Benevento: History, Museums and Southern Italian Specialties

The Chiostro di Santa Sofia was rebuilt in the 12th century under Abbot Giovanni IV. A visit to this building therefore offers not only a view of a single monument, but also insight into the medieval development of the area. The Museo del Sannio provides a broader historical perspective: it houses more than 50,000 exhibits covering a period from prehistoric times to the present day.

Museums, Tours and Roman History

The Museo del Sannio exhibition route follows a chronological order across two floors of the monumental Santa Sofia complex and several rooms in the historic Palazzo Casiello. This chronological arrangement makes it possible to view the various historical periods in a coherent sequence. If you do not want to limit your cultural experience to a single building, this tour provides an important focus for exploring Benevento.

Among the most striking Roman monuments is the Arco di Traiano. It is considered one of the most significant monuments of Roman artistic production and was built between 114 and 117 at the beginning of the new Via Traiana to commemorate and highlight the rule of Emperor Trajan. At the nearby Chiesa di Sant’Ilario, you can also visit the Museo dell’Arco. Using the arch’s reliefs, the multimedia installation illustrates the life and deeds of Emperor Trajan.

The Janua Maior also provides an introduction to the medieval art history of Southern Italy. It is a bronze door cast in the third quarter of the 12th century, which art historians regard as one of the most outstanding examples of medieval art in Southern Italy. An archaeological tour was inaugurated beneath the new flooring of the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta on 18 December 2012. In Benevento, therefore, both visible works of art and archaeological traces are among the topics you can take into account when planning your trip.

Torrone and Strega Liqueur

The local character of Benevento is also reflected in the production of torrone, which has long been widespread in the city. Classic Torrone di Benevento is a dessert made from egg whites, honey, hazelnuts and almonds. These ingredients give this specialty a firm place in the city’s culinary identity and make it appealing to travelers who want to discover regional sweets in addition to museums and architecture.

A second culinary specialty is Strega liqueur. It originated in Benevento in 1860 and is produced by distilling around 70 herbs and spices. This gives you two distinct but interconnected perspectives on the city when planning your trip: historical evidence and a local culinary tradition that can be explored through specific products.

Arrival and Personal Trip Planning

Benevento railway station offers train connections to Italy’s major cities. This is a relevant starting point if you are planning to arrive by train and would like to include Benevento in an individual trip around Italy. When choosing your hotel, you can then set your own priorities: these may include visits to the Arco di Traiano, the Museo del Sannio and the medieval works of art, as well as exploring torrone and Strega. The available themes thus range from prehistory and Roman rule to regional food culture.

Further Places for Your Trip to Italy

If you would like to consider additional places for your trip alongside Benevento, you can find Cusano Mutri, Buonalbergo, Castelvenere, Colle Sannita, Morcone, Sant'angelo A Cupolo, Faicchio and Apollosa here.

For the overarching travel overview: Benevent.