The second itinerary "Tracing the history of the Salerno Medical School" takes the visitor, for a duration of about three hours, to all the places linked to the
memory of the Salerno Medical School.

Via Mercanti
The historical-cultural route which brings medieval Salerno back to life starts with the Cyber Museum of the Salerno Medical
School and then progresses through the back streets of the historical centre, passing by the Cathedral and continuing, also
following a chronological order, to the final destination, the Roberto Papi Museum and the Minerva Gardens.

Cyber Museum, Salerno Medical School
Situated in the heart of the historical centre, in Via Mercanti, the museum was founded in the former church of Saint Gregory and uses advanced computer technology to present history, protagonists, themes and texts of the Salerno Medical School.

Saint Mathew's Cathedral
The cathedral was founded by Roberto Guiscardo and was consecrated in July 1084 by Pope Gregorio VII who was in refuge in Salerno atthe time. It was built on the
model of the abbey church of Desiderio in Montecassino, with the typical basilica plan of three longitudinal naves, transept and an entrance courtyard..

The remain of the Terracena Castle
The palace was built by Robert Guiscardo between 1076 and 1080. It stands over the eastern walls of the city, on a hilltop.
The choice of the site was certainly dictated by the presence of the cathedral in the immediate vicinity.To be noted are the decorations in tuff that are similar to those on the hall doors of the cathedral.

Saint Benedict's Church
The church was first part of the homonymous monastery founded probably between the 7th and 8th centuries; it was linked to the large aqueduct,the traces of which are still visible in Via Arce.

The Roberto Papi Museum
The museum for the history of medicine and surgical instruments presents a collection of objects belonging to almost every field of medicine.
The original environment has been reconstructed to accommodate this rich collection which represents scenes of medical life.

Via Trotula de Ruggiero and the Roberto Papi Museum for the history of medicine and surgical instruments
The museum can be found in the splendid Galdieri Building, situated in Via Trotula de Ruggiero, a road with a significant name which marks the importance and the merits of the Salerno Medical School.
The Medical School, besides being the oldest school of medicine in Europe, was also the first to open the road to female emancipation in professional activities.
Trotula de Ruggiero, a Noble Lady from Salerno who lived in the 11th century and was part of the Lombard court of Guaimario IV, was the first female doctor and was famous for having written the gynaecological treatise De mulierum passionibus and the first book on female cosmetics,De ornatu.
Her knowledge in the gynaecological field was extraordinary and many women wentto her to be treated.
This road then leads to the Minerva Gardens, the place where this famous "Schola" had her formation.

Saint Peter's Court
The Saint Peter's Court complex was founded by Arechi II, who became prince after the fall of the Lombard kingdom atthe hand of Charlemagne.
The church is the most important Lombard foundation existing in the city.
The site presents an interesting archaeological stratification starting from the frigidarium ambient of the roman spas up to the high palatine chapel.

The Minerva Gardens
The Minerva Gardens are in the heart of the ancient centre of Salerno, in an area which during medieval times was called "Plaium montis", and half way along an imaginary route that follows the axis of the walled
and terraced gardens.
The botanical gardens of which we have memory were constructed by Matteo Silvatico, a famous exponent of the Salerno Medical School, between the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the splendid scenery of the Minerva Gardens, on the magnificent panoramic terrace next to the monumental fountain, you can taste herbal teas, drinks and local biscuits offered by the Cultural Association, Nemus, which runs the tea house of the Minerva Gardens on behalf of the local council.

The Arechi Castle
Leaving the Gardens and following a path that climbs the "Plaium Montis" you reach the Castle. Founded during the 6th century, it was restructured in the Lombard period by Arechi II who transferred the capital of the duchy from Benevento to Salerno, making a fulcrum of this castle which is over 300m above sea level on the top of Mount Bonadies.
Inside the castle you can visit the museum which holds material from archaeological sites in the surrounding countryside while the cannon sector holds multi-medial installations.

FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS:

Emanuela Adinolfi
mobile 339 3153399
adinolfi.emanuela@gmail.com

Valentina de Ferrante
mobile 328 8957570
vdeferrante@gmail.com

Roberto Papi Museum - Collection of Medical and History and the History of Surgical Instruments
Tel. 089253190 www.museopapi.org
info@fondazionescuolamedicasalernitana.org

Museum opening times:
Tuesday,Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
from 9.00am to 1.30pm - Monday closedWednesday, Friday from 3.00pm to 6.30pmSummer times from 1st May to 30th September:
Wednesday, Friday from 5.00pm to 8.00pm

MINERVA GARDENS OPENING TIMES
Every day except Monday from 9.00am to 1.00pmSummer times from 1st May to 30 Septemberfrom 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 5.00pm to 8.00pm
every day except MondayTel. 089 252423 - www.giardinodellaminerva.it

OPENING HOURS VIRTUAL MUSEUM
Tuesday to Sunday 9.00am to 13.30pmTel. +39 089 2573213/228/227 - mobile 339 5765597
www.lascuolamedicasalernitana.beniculturali.it