Guide Centre - Tour Guide Benevento

History and useful information

Benevento was Oscan and Etruscan, the former capital of the Sannio region, and was an important agricultural centre in Roman times. The town was under Lombard rule in the Middle Ages, then became a Duchy and therefore a powerful principality. The Triumphal Arch of Trajan (114 AD) and the Roman theatre (one of the largest in existence) are the most important Roman monuments. The 8^th century church of Saint Sofia has outstanding 12^th century cloisters. The Sannio Museum holds Egyptian and Greek sculptures, medieval art and coin collections. This excursion can be combined with a visit to S.Maria Capua Vetere, which is important for its amphitheatre, and Mitra Temple (Mitra) dating from the 1^st and 2^nd centuries. Wine/food tasting excursions can be arranged.