Stazione Marittima di Salerno (Maritime Station of Salerno), Salerno

The Maritime Station of Salerno, situated on the Manfredi pier within the commercial port, stands as the primary cruise hub in the city of Salerno and ranks among the prominent ones in Campania and southern Italy. This terminal not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as a visually striking transition between the city and the sea.

The station boasts direct pedestrian access to Freedom Square, the Crescent, and the city's seafront, allowing visitors to explore Salerno without relying on public transport. The terminal building itself is a masterpiece with a form reminiscent of an oyster projecting toward the sea. Zaha Hadid's architectural vision is evident in its curved shapes, elongated structures, multiple perspective points, and fragmented geometry.

Resonating with the theme of an oyster, both in its external appearance and internal finishes, the Maritime Station reflects Zaha Hadid's architectural ideals. The roof, resembling a protective shell, shields the structure from the intense Mediterranean sun during the day. As evening falls, the roof transforms into a beacon with hundreds of LED lights and ceramic tiles, providing a warm welcome to approaching tourists and serving as a symbolic lighthouse for the port of Salerno.