Buonalbergo between the Via Traiana and local festivals

Buonalbergo combines the history of roads, sacred art and local festival culture. The town is the end of the 15th stage and the beginning of the 16th stage of the Via Francigena del Sud. The 15th stage leads from Benevento to Buonalbergo along the Via Traiana towards Brindisi – a clear point of reference for anyone who incorporates historic pilgrimage and long-distance routes into their travel plans.

Palaces, churches and significant works of art

The townscape is dominated by the Palazzo Spinelli, a ducal palace dating from the 17th century. The Museum ViATor Via Appia Traiana – Officina per la Ricerca opened in the historic Palazzo Angelini on 27 July 2025. Both buildings are connected with the history of Buonalbergo and the development of the ancient transport routes.

The Chiesa Madre San Nicola di Bari has three naves: a central nave and two side naves. The Santuario SS. Madonna della Macchia provides a different sacred focus. The single-nave church is connected to a hermitage; it contains a Byzantine wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child dating from the 12th century.

Ancient routes and traces on Monte Chiodo

The Ponte delle Chianche is a Roman bridge on the Via Traiana. It is located in the municipality of Buonalbergo, in the province of Benevento, in a valley crossed by the Torrente Santo Spirito. The Torrente Santo Spirito is a tributary of the Miscano River. A milestone from the Via Traiana is also displayed in the courtyard of the Palazzo Spinelli; it was found in the Buonalbergo area and brought there in 1954.

Monte Chiodo rises north of Buonalbergo. This hill is associated with significant remains of ancient buildings and underground cavities that may be parts of an aqueduct. The Rocca di Montegiove stood on the summit of Monte Chiodo and was incorporated into the walls of the settlement there. The Taverna di Monte Chiodo was formerly a fortified stopping point on the Tratturo Regio Pescasseroli–Candela and served for toll collection as well as rest and refreshment.

Fountains, festivals and local traditions

The Fontana del Lombardo lies between the historic centre of Buonalbergo and the Torrente Santo Spirito. The EtnoFestival originated at the Fontana Lommardo; it was later moved to the Cascina Panari. At the end of July, evenings with live music and gatherings are organised there.

The Sagra de lo Ciammarruchiello takes place on 14 August in Piazza Garibaldi. The festival has been organised for more than 50 years and has been recognised by the Italian Senate as a “Sagra di Qualità” since 2018. This gives the local festival tradition a firm place alongside the town’s historical and religious themes.

The Oasi San Pio is also one of the venues for local events. Every year during the first week of July, spiritual, social and convivial events take place at the Oasi San Pio monument. The entrance to the Oasi San Pio is accessible.

Practical information at the sanctuary

The main entrance to the Santuario SS. Madonna della Macchia can be reached on foot via the Via Francigena or by car from Benevento via the S.S.90. Parking spaces are available in the immediate vicinity. This makes it possible to incorporate the sacred site either into a stage of the route or into an individual exploration of Buonalbergo’s historic sites.

More places for your travel plans: Apollosa, Paolisi, San Leucio del Sannio, Cerreto Sannita, San Bartolomeo In Galdo, Campoli del Monte Taburno, Sant'angelo A Cupolo, Baselice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Benevent.