Visit Benevento Italy: Unveiling Top Activities for a Memorable

If your idea of a great trip includes ancient ruins, mysterious folklore, and sipping crisp white wine in the sun, Benevento might just become your new favorite Italian escape. Set in the lesser-known Sannio region of Campania, this city blends dramatic Roman history with a quirky local twist, think witches, Strega liqueur, and pasta that tastes like grandma made it. From the majestic Arch of Trajan to cozy wineries tucked into the hills, every corner invites you to slow down and savor. Campania wineries hit different here, more personal, more authentic, and always with a view. So if you’re craving a destination that’s off the tourist trail but full of flavor (in every sense), visit Benevento.

Visit Benevento: What are the best things to do?

Marvel at the Iconic Arch of Trajan

Start your visit to Benevento with something truly iconic, the Arch of Trajan. It’s not just a triumphal arch, it’s a dramatic welcome to the city’s past, carved in marble and still standing proud after nearly two thousand years. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate its bold presence and storytelling details. Walk under it, look up, and let yourself time-travel a bit, this is where ancient Rome meets small-town charm, and it sets the tone for everything that makes Benevento unforgettable.

Wander through Santa Sofia and its Cloister

Make your way to the Church of Santa Sofia, and prepare to be charmed. It’s a curiously circular, 8th-century beauty that feels like it was plucked from a medieval dream. Recognized by UNESCO and loved by architecture fans, it’s the kind of place where quiet elegance meets ancient mystery. Stroll through its peaceful cloister, take a photo under the arches, then pop into the Museo del Sannio next door to dig deeper into Benevento’s wild ride from Samnite stronghold to Roman stardom.

Explore the Roman Theatre

Catch a show where the Romans once did. Built in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian, the Roman Theatre of Benevento is more than just ancient ruins, it’s a living stage. With its grand semicircular design and stunning views over the city, this spot blends history and atmosphere perfectly. And the best part? It still hosts concerts and performances today.

Walk to Rocca dei Rettori

Climb Benevento’s time machine. The Rocca dei Rettori isn’t just a castle, it’s a mashup of Samnite roots, Roman stones, and medieval muscle. Once used as a papal residence, today it hosts exhibitions and offers one of the best panoramic views over Benevento from its sturdy watchtower. It’s the kind of place where every stone feels like it’s got a story to tell, and a perfect stop for history lovers and curious wanderers alike.

Stroll down Corso Garibaldi

This buzzing street is the heart of Benevento, where daily life unfolds between espresso breaks and boutique browsing. Grab a coffee at the iconic Caffè Strega, treat yourself to a bottle of the town’s legendary liqueur, and pick up local delights like aged cheeses, porcini mushrooms, and crumbly nougat. It’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s flavors, literally and figuratively.

Explore the Benevento Cathedral

Originally founded in the 7th century and rebuilt after WWII, the cathedral is a quiet powerhouse of faith and resilience. Its bronze doors and striking mosaics catch the eye, but it’s the atmosphere that lingers, an echo of centuries of devotion woven into the very walls. Whether you’re here for the art, the history, or a peaceful pause, the Duomo is a meaningful stop in the city’s spiritual story.

Discover the ruins at Via Appia Antica

Walk in the footsteps of emperors along the ancient Via Appia. Once the lifeline between Rome and Brindisi, this legendary Roman road sliced straight through Benevento, then called Beneventum. You can still spot its traces today, a reminder of the city’s strategic power in the Roman Empire. It’s not just history beneath your feet, it’s a timeless path that connected the capital to the coast and shaped southern Italy’s destiny.

Visit Benevento: What are the best things to do around?

Wander around Pietrelcina

Visit Pietrelcina for a dose of soul and simplicity. Just 25 minutes from Benevento, this peaceful village is best known as the birthplace of Saint Padre Pio. But even beyond its spiritual legacy, Pietrelcina charms with cobbled lanes, rustic homes, and a sense of quiet devotion that lingers in the air. Walk its stone-paved streets, soak in the views over the rolling Sannio hills, and stop by a trattoria for homemade pasta, fresh cheese, and earthy porcini mushrooms. It’s a heartwarming escape where faith, tradition, and local flavors come together.

Sip Irpinia’s stylish soul

Just shy of an hour east of Naples, Feudi di San Gregorio is where sleek design meets centuries‑old craft. Wander through a barrel cellar that doubles as an art gallery, marvel at labels crafted by design icon Massimo Vignelli, then settle in for a tasting, try their bold Aglianicos or crisp Falanghina, while soaking up vineyard views and modern architecture. It’s more than wine, it’s a taste of Campania’s creative heart.

Stroll through the hills and forest trails of Cusano Mutri

Escape to the green side of Campania in Cusano Mutri. Less than 45 minutes from Benevento, this mountain town feels like a breath of fresh air, literally. Set at the edge of the Matese mountains and within the Taburno Camposauro Regional Park, it’s a dream for hikers, foragers, and anyone craving nature. The real magic kicks in during autumn, when the town fills with the scent of mushrooms for the famous Sagra dei Funghi. Think porcini risotto, wild herbs, and hearty mountain recipes at family-run locande. It’s the perfect place to lace up your boots, follow forest trails, and taste Campania’s more rugged side.

Good to Know before visiting Benevento