Arch of Trajan (Benevento) Arch
Roman triumphal arch preserved in Benevento
The Arch of Trajan in Benevento is a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch with carved reliefs from the 2nd century; visitors study its inscriptions and relief sculpture.
Arch of Trajan (Benevento) at a Glance#
Address: Piazza IV Novembre, Benevento, Campania, Italy
Hours: Open publicly (outdoor monument) 24 hours
Admission: Free
About Arch of Trajan (Benevento)#
The Arch of Trajan in Benevento is a Roman triumphal arch in Campania, Italy, erected in the early 2nd century AD to commemorate Emperor Trajan. It stands at a key historic route through Benevento and is one of the most complete Roman arches in Italy.
The monument is richly decorated with high-relief panels showing imperial and civic themes and includes a dedicatory inscription across the attic. Many of the original reliefs survive and are studied for their narrative and iconographic detail.
Built around 114-117 AD in connection with Trajan’s public works, the arch marked the importance of Benevento as a road hub on routes such as the Via Traiana. Over centuries the arch was maintained and incorporated into the medieval and modern urban fabric of the city.
Situated at the eastern entrance to Benevento, the arch is easily accessible from the historic centre and stands adjacent to the main thoroughfares that follow ancient road alignments.
- Date and preservation: Erected in the early 2nd century AD, the arch is notably well preserved with original relief sculpture visible on multiple sides.
What to See#
- Relief panels: A series of carved relief panels on the arch’s faces depict imperial ceremonies and civic scenes from Trajan’s reign and are a primary reason for the monument’s scholarly importance.
- Inscription: An attic inscription runs across the top of the arch and records its dedication to Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD.
How to Get to Arch of Trajan (Benevento)#
The Arch of Trajan is in central Benevento, a short walk from Benevento train station. Benevento is connected by regional trains from Naples and other Campanian towns.
Tips for Visiting Arch of Trajan (Benevento)#
- Time a visit for early morning light to see the bas‑reliefs in shadowed detail.
- Combine with a walking tour of Benevento-the arch is in the city center and easy to include with other Roman remains.
- Bring a close-up lens for photographs: the relief scenes are intricate and often underappreciated from a distance.
Best Time to Visit Arch of Trajan (Benevento)#
Mild months from spring through autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for city exploration.
Weather & Climate near Arch of Trajan (Benevento)#
Arch of Trajan (Benevento)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (829 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 6° | 88 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 15° | 9° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 26° | 21° | 32 mm | some cloud | 61% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 24° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.7h |
| August | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 24° | 41 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 15° - 25° | 20° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 1.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 8° - 15° | 11° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
