Salem is a historic coastal city in Massachusetts, United States, with around 45,000 people. Settled by English colonists in 1626 on the site of the Indigenous community of Naumkeag, it later developed into one of New England’s important maritime trading ports. Salem is internationally associated with the witch trials of 1692, during which accusations, trials and executions took place across Salem and the surrounding area; Salem Village, where the crisis began, is now part of neighbouring Danvers. Today this history is reflected throughout the city in museums, memorials, occult shops and Salem’s modern identity as the “Witch City”, particularly during the large Halloween season in October. Other major sights include the Peabody Essex Museum, the House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historical Park. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with much of its colonial and maritime architecture still preserved.

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