Giardino della Minerva (Garden of Minerva), Salerno (must see)

The Garden of Minerva unveils the secrets of the renowned Salerno Medical School and the foundational principles of ancient and medieval medicine.

Situated on the slopes of the Bonadies hill, between the Fusandola stream and the ancient city walls, the Minerva Garden is a living legacy of Matteo Silvatico's medical garden. Matteo Silvatico, a distinguished master of the Salerno Medical School. The garden, dating back to this period, witnessed the birth of the first botanical garden in the Western world. Its unique design and use of vegetation influenced subsequent botanical gardens in Padua, Pisa, Florence, Pavia, and Bologna.

Within the Minerva Garden, Matteo Silvatico cultivated and classified an extensive array of plants and herbs. Beyond its botanical significance, the garden became a hub of educational activity, with Silvatico engaging in teaching sessions with the students of the Salerno Medical School. This elevated Salerno to a prominent position in the realm of ancient Western science.

Within the Minerva Garden, one can encounter medieval painted tiles unearthed during the restoration of Palazzo Capasso. Throughout the year, the garden plays host to captivating exhibitions and events of noteworthy significance. The culinary aspect is overseen by the Nemus Association, renowned for its expertise in crafting herbal teas using locally sourced and certified ingredients.