Castello di Arechi

About the museum

The Castello di Arechi stands about 300 metres above sea level on Monte Bonadies and overlooks Salerno and its gulf. Some coins show that the hill was already frequented between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC; the first fortification dates to the 6th century AD, when the Byzantine general Narses had a castrum built during the Gothic War. The name recalls the Lombard duke Arechis II, although his direct intervention on the castle was limited and mainly concerned the city walls.

Over the centuries the castle was enlarged by the Normans, who raised the walls and the tower known as the Bastiglia, by the Angevins, who added cisterns and baths, and above all by the Aragonese. In the modern age the Sanseverino princes used it as a summer residence. After Italian unification it was abandoned; in 1960 the last owners sold it to the Provincia di Salerno, which began the restorations.

The Aragonese part was opened to the public in 1982, excavations began in 1991, and from 2000 a wider restoration project also provided for a lift to make much of the site accessible. The museum displays finds from the excavations, in particular ceramics, glass, metal objects and coins, with audiovisual supports that explain the history and structure of the castle. The castle is surrounded by a park with paths through the Mediterranean scrub.

Highlights

• Panoramic position over the Gulf of Salerno
• Tower known as the Bastiglia, from the Norman period
• Museum with medieval ceramics, glass and coins from the excavations
• Park with paths through the Mediterranean scrub
• Aragonese part open to the public since 1982

Permanent exhibition

• Museo del castello – Ceramics, glass, metal objects and coins from the castle’s excavations.

Operated by

Provincia di Salerno

Visitors per year

approx. 16,120

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the historical account of the site’s restoration, a lift makes much of the castle accessible to people with disabilities; for current details, it is advisable to contact the site.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit