Benevento a city rich in history

Benevento is one of the most fascinating cities to visit. Founded according to an ancient legend by the Greek hero Diomede, who landed in Italy after fighting with Achilles. In reality the city owes its foundation to the Osci population. The name of the city was given by the Romans after the victory against Pyrrhus king of Epirus. The Roman Theater built between 200 and 210 BC. C. stands near the historic center of the city, despite the past it is still in good condition today and numerous musical and theatrical performances are held every year. In the historic center of the city stands the Rocca dei rectors pontifici; articulated on three floors, it houses interesting exhibition rooms, very particular are the high-reliefs placed to decorate the fortress, the result of recovery works. Equipped with a large terrace, the fortress offers visitors a beautiful view of the city. The dominant monument of the city is the cathedral, in which the ancient bronze door of the 12th century is preserved, decorated with 72 tiles. Inside, past and present mix in perfect condition; the space is divided into three naves and houses majestic columns, remains of the ancient cathedral. The splendor of the church are the imposing statue of San Bartolomeo, the finely decorated marble sarcophagus, the wooden crucifix from 1700 and the ancient mosaics. The area below the church can be visited, the hypogeum preserves the 7 thousand years of history of the city inside it is possible to see objects and the remains of the previous church but also the tombs. A green oasis in the center of the city is the municipal villa. In the center of Piazza Sofia there is an obelisk car. In the same square is the Church of Santa Sofia built in the eighth century and has a half-circular and half-stellar plan, it has two concentric corridors on which there are frescoes of the eighth century. Six columns support the vault in the center, annexed to the church is the convent; where it is possible to visit the beautiful cloister surrounded by 47 columns all different from each other. The Arch of Trajan is one of the best preserved Roman architecture in the city. It was built between 114 and 117 AD. C. finely decorated on one side with the military exploits of Trajan and on the other it is decorated with the moments of the city in the Trajan era. Hortus Conclusus is another green oasis of the city, built where once it housed the vegetable garden of the medieval convent of the Sunday fathers, since 1992 it has hosted the exhibition of the artist Mimmo Paladino. Futuristic sculptures and medieval remains come together in a particular and enigmatic path that leave the visitor free to interpret. The city center is full of ancient works that meet the modern, such as the ancient gateways to the town of Benevento. Located outside the town is the Roman bridge, a marble bridge dating back to the 1st century AD. C. and allowed access to the city. Typical products of the city are nougat and wine.