Bonea: Roman traces at Monte Taburno

Bonea lies at the foot of Monte Taburno in the Valle Caudina. Roman archaeology, church architecture and a route to the summit offer different focal points for a stay. When looking for a hotel in Bonea, you can first consider whether historical remains, specific architectural features or a mountain hike interest you most.

Roman remains and ancient cisterns

The Villa di Cocceio is a Roman villa complex on the edge of the built-up area of Bonea, in the hamlet of San Biagio. The Mausoleo Pizzillo is a Roman tomb monument of considerable archaeological interest. It stands on a rocky outcrop on the eastern side of Monte Taburno. Bonea also has the remains of ancient cisterns. The villa and tomb monument represent different forms of Roman construction: a villa complex and a funerary monument. The cisterns add another type of ancient structure to this archaeological perspective. If you would like to compare historical themes, these remains can be distinguished by their respective functions.

Church architecture: portal, tower and dome

The Chiesa di San Nicola was built in the 16th century. Its entrance features a carved stone portal; other notable features include a three-storey bell tower. The Chiesa di San Sebastiano was built in 1506. It has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave and a dome with a false lantern above the altar. The two churches can be distinguished by their different architectural elements: the portal and bell tower are the main features of San Nicola, while the floor plan and dome define San Sebastiano. For travellers interested in religious architecture, these specific features make it possible to distinguish between the buildings.

Traditions and tastings

The traditional Festa di San Biagio in Bonea includes a ritual of anointing the uvula. This tradition is a distinct cultural aspect alongside the archaeological remains and church buildings.

The visitor programme at Masseria Frattasi includes a visit to the underground wine cellar, as well as tastings of typical artisan products and the estate's organic extra virgin olive oil. Visits with tastings last about an hour; time slots are available in the morning and afternoon. This means you can plan the tasting as an activity lasting approximately one hour. Before your visit, check which time slot suits your plans.

Route to Monte Taburno and access to the forest area

The “Cresta sud-est Monte Taburno” route starts in San Pietro (Bonea), follows the southeastern ridge of Monte Taburno and ends at its summit. A CAI hiking description dated 2 June 2022 describes this route. It therefore specifies a starting point, a named ridge and a summit destination. Near Bonea, the Foresta Demaniale del Taburno can be reached via the Montesarchio–Taburno road, provincial road SP 93. If you plan to drive there, check the road conditions in advance, as they can change.

The topics mentioned offer different focal points when choosing your stay: Roman remains, church architecture, a local tradition, a tasting visit or a route towards the summit. You can choose your focus based on which of these topics interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Campolattaro, Solopaca, Apice Vecchio, San Lupo, Pontelandolfo, Pesco Sannita, Sant'agata Dé Goti, Dugenta.

For the broader travel overview: Benevento.