Description of the attraction
Castello di Arechi is strategically located on the top of Monte Bonadi, 300 meters above sea level in the resort town of Salerno. The castle's terraces offer a wonderful view of the city below and the entire Gulf of Salerno. Recently, the entire massive building of Castello di Areca was restored and today it houses a historical museum with a collection of medieval weapons, antique ceramics, coins and glass artifacts found here. It also hosts conferences, exhibitions and other cultural events. The congress hall of the castle, equipped with the latest technology, can accommodate up to a hundred people.
The castle got its name in honor of the Lombard ruler Areca II, who in the 8th century built an extensive defensive system along the coast of the bay. The castle was part of it - it was erected on the site of the ancient walls of the pre-existing fortifications dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Castello di Arechi was never conquered in battle, but the last Lombard ruler of Salerno, Giuzulf II, surrendered it to the Normans in the 11th century after a long siege. The Normans, and after them representatives of the Anjou and Aragonese dynasties, repeatedly rebuilt the castle. And after the defensive systems were changed with the advent of firearms, the castle lost its significance and began to decline.
In the middle of the 20th century, as a result of the infamous flooding in Salerno in 1954, Castello di Arechi was seriously damaged. In the same years, the first restoration of the building was carried out. Today the castle is a central building surrounded by several towers, which are connected by high walls. Near the castle you can see the Torre Bastilla, an observation tower, presumably built in the 12th century. It is from this tower that the best view of Castello di Areca and the Amalfi coast opens up.
