The Salerno Medical School Foundation has constructed two historical art itineraries centred around the Salerno Medical School,the first and most important medical institute of Medieval Europe and considered the forerunner of the modern university.
A visit round the museums, streets and the narrow backstreets of the historical centre will bring back to life the Salerno of the year one thousand and will guide the visitor from the Western world's most famous source of medical science - the Salerno Medical School - to a more modern collection (17th - 20th century) of medical history and the history of surgical instruments kept in the new Roberto Papi Museum. Despite there being no close chronological link,the Papi Museum has a strong historicalcultural value which fits in perfectly with its local formation founded on the presence of the famous Salerno Medical School.

ITINERARY 1 - SALERNO AND ITS MEDICAL SCHOOL
The first tinerary, "Salerno and its Medical School" allows the visitor, in the space of about two hours, to come to know Salerno and its School through a series of specific and meaningful stages.

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.
In 644 AD, during the barbaric invasions, Salerno was occupied by the Lombardi who, however, did actually give full recognition to the city. In 762 Salerno became a principality, held by the Duke of Benevento, Arechi II, who was crowned Prince in Salerno. The principality lasted more than 750 years and during its dominion constructed its court with walls and towers to fortify the city.

Cyber Museum Salerno School Of Medicine
Situated in the heart of the historical centre in Via Mercanti,the museum was realized in the former church of Saint Gregory by the Monuments and Fine Arts Bureau of Salerno and Avellino and uses advanced computer technology to present history, protagonists,themes and texts of the Salerno Medical School.

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.
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.

The Minerva Gardens
The Minerva Gardens are in the heart of the ancient centre of Salerno, in an area which was called "Plaium montis" during medieval times, 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.

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