What to see in Benevento, one-day itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including Arco di Traiano, Rocca dei Rettori, Duomo and Church of Santa Sofia.
Tourist information
Located in the Apennine hinterland of Campania, in the southern part of the historical region of Sannio, Benevento is a city with an abundance of testimonies regarding the populations from which it was dominated in the past, including Oschi, Etruscans, Samnites and Romans.
According to an ancient Lombard legend, Benevento is called "city of witches" as it would be the meeting place for Italian witches.
The Arch of Trajan, dating back to the beginning of the second century AD, is the most important monument in Benevento.
15.60 meters high, it looks like an arched vaulted construction over 8 meters high and a skeleton made of limestone boulders with marble coating.
Most of the arch is decorated with bas-relief scenes.
In addition, the Arch, in medieval times, was inserted into the walls, becoming its Golden Door.
The Roman theater was inaugurated in 126 when Hadrian was emperor, later it was enlarged by Caracalla between 200 and 210.
It is a grandiose work measuring 90 meters in diameter, designed to hold about 10,000 spectators and covered with variegated colored marbles, with the atria decorated by means of stucco and mosaics.
What see
In the highest area of the city is the Rocca dei Rettori, formed by the two separate buildings of the Torrione and Palazzo dei Governatori, where the Museo del Sannio is located.
The Cathedral of Benevento, which is flanked by a majestic bell tower, was built in 780 and enlarged in the twelfth century.
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The facade of 1100 is in Pisan Romanesque style, with three portals, an order of arches and a loggia, while the crypt is frescoed.
The eighth century church of Santa Sofia is one of the major churches of the Lombard era, with an unusual star plan.
A convent is annexed to the church, of which it is interesting to see the cloister.
Benevento is famous throughout the world as a place of production of the Strega liqueur and Solopaca wine.
In the surroundings of Benevento is Pietralcina, a famous religious tourism destination linked to Padre Pio.
