Benevento is a small town in Campania, 70 km from Naples, in the Taburno mountain range. The rivers Calore Irpino, Volturno and Sabato flow through Benevento, there is a continental climate, grapes, olives and tobacco grow on the hills.
The history of the city of witches
In the rich history of the city of Benevento, one interesting fact deserves attention - the rulers constantly changed in the city. In ancient times, the city was called Malovent, which the Romans translated as “a place of misfortune,” and probably not without reason. Historians claim that the city was founded by the Samnites, around 270 BC the city was conquered by the Romans. In 571, Benevento became the capital of southern Longobardia, in the XI century came under the papal protectorate, until a couple of centuries later was conquered by Frederick II. After the city was again returned to the Church, in the 17th century the Spanish king Ferdinand IV of Bourbon invaded its territory, and at the beginning of the 19th century Benevento became part of the Partenopean Republic. Further, the city belonged to Napoleon for 9 years, in 1815 it again went to the Church, and only in 1860 became an Italian province.
One curious legend is connected with this city - in the Middle Ages the city was called the city of witches. Legends say that the island was awash with witches, goblins and devils, it was here that the Holy Inquisition discovered the largest number of witchcraft sabbaths. In memory of those times in the city they still drink Strega liquor, that is, "Witch".
Sights
The main fortress of the city, Rocca dei Rettori (Rocca dei Rettori) - a defensive structure from the time of the Samnites, where papal rectors were based in the Middle Ages. The royal castle was located in the corner tower, and the local council is now sitting in the Papal Palace.
A little further from the fortress is the church of Hagia Sophia (Santa Sofia) of the 8th century, built in the Baroque style after the earthquake of 1688.
One of the most preserved and significant monuments of the city is considered to be the Arch of Trajan (Arco di Traiano), dated to the II century. The arch is dedicated to the military successes of Trajan, its 16-meter-high facade is decorated with bas-reliefs and marble trim.
Famous for its acoustics, the Roman Theater (Teatro romano di Benevento) was built in 130, and rebuilt at the beginning of the II century. In the 30s of the XX century, reconstruction was carried out here, parts of the original structure have been preserved to this day, now the theater gives performances in the summer.
The Palazzo Paolo V on Corso Garibaldi Street was erected between the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the first house in the city where light was led.
On the square Federico Torre (La Torre di Re Federico) is the basilica of San Bortolomeo (Basilica di San Bartolomeo) 1112 built. Twice destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt, the basilica is one of the most beautiful in the city. The relics of St. Bartholomew are stored in the church, fragments of a Roman bas-relief from the time of construction are preserved here.
Despite the small size of the city, many other attractions, historical and architectural monuments, on which different centuries and cultures have left their mark, are located here.
Hotels
There are 29 accommodation options in hotels or apartments in Benevento. We have selected for you the best reviews from tourists.
4 stars
Grand hotel italiano
Grand Hotel Italiano, Viale Principe Di Napoli, 137 - the oldest hotel in the city near the train station and the Cathedral. It offers free internet, comfortable rooms with classic interiors, buffet breakfasts and city tours.
Hotel Villa Traiano
Hotel Villa Traiano offers modern rooms in a villa near the arch of Trajan. Guests are offered a lounge area, a tea lounge, a comfortable veranda where you can enjoy continental specialties and homemade cakes for breakfast.
3 stars
Hotel antiche terme
Hotel Antiche Terme - a cozy hotel with 10 rooms near the railway station. Simple rooms with everything you need, a buffet for breakfast, which you can eat on the terrace and a restaurant for guests.
Hotel vittoria
Hotel Vittoria is located in a suburban area, a 10-minute drive from Benevento. It offers modern rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, TVs and air conditioning. It offers 24-hour room service, free parking, attractions and restaurants near the hotel.
Bed and breakfast
Domus traiani
Domus Traiani is a hotel with elegant, comfortable rooms and a patio. For breakfast, you will be offered aromatic coffee with homemade cakes, cheese or ham. It offers en suite rooms, a living room and a kitchen. Walking distance to the pedestrian zone, a kilometer from the hotel - railway station and Roman Theater.
Pinus rooms
Pinus Rooms is set in a stone house a 5-minute drive from the train station. The bright rooms are equipped with dark wood furniture, a minibar, TVs, and necessary hygiene products. It features a large garden and kitchenettes in the apartments. Delicious coffee and fresh croissants are served for breakfast in your room.
B&B Le Streghe
B&B Le Streghe - Via Mario La Vipera, 54 is a cozy hotel with 3 rooms in a quiet area, close to the Hagia Sophia. It offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The self-service breakfast consists of coffee, milk and croissants. Bicycle rental is available, and parking is 400 meters away.
Restaurants
When you are in Benevento, be sure to try the local cuisine, which is famous outside of Italy. Local dishes are prepared according to old recipes and are simple ingredients. It is recommended to try homemade pasta, cookies stuffed with nuts, white nougat, lamb sausages with garlic and parsley and, certainly, local wines and herbal liquor "Strega".
Dionisio
Dionisio, a restaurant serving Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisine, is located at Via Alfonso de Blasio, 3. The restaurant is located in the city center, in a stone building with vaulted ceilings. The chef will offer you traditional dishes with the addition of modern elements, new tastes and aromas.
Locanda scialapopolo
Locanda Scialapopolo at Via Francesco Paga 69 is a great family-run diner, serving Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, soups and vegetarian dishes. Here you can have breakfast on the buffet system, order food with you, relax with your children or make a business meeting, dine cheaply.
Ristorante nunzia
Ristorante Nunzia at Via Annunziata, 152 It offers Mediterranean and traditional Italian cuisine from 13:00 to 23:00 daily. For your convenience, Wi-Fi, highchairs, wheelchair access, friendly staff that will do everything for your comfort.
How to get there
By taxi
From Naples Airport, 93 km away, you can take a taxi, which is best ordered in advance via the Internet at kiwitaxi.ru. The road will take about an hour. With taxi drivers in southern Italy you need to be especially careful.
By train
By train, Benevento can be reached from Avellino, Campobasso, Foggia, Bari, Naples and Rome. From Naples, a direct regional train takes about 2 hours and costs 5.10 euros.
From Rome, Termini Station can also be reached several times a day by regional train for € 15.50, and the journey takes about 4 hours.
Read train tickets for Italy
By car
• From Rome, on the A1 Naples-Milan highway - exit onto Caianello, then onto the Telesina;
• On the Bologna-Bari highway, highway A14 - exit onto Termoli, then onto the Dei Due Principati highway;
• On the Naples-Bari highway, A16 highway - exit on Benevento;
• From Naples and Caserta, via the Appia highway.
It is possible to rent a car in Italy profitably using the service auto.italy4.me
By bus
You can drive from Avellino to Benevento Train Station in 50 minutes using the A.IR bus route. Autoservizi Irpini.
From Naples Capodichino Airport to Benevento, EAVBUS buses run every hour and a half.
From Salerno to Benevento buses run by Etac s.r.l., the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Buses of the company www.flixbus.ru travel from Rome from Tiburtina bus station to Benevento, the average journey time is 4 hours, and the ticket price is 7.90 euros.
