Arch of Trajan
Stand in Piazza Papiniano and you are looking at the best-preserved Roman triumphal arch in existence — not through a fence, not behind glass, but close enough to read the faces carved into the marble. Built between 114 and 117 AD to mark where the new Via Traiana entered Benevento, it stands 15.6 metres tall in Parian marble over a limestone core, its coffered vault still holding a portrait of Trajan crowned by Victory.
The reliefs wrap the arch inside and out: a sacrificial procession for the road's inauguration, the emperor distributing alimenta to children of Roman Italy, a triumphal march after Dacia. Each panel is at eye level. You can follow the story panel by panel without straining your neck or squinting.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to time it for sunset, when raking light turns the relief carving almost three-dimensional — shadows pool in the folds of togas, and the procession on the entablature suddenly reads like a frieze in motion. Weekday mornings are quieter; school groups tend to arrive mid-morning. The church of Sant'Ilario next door houses a small videomuseum of the arch if you want context before you look up.
The story behind Arch of Trajan
Apollodorus of Damascus — the same architect credited with the Forum of Trajan in Rome — drew on the Arch of Titus as a model when designing this structure, which was raised to celebrate the inauguration of the Via Traiana, a faster route connecting Rome to Brindisi and the eastern provinces. After the Western Empire collapsed, the Lombards absorbed it into the city's southern wall and renamed it Porta Aurea, the Golden Gate.
An earthquake in 1713 brought down the architrave; it was restored in the 18th century, the same era in which Piranesi drew it and Sebastiano Serlio had earlier studied it during the Renaissance. In 1850, Pope Pius IX had the houses that had grown against it demolished, leaving it isolated as you see it today. During World War II it was wrapped in wooden scaffolding and sandbags. In 2024 it entered the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the serial 'Via Appia. Regina Viarum' inscription.
Good to know
Free, open at all hours, no ticket required. The Benevento bus station is a five-minute walk away; the train station is about twenty minutes on foot. Summer midday turns the square into a heat trap — spring afternoons and early autumn are the practical sweet spot.
Spring (mid-April to mid-June) and early autumn (September to early October) offer the most agreeable conditions — mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and the soft afternoon light that suits the marble best. August is hot and the square offers no shade; January is cold enough to make a long look at the reliefs brisk work.
Where is Arch of Trajan?
More tickets & tours for Arch of Trajan
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Arch of Trajan
Beautifully preserved with great details. A small display next to it has some other artifacts found in the area as well as a museum across the street No parking nearby unless you get lucky on a side street
A very historic arch that has stood for decades; nearly 2000 years. Benevento is a unique town fettered with history. Most attractions are within walking distance. This arch is not to be missed. You can find out more about the arch by visiting old church ruins/building just down the road (Monumental complex of Saint’llario a Port’Aurea. Get a €6 adult or €4 per younger person which gives you access to other worth visiting museums in Benevento.
The Arch is in the pedestrian zone ( no cars) you are free to walk the area. It’s is known as/for la Strega witch or witch city. There is plenty of spots in the area for street side refreshments and more formal options.
This is an amazing example of the incredible building powers of the Romans. It's in such great condition and a lovely open location and nicely looked after. A must visit if your in the area.
Amazing Trajan arc - and absolute must see. Incredibly well preserved.
More of Benevento
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Benevento →More attractions in Benevento
All of Benevento →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.