Via Traiana (Benevento section)
The road itself is the monument. In 109 AD, Emperor Trajan built the Via Traiana as a faster alternative to the Via Appia between Beneventum and Brindisi, and Benevento was its ceremonial starting point — marked by a triumphal arch that still stands at the entrance to the old city, white Parian marble catching the afternoon light just as it did two thousand years ago.
Today the Benevento section survives in fragments: a wide pedestrian street lined with cafe tables, Roman bridge remnants scattered across the surrounding countryside, and the arch itself rising fifteen metres over Piazza Papiniano. The ruts of heavy wagons are still legible in the original basoli where they survive.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return tend to arrive early at the arch before the light flattens. The panels inside the vault — one showing the sacrifice that inaugurated the road, another depicting Trajan's alimenta grain distribution — repay a slow look. Bring binoculars if you have them; the relief carving runs all the way to the top.
The story behind Via Traiana (Benevento section)
Trajan commissioned the road in 109 AD at his own expense, cutting a more direct path from Beneventum to Brundisium (modern Brindisi) through Canusium and Barium rather than the longer southern loop via Tarentum. It was built during a rare lull in military campaigns, and Benevento was marked as the road's origin with a triumphal arch constructed between 114 and 118 CE.
The arch's design is attributed to Apollodorus of Damascus, who drew on the Arch of Titus in Rome as a reference. A fourteen-year restoration completed in 2001 carefully cleaned the Parian marble facing. In 2024, the Via Traiana was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Via Appia Regina Viarum.
Good to know
Bus lines 007 and BUS stop near Via Traiano; Villa Traiano is a four-minute walk. Benevento is an hour from Naples by regional train. Admission to the arch area appears to be free, though some sources cite around €6 — confirm on arrival. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking the route.
Spring — mid-April through mid-June — and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the route outdoors, with mild days and manageable crowds. July and August can push past 36°C; if you visit in summer, the arch and the cafe tables on the pedestrian street are best explored in the early morning or evening.
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What travellers say about Via Traiana (Benevento section)
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.
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