Arch of Trajan, Benevento
Benevento, Italy
A marble triumphal arch from AD 114, one of the best-preserved in Italy, carved with scenes from the emperor’s reign. It marks where the Via Traiana left the Appian Way; the old town nearby also has a Roman theatre.
The Arch of Trajan in Benevento was built between AD 114 and 117 where the Via Appia enters the city. It is 15.60 m high and 8.60 m wide, with a single barrel-vaulted passage, and consists of a limestone core faced with Parian marble. The frieze shows Trajan's triumphal procession after his victory over Dacia, while the panels on the piers depict the emperor's deeds. Inside are the sacrifice marking the opening of the Via Traiana and the alimenta, a child-welfare scheme. Walk round the arch slowly: the reliefs read like a stone picture strip.
In Lombard times it was built into the city walls and called the Porta Aurea, the “Golden Gate”. Restorations are recorded for 1661, 1713 (after damage to the architrave) and 1792; in 1850 neighboring houses were demolished to isolate it for the visit of Pope Pius IX. The arch stands at the edge of the old town, near the Roman theater and the church of Santa Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. Allow half a day for all three.
- Nearest town
- Benevento, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.1323, 14.7810
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Area sosta Sannio camper clubMotorhome stopover1 km from Arch of Trajan, BeneventoMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Casa VacanzeCampsite15 km from Arch of Trajan, BeneventoTentsCaravans
- Agricampeggio T3rraCampsite17 km from Arch of Trajan, Benevento
- Motorhome stopover · Sant’Agata de’ GotiMotorhome stopover23 km from Arch of Trajan, BeneventoMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterFree
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arch of Trajan, Benevento?
Arch of Trajan, Benevento is in Benevento, Italy, at GPS 41.1323, 14.7810. It is about 21 km from Taurasi.
Can you camp near Arch of Trajan, Benevento?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area sosta Sannio camper club, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Arch of Trajan, Benevento?
Arch of Trajan, Benevento is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Naples’ volcanoes, Herculaneum and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
What is there to see near Arch of Trajan, Benevento?
Places worth a stop nearby: Casertavecchia (35 km), Royal Palace of Caserta (39 km), Mount Vesuvius crater path (46 km) and Scavi di Pompei (49 km).
When is the best time to visit Arch of Trajan, Benevento?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)