Arechi Castle in SalernoThe medieval castle that overlooks the Gulf of Salerno
Arechi Castle
© gigadesign / Shutterstock.com
© gigadesign / Shutterstock.com
Arechi castle: The guardian of the city
The Arechi castle is one of the symbols of Salerno. It is located 300 m above sea level on the top of the Bonadies mount, guarding the whole city of Salerno and its Gulf as well.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE CASTELLO DI ARECHI
The Arechi castle was built in the 6th century to serve as Byzantine fortification. Then, in the 8th century, the Lombard duke Arechi II reinforced the surrounding wall, that reached the sea, encircling the whole city. In fact, no one could ever take the castle throughout history, thanks to its great position and its strong structure.
Normans and Suevians modified further the castle, but it was the Aragon dynasty that developed it at its best. Lastly, the castle lost its defensive purpose and was used as a residential building by the Sanseverino royal family.
The structure of the Arechi castle consists of a central section with towers on both sides, such as the turris maior (great tower), dating back to the Byzantine period, and the torre Bastiglia (Bastille tower), dating back to the Norman period. Whereas, majolica, glasses and ceramics inside the castle date back to the Aragon period.
THE CASTLE’S MUSEUM
Thanks to modern renovation, nowadays people can visit the whole castle, that often houses ceremonies, events and conventions.
Since 2009 the Arechi castle has been housing the Museo medievale (Medieval museum), that keeps the finds of the castle that date back to different periods, such as weapons, glazed ceramics, proto-majolica, coins, engobe ceramics and much more. There is also a multimedia itinerary that will guide you through the history of the castle with pictures, videos and Medieval customs.
Moreover, the castle offers a coffee bar/restaurant with a view on the Gulf of Salerno.
SMARTIP
There is a path that leads to the castello Arechi: the sentiero del principe (Prince’s path), that from the Duomo di Salerno (Salerno’s Cathedral) gets to the Bastiglia and proceeds up to San Liberatore mount.
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HOW TO REACH THE CASTELLO DI ARECHI
Take the line 19 bus that leaves from Ligea and gets to Croce; if you leave from Salerno, take the line 26 bus and get off at via De Renzi, then proceed on foot.
You can also get to the Castello di Arechi on foot: from the Giardino della Minerva walk along via De Renzi and proceed uphill.
Arechi Castle
