipaglia (the British landing sector). Nearby, beside the bridge over the river, an ancient medieval tower was used as an observation point for the German stronghold, while a marble plaque on the riverbank commemorates those who fell in battle.
💡During the planning of Operation Avalanche, the mouth of the Sele River marked the dividing line between the two Allied fronts: the British forces to the north and the American forces to the south.
The journey continues to the area of the Templi di Paestum, which was used by the Allies as a logistical area, field hospital and radio centre. The Villa Comunale Sant’Anna houses the obelisk dedicated to the 36th Texas Division. During the operation, German forces occupied a coastal defensive position known as the “Paestum Bunker”. A stop at Torre di Paestum beach reveals the exact landing point of the American division, while Torre Licinella preserves the memory of the fierce clashes against German defences.
Day 2 – The inland battle and civilian memory
The second day begins at the former SAIM Tobacco Factory, transformed by German forces into a defensive stronghold during the clashes with the American 45th Infantry Division “Thunderbird”.
Heading towards Altavilla Silentina, Hill 424 was conquered and lost several times due to extremely violent German counterattacks. Today, a memorial preserves its memory.
📌Optional detour: along the route towards Campagna, it is possible to stop at the WWF Persano Oasis.
In Eboli, Via Vincenzo Giudice recalls the tragic Allied bombings of 4 August 1943, which devastated the town. Nearby, a visit to the MOA – Museum of Operation Avalanche offers an immersive account of the landing and its historical context. The journey ends in Campagna, heavily hit by Anglo-American air forces on 17 September, causing numerous civilian casualties in the area around the Town Hall during the distribution of bread. Largo della Memoria keeps this painful memory alive.
💡 The Museo dell’Itinerario della Memoria e della Pace preserves the history of the fascist internment camp in Campagna, commemorating the stories of the prisoners and the acts of solidarity that saved thousands of lives.
💡This itinerary crosses the homeland of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. Along the SS18 road, between Battipaglia and Paestum, stopping at one of the renowned local dairies is not just a lunch break, but a true cultural and gastronomic experience.