What to see

Benevento is a city rich in history, legends and architectural beauties. Here are the main things to see:

  • Trajan’s Arc: One of the best preserved Roman arches in Italy, built in 114 AD to celebrate the emperor Trajan.
  • Roman Theatre: Dating back to the 2nd century AD, still used today for cultural events and shows
  • Santa Sofia Church (UNESCO Heritage): Splendid example of Lombard architecture from the 8th century. The cloister is particularly suggestive.
  • Sannio Museum: Located in the Santa Sofia complex, it houses Samnite, Roman and medieval finds
  • Rectors’ Fortress: Medieval fortress with parts from the Roman and Lombard eras. Excellent panoramic point over the city
  • Egyptian Obelisks: Two monuments built under the Roman Emperor Domitian between 88 and 89 AD, erected on the sides of the entrance to the Temple of Isis, located in the ancient colony of Beneventum. The hieroglyphic inscriptions on them attest to the existence of the temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, Lady of Benevento.
    The first obelisk, intact and in pink granite, is today located in Piazza Papiniano, along Corso Garibaldi. Its four faces are covered with hieroglyphics that tell the same story.
    The second obelisk, mutilated, is kept at the Museo del Sannio, in the Egyptian section of the ARCOS museum. It was restored thanks to the collaboration with the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
  • Leprous Bridge: A bridge of Roman origin that crosses the Sabato river on the edge of the town of Benevento. Probably built in the 3rd century BC by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus, it allowed the Via Appia to access the city. The name probably derives from the presence of a leper colony located nearby during the Middle Ages. Today, the bridge is included in the UNESCO World Heritage site Via Appia.

Where to eat

In Benevento, the gastronomic scene offers a variety of restaurants ranging from traditional Samnite cuisine to more innovative proposals:

  • Ristorante Pizzeria Traiano dal 1985: A historic venue located a few steps from the iconic Arch of Trajan. Renowned for its traditional Campania cuisine and welcoming atmosphere
  • Locanda Scialapopolo: Restaurant with typical Sannio cuisine, known for the quality of its raw materials and its welcoming atmosphere.
  • Gino e Pina: Historic Benevento trattoria, famous for its homemade pasta and traditional dishes.