Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the right-hand apse, don't miss the
Cappella delle Crociate
(Chapel of the Crusades),
containing stunning frescoes and more marvellous mosaics. The chapel was so named be-
cause crusaders' weapons were blessed here. Under the altar lies the tomb of 11th-century
pope Gregory VII.
Museo Virtuale della
MUSEUM
Scuola Medica Salernitana
( 089 257 61 26; Via Mercanti 74; adult/reduced €3/1; 9am-1pm Mon-Sat; )
Slap bang in
Salerno's historic centre, this engaging museum deploys 3D and touch-screen technology
to explore the teachings and wince-inducing procedures of Salerno's once-famous, now-de-
funct medical institute. Established around the 9th century, the school was the most import-
ant centre of medical knowledge in medieval Europe, reaching the height of its prestige in
the 11th century. It was closed in the early 19th century.
Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale
MUSEUM
( 089 258 30 73; Via Mercanti 63; 9am-7.45pm Tue-Sun)
Art enthusiasts should seek
out the Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale, located deep in the heart of the historic quarter.
Spread throughout six galleries, this museum houses an interesting art collection dating
from the Renaissance right up to the first half of the 20th century.
Among the works are some fine canvases by local boy Andrea Sabatini da Salerno, who
was notably influenced by Leonardo da Vinci.
Castello di Arechi
( 089 296 40 15;
www.ilcastellodiarechi.it
;
Via Benedetto Croce; adult/reduced €3/1.50; 9am-7pm
Tue-Sat, to 6.30pm Sun summer, to 5pm Tue-Sun winter)
Bus 19 from Piazza XXIV Maggio heads
to Salerno's most famous landmark, the forbidding Castello di Arechi, dramatically posi-
tioned 263m above the city. Originally a Byzantine fort, it was built by the Lombard duke
of Benevento, Arechi II, in the 8th century and subsequently modified by the Normans and
Aragonese, most recently in the 16th century. The views of the Gulf of Salerno and
Salerno's rooftops are spectacular; you can also visit a permanent collection of ceramics,
arms and coins.
CASTLE
Sleeping
