Arch of Trajan

Italy

The Arch of Trajan is an ancient Roman triumphal arch in Benevento, southern Italy. It was erected in honour of the Emperor Trajan across the Via Appia, at the point where it enters the city.

The arch was built between 114 and 117.

In Lombard times, it was incorporated into the southern sector of the city walls and became known as Porta Aurea (“Golden Gate”). The church of Sant’Ilario, now housing the Videomuseum of the Arch, was built nearby. The arch was studied by Sebastiano Serlio in Renaissance times and drawn by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century.

It was restored several times due to aging and earthquakes: under Pope Urban VIII, then in 1661, 1713 (after the marble architrave crumbled) and 1792. In 1850, on the occasion of Pope Pius IX’s visit to Benevento, it was isolated through demolition of the adjoining buildings.

Contact

Arch of Trajan, Municipality of Benevento
email
protocollogenerale@pec.comunebn.it
address
Via Annunziata, 138 (Palazzo Mosti) - 82100 Benevento
phone
0824772111