Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the right-hand apse, don't miss the
Cappella delle Crociate
(Chapel of the Cru-
sades), containing stunning frescoes and more wonderful mosaics. It was so named be-
cause crusaders' weapons were blessed here. Under the altar stands the tomb of 11th-cen-
tury pope, Gregory VII.
CASTLE
Castello di Arechi
( 089 22 55 78; Via Benedetto Croce; 9am-3.30pm)
Hop on bus 19 from Piazza
XXIV Maggio to visit Salerno's most famous landmark, the forbidding Castello di Arechi,
dramatically positioned 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 the city rooftops are spectacular; you can also vis-
it a permanent collection of ceramics, arms and coins. If you are here during the summer,
ask the tourist office for a schedule of the annual series of concerts staged here.
MUSEUM
Museo Pinacoteca Provinciale
( 089 258 30 73; Via Mercanti 63; 9am-8pm 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.
There are some fine canvases on display here by local boy Andrea Sabatini da Salerno,
who was notably influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, plus a diverse selection of works by
foreign artists who were permanent residents around the Amalfi Coast. These include in-
tricate etchings by the Austrian-born artist Peter Willburger (1942-98) and a colourful
embroidered picture of a local market by Polish artist Irene Kowaliska. The museum also
hosts free classical concerts during the summer months.
MUSEUM
Museo Didattico della Scuola Medica Salernitana
(Medical School of Salerno Museum; 089 24 12 92; Via Mercanti 72; 9am-1pm
Mon-Fri; )
Slap bang in Salerno's historic centre, this engaging museum deploys 3-D
and touch screen technology to explore the teachings and wince-inducing procedures of
Salerno's once-famous, now-defunct medical institute. Established around the 9th century,
