Villa Traiano
Why choose Benevento for a weekend
Benevento is one of Campania’s hidden gems, a city that offers extraordinary cultural heritage away from mass tourism. Just over an hour from Naples, this millennia-old city surprises with its Roman monuments, its UNESCO World Heritage Lombard churches and a food-and-wine tradition that rivals the most famous destinations in Southern Italy.
Day 1: The historic heart
Morning: The Arch of Trajan and the centre
Begin your visit at the Arch of Trajan, the best preserved in Italy, erected in 114 AD to celebrate the opening of the Via Traiana. Just 100 metres from Villa Traiano, this majestic monument greets you with reliefs that recount the emperor’s deeds.
Continue along Corso Garibaldi to the Church of Santa Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. This 8th-century Lombard jewel is one of the most important buildings of early medieval European architecture.
Afternoon: Roman Theatre and Hortus Conclusus
The 2nd-century Roman Theatre, with its 25,000 seats, is still used for summer performances. Nearby, the Hortus Conclusus houses the installations of Mimmo Paladino, an internationally renowned Benevento artist.
Complete the tour with the Samnium Museum and the Rocca dei Rettori, which offers a panoramic view over the valley.
Evening: Dinner at the Roof Garden
Return to Villa Traiano for dinner at La Vista Roof Garden, the panoramic restaurant on the top floor. The chef’s contemporary Campanian cuisine uses local Sannio ingredients: from the cured meats of Pietraroja to the cheeses of the Taburno, paired with the wines of Guardiolo and Solopaca.
Day 2: Wine, nature and surroundings
Morning: Breakfast and Pietrelcina
After breakfast at Villa Traiano (served from 7:00 to 10:00 AM with local products), head to Pietrelcina (12 km, 15 minutes), the birthplace of Padre Pio. A charming village perched on a tuff spur.
Afternoon: Sannio wine tasting
The Sannio is a land of great wines. Arrange a tasting of Aglianico del Taburno DOCG and Falanghina del Sannio DOC at one of the area’s wineries. Our concierge can organise everything for you, including the transfer.
Alternatively: A day trip
- Pompeii (100 km, 1h30): the most famous archaeological site in the world
- Amalfi Coast (120 km, 2h): Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
- Royal Palace of Caserta (50 km, 45 min): the Italian Versailles
- Paestum (130 km, 1h45): the best-preserved Greek temples
Practical information
- Getting there: A16 Naples-Bari motorway, Benevento exit. Transfer from Naples Capodichino available (~€200)
- Where to stay: Villa Traiano, a 4-star boutique hotel in the historic centre
- Best time: Spring and autumn for ideal weather and local festivals
- Parking: available near the hotel (€10/day)
Book your weekend in Benevento: contact us or call +39 0824 326241.
