Villa Traiano
The symbol of Benevento
The Arch of Trajan is the most important monument in Benevento and the best-preserved Roman honorary arch in the world. Erected in 114 AD to celebrate the opening of the Via Traiana — the new road linking Benevento to Brindisi — it is one of the masterpieces of Imperial Roman art.
Unlike other triumphal arches, such as the Arch of Titus in Rome, the Arch of Trajan has kept almost all of its reliefs, making it a unique historical document.
The history
Emperor Marcus Ulpius Trajan (53-117 AD) was born in Spain and is considered one of the greatest Roman emperors. Under his reign, the Empire reached its greatest territorial extent.
The arch was built at the entrance to Beneventum (the city’s ancient name) to commemorate the inauguration of the Via Traiana in 109 AD. Construction was completed in 114 AD, as attested by the dedicatory inscription that is still perfectly legible.
The reliefs
The arch is decorated with sculpted panels on both sides:
- Countryside side (towards the Apennines): scenes of peace and prosperity — distribution of grain, founding of colonies, protection of children
- City side (towards Benevento): scenes of war and conquest — military triumphs, subjugation of peoples, sacrifices to the gods
The reliefs on the inner side of the arch show Trajan welcomed by the gods of Olympus and scenes of the emperor’s food policy (alimenta), a programme of assistance to poor children.
Visitor information
- Location: Via Traiano, 100 metres from Villa Traiano
- Access: free, open 24 hours a day
- Visit duration: 15-30 minutes
- Best light: early morning or late afternoon for photos
- Audio guide: available via app (QR code on site)
What to see nearby
From the Arch of Trajan you can walk to:
- Roman Theatre (5 minutes): 2nd-century amphitheatre, still in use
- Church of Santa Sofia (8 minutes): UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Lombard jewel
- Samnium Museum (10 minutes): local history from prehistory
- Hortus Conclusus (7 minutes): installations by Mimmo Paladino
- Rocca dei Rettori (12 minutes): medieval castle with panoramic views
Curiosities
- The arch is 15.60 metres tall and 8.60 metres wide
- In the Middle Ages it was incorporated into the city walls as a town gate (“Porta Aurea”)
- It appears on the coat of arms of the Province of Benevento
- In 2021 it was proposed as a UNESCO site (candidacy in progress)
Stay at Villa Traiano, just 100 metres from the Arch of Trajan. Book now.
