Overview
Panoramic terrace on the Gulf of Salerno
Dominating the city of Salerno and its Gulf from above, the majestic Castello di Arechi is a medieval complex located about 300 metres above sea level, atop Monte Bonadies.
The castle’s construction dates back to the Gothic-Byzantine period, but it was the Lombard Prince Arechis II who extended and fortified the structure in the late 8th century. The main castle bears the architectural traces of the various periods in which it was built: made of blocks of local dark stone, it consists of a central section protected by towers, joined together by crenellated walls and drawbridges. To the northwest stands the watchtower known as the Bastiglia, highlighting the strength of the castle’s defences, which, not surprisingly, was never conquered.
The Castello di Arechi is surrounded by lush parkland with attractive nature trails for exploring the Mediterranean maquis.
The complex also houses the Museo Archeologico, which boasts numerous finds such as ceramics, fragments of glassware and coins, and the Museo Multimediale, which offers a video tour showing ancient finds, photographs, historical films and medieval customs, taking visitors on a journey through time and space.
