One of the most evocative places of Salerno’s artistic and architectural heritage is the historic center of Valva, in particular the majestic villa of the Knights of Malta. It is here that the beauty of this place is combined with art, culture and history.

Valva was a Norman domain with the valiant leader Gozzolino, who was given the city after the year 1000, which made it his fief. Centuries passed and Valva passed into the hands of Francesco d'Ayala, who transformed it into a marquisate. It was the latter who founded the villa, committing the heritage and soul to be beautiful and majestic as today you can admire. The last Marquis who lived there was Giuseppe Ayala who, on his death (1951), having no heirs, transferred this heritage to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
The villa is surrounded by 18 hectares of park and anyone who visits it is greeted by two statues of heroes: on one side Meleagro and on the other Hercules with the club. Going up, along the avenue that leads to the Castle, there are fountains and statues, trees of every variety and caves, such as the one that recalls the most famous of Lourdes which seems a perfect reproduction, even in miniature. In front of the large entrance of the Castle there are five marble statues depicting the five arts: Music, Dance, Song, Painting, Sculpture, all made by the sculptor Gabrielli of Florence. But in the park there are also themed pitches, such as that of beauty, with the Three Graces that frame.
And then the castle, with its "Fortino", the Norman tower, then the Hall of Arms, with the statues of Gozzolino and Gradalone, and the ancient halberds, a large marble table with a mosaic; then, the Pinacoteca with its frescoes upstairs. Finally, the neoclassical amphitheater, with a perfect natural acoustics, where a theater of verzura mixes with a suggestive and particular environment, where every summer concerts and outdoor performances are held. Legend and suggestion attract the visitor: even today it is said that in the villa hovers the "ghost" of the Marquis, who never wanted to leave.