sabato 8 marzo 2014

Salerno - Arechi Castle





One of the characteristic places of Salerno is the Arechi Castle, located on Mount Bonadies. Today I have come back here to take some photos and to enjoy the view, which being over 300 metres above sea level is really lovely.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress


Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
The origins of the castle date back to 6th century AD, when the nucleus of the fortress, developed on 5 or 6 levels, was built. In the 8th century the Longobard Prince Arechi II reinforced the walls to improve its defences against attacks from the sea. With the successive dominations in the course of time, the castle underwent expansions and modifications.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
In particular a tower, mistakenly called the Bastille because it was thought to be a prison, was built by the Normans in a higher position above the castle. You can get to it following a nature trail.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
The whole area of the Arechi Castle is surrounded by greenery.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
This cistern is in the interior of the fortress
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
where you can also admire the ancient entrance to the castle.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
The Great Tower is used as a multimedia space to show some videos about the history of the monument.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
The Castle also houses a museum of ceramics in which the remains found during the restoration work are preserved.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
In addition to being an important testimony of the glorious past of Salerno, today Arechi Castle is also a location for events and a conference centre. In the summer walks are organized with historical reconstructions that make the visit to the medieval fortress even more attractive.
Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress

Salerno_Arechi_Castle_Longobard_Prince_Arechi_medieval_fortress
More photos here

English version by Maurizio de Santis
Special thanks to David Strong

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