Arechi Castle — Attraction in Salerno

The origins of the Castello di Arechi II in Salerno are deeply rooted in history, with some sources tracing its beginnings back to the Roman era. Indeed, around the 2nd century B.C., Rome, recognizing the strategic significance of Salerno, which was already one of its colonies, decided to fortify the city atop Mount Bonadies. This mountain's elevated position provided exceptional defensive advantages, commanding a sweeping view of the entire Gulf. The Bonadies, often referred to as the "Mountain of Good Morning," owed its name to the fact that the rising sun, emerging from the east, first illuminated its summit. This peak, soaring 300 meters above sea level, represents the highest point of the ancient city, founded by the Romans on the slopes of this mountain in 197 B.C. The actual construction of the castle is believed to have taken place around the 6th century A.D., during the Greco-Gothic War. This conflict pitted the Ostrogoths, who had conquered Italy, against the Byzantines, who sought to reclaim territories lost in the Western Roman Empire following the fall of Rome in 476 A.D. The castle is said to have been built under the direction of the Byzantine general Narses. Indeed, some remnants of the Byzantine fortification are recognizable in the original structure of the castle, notably in certain sections featuring square masonry. During the 7th century A.D., the Lombards ruled over Salerno, and the castle became an integral part of the city's landscape. In 774 A.D., Prince Arechis II of Benevento made the decision to relocate his court to Salerno and construct his personal palace by the sea. The prince chose to build his residence in the heart of the ancient city, where he resided until his death. Concurrently, the castle assumed a pivotal role in the newly developed defensive system. Arechis elevated and modified the walls of Salernum, transforming the castle into the apex of a triangular defensive network. The city walls extended from the castle down the slopes of Mount Bonadies to the sea, effectively enclosing and safeguarding the city from all angles. Consequently, Arechis II not only reinforced the preexisting fortification but also integrated it into a defensive system that rendered the castle nearly...

Amazing view, the white horse was the best part Picture it: 2017, Salerno. A young American woman is taken to a castle by a handsome Italian man. Okay, okay. I'm starting to sound like Sophia off "The Golden Girls" but the set up does have a point. My escort was showing me around Salerno that day, and said he'd like to take me to a castle. I had no objections. As we drove up toward the castle, and nearly reaching the parking lot, with no one around for miles, not a soul in sight, what lay before us in the middle of the road? A white horse! Randomly standing there in the middle of the road, with no one attending to it, and no sign of its owner looking for it anywhere nearby.

We were floored, speechless, and I was smitten and charmed by the whole event. Feeling like a princess for an afternoon, we proceeded to pet the horse, and then walk up on foot to the castle. The castle was beautiful, still, peaceful and remote. It had the most gorgeous view and the grounds were ancient and haunting. As though you could imagine what life was like so long ago, the wind would howl in our ears and while it was cold, even for a mid-January day the sun all but warmed us up fully.

The castle was amazing, but the horse had ruined (no pun intended) it all for me for the rest of the day. I mean, how often does a handsome prince take you to a castle only to present a white horse which is laying in...

The hike up the hill is so worth it. Yes it’s hard, no it’s not well marked, yes it’s still worth it. They don’t take card. This is awkward, and antiquated. Half the place is closed for no apparent reason (I assume maintenance and a legacy of being mothballed over covid) The cafe / restaurant situation is dire. Zero stars. It’s still worth the hike, if only for the view. Pay the money for the museum. The upkeep must be horrific, and access to such an incredible place is worth the very little € they charge. Help them keep this thing alive.

Dear Salerno, Please invest in this place like you once did. It needs some love, and is a true attraction - but will only ever pull an audience if you take the time (and invest the money) in its upkeep. It feels like its on a knife’s edge of being somewhere tours and tourists bypass - rather than the treasure you’ve made it....