Benevento Attractions
Benevento, chief town of its province, lies in Campania, some 50km/31mi northeast of Naples. The town, beautifully situated on a flat-topped hill between the rivers Savato and Calore, is the economic and communications center of the fertile Benevento basin.
History
The town was originally called Maleventum, but after the "Pyrrhic victory" of King Pyrrhus of Epirus over the Romans in 275 B.C. and the establishment of a Roman military colony in 268 B.C. it was given the more auspicious name of Beneventum. Situated at the junction of the Via Appia with four other Roman roads, it developed into one of the most important towns in southern Italy, and from the sixth to the 11th centuries it was the seat of powerful Lombard dukes. Thereafter the town belonged to the Papal State (with a short interruption under Napoleon) until it became part of Italy in 1860. It has been the see of an archbishop since 969.
History
The town was originally called Maleventum, but after the "Pyrrhic victory" of King Pyrrhus of Epirus over the Romans in 275 B.C. and the establishment of a Roman military colony in 268 B.C. it was given the more auspicious name of Beneventum. Situated at the junction of the Via Appia with four other Roman roads, it developed into one of the most important towns in southern Italy, and from the sixth to the 11th centuries it was the seat of powerful Lombard dukes. Thereafter the town belonged to the Papal State (with a short interruption under Napoleon) until it became part of Italy in 1860. It has been the see of an archbishop since 969.
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Arch of Trajan
The Greek marble, Arch of Trajan, stands over 15m high and was built in A.D.114. Reliefs praising the emperor decorate this famous monument.
Cathedral
Benevento's principal street, running from northwest to southeast, is the Corso Garibaldi, in which stands the cathedral (founded c. 1200), which was completely destroyed in 1943 apart from the facade and the campanile but has since been rebuilt.
Piazza Risorgimento (Piazza Santa Maria)
The flea markets, Piazza Risorgimento and Piazza Santa Maria, are open on Wednesday and Saturday.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 8:00 | Closed | Closed | 8:00 | Closed |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 |
Ponte Leproso
500m/550yd southwest of the Teatro Romano in Benevento is the Ponte Leproso, still incorporating part of the Roman bridge which carried the Via Appia over the Sabato.
Rocca dei Rettori
In Piazza IV Novembre, is a 14th century castle, the Rocca dei Rettori, which contains the historical section of the museum. There are fine views from the municipal park.
