Discover Benevento

There are two ways to plan a stay in Benevento: focus on its architectural and artistic history, or explore its local specialties. Roman, Lombard, and medieval landmarks sit alongside torrone and Strega liqueur. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most, rather than associating Benevento with just one era. The sights and products offer concrete starting points, and train connections can also factor into your travel plans.

Roman and Medieval History

The Arch of Trajan takes you back to Roman times. It was built between 114 and 117 at the beginning of the new Via Traiana to honor and highlight the rule of Emperor Trajan. The arch is one of the most significant monuments of Roman artistic production. At the nearby Church of Sant’Ilario, you can visit the Museo dell’Arco. Its multimedia installation uses the arch’s reliefs to illustrate the life and deeds of Trajan. The monument and the multimedia interpretation of its imagery offer two distinct ways to explore the subject.

Another highlight is the Cloister of Santa Sofia. Since 2011, together with the Church of Santa Sofia, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Longobards in Italy. Places of Power.” The cloister was rebuilt in the 12th century under Abbot Giovanni IV. These details place the cloister both within a specific period of its architectural history and in the context of the World Heritage Site. If you are interested in medieval art, the Janua Maior is another notable feature: the bronze door was cast in the third quarter of the 12th century. Art historians regard it as one of the most outstanding examples of medieval art in southern Italy.

Benevento Cathedral, dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta, is another distinct historical landmark. An archaeological tour beneath its new flooring was inaugurated on December 18, 2012. The date provides a clear chronological marker for this part of the cathedral’s history.

Museum and Chronological Overview

The Museo del Sannio houses more than 50,000 exhibits, spanning from prehistory to the present day. The exhibition route follows a chronological order and covers two floors of the monumental Santa Sofia complex, as well as several rooms in the historic Palazzo Casiello. The collection’s size is not the only useful point of reference: its chronological layout also helps you explore the different eras. Since exhibitions may change, check the museum’s current information before your visit.

Torrone and Strega

Local food culture also offers concrete themes to include in your travel plans. Torrone has long been widely made in Benevento. Classic Benevento torrone is a dessert made with egg whites, honey, hazelnuts, and almonds. These ingredients make the traditional product easy to picture. Strega liqueur offers a different perspective: it originated in Benevento in 1860 and is made by distilling about 70 herbs and spices. Torrone is defined by the ingredients of a dessert, while Strega is characterized by its origins and production method. Together, the two products offer insight into different aspects of local specialties.

Plan Your Journey

Benevento railway station has train connections to major cities. If you are traveling by train, check connections and timetables for your travel dates, as train services and schedules may change. This lets you factor your journey into your plans before turning your attention to the city’s historical and culinary highlights.

Discover more destinations: Paduli, Apice Vecchio, Campoli del Monte Taburno, Paupisi, Pontelandolfo, San Lupo, Sant'agata Dé Goti, Santa Croce Del Sannio.

For the regional travel overview: Benevento.