The Arechi Castle of Salerno is a medieval castle, located at a height of about 300 meters above sea level, overlooking the city and the gulf. It is called Arechi because the construction of this fortification is associated, Traditionally, to the Lombard duke Arechi II.
The oldest phase of construction, according to some archaeological investigations, it dates back to the 6th century and is the work of Goto-Byzantine artisans from the Narsete period. Other scholars have instead stated that the first fort on the Bonadies hill was built in the third century, in the late Roman period. The castle, But, it assumed great military importance in the 18th century, with the Lombard prince Arechi II who, although he did not introduce major changes to the fort, made it the defense system of the city. In 774 this prince examined the strategic position of the city of Salerno and made it the residence of the court of the Duchy of Benevento. Indeed, the city represented a bridgehead for trade and for controlling trade with other regions of the Mediterranean. Hence his attention to the fortifications: the castle became the apex of a triangle defense system, the walls fell along the slopes of the Bonadies hill, encircling all the ancient Salernum towards the sea.
The architecture of the Arechi Castle
The castle consists of a central section protected by towers, joined together with a crenellated wall. The Bastille tower belongs to the Norman-Angevin period, on a hill overlooking Mount Bonadies to the north; built to ensure control of the castle on the same side, it was so called in the 19th century because it was mistakenly considered a prison, while the prisons were located within the same castle.
After a long period of abandonment following the unification of Italy, the castle, while privately owned and inhabited by a family of farmers, became, in 1960, by the will of the President Girolamo Bottiglieri, owned by the Province of Salerno, which began the restoration work.
Recently (2001) the nearby Bastille has been reopened. On March 1 of the 1992, Poste Italiane dedicated a postage stamp.
The Arechi Castle: Today
The Arechi Castle is a perfect period location for celebrating elegant and luxury events and weddings with breathtaking views to admire while dining in the restaurant set up inside the structure. It's possible, Furthermore, organize receptions and conferences thanks to the large exhibition hall.
In the central body of the castle there is a small museum, which mostly collects ancient pottery and coins. Inside it you can book your guided tour and enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Salerno from one of the highest points in the city.
