Benevento and the surroundingsBenevento is far from Guardanapoli just 40 km, all covered along the SS Appia, an ancient street linking, already in Roman time, the capital of the Roman Empire with the city of Brindisi, and scene of the epic battle of Forche Caudine (Forks Caudine), between Romans and Sanniti.
Set on a plane area, Benevento was found in the VII century B.C. and its following development passes through the Roman domination around 250 B.C. and then the Longobard domination in the IV century AD when Benevento became their duchy and gained a remarkable importance as political and economic centre.
The city has a great number of monuments and the most famous are the Arch of Trajan, an imposing building of the year 114 and still witness of the Roman Conquest and its power, and the Teathre of Hadrian. The archaeological site has other ruins: the Forum, the Baths, the Temple of Isis built by Domiziano, a few sections of walls and the Bridge Leporoso. Despite their presence for about two centuries, are less glaring traces of the Longobards, of which remain Castle Manfredi, and some religious buildings as the church of Santa Sofia and the Cathedral, with traces of roman marbles and high relieves, including the Cinghiale (Wild Boar) which became the emblem of the city.
Not far from Benevento is the town of Pietrelcina, small rural village, well known as the birthplace of Francesco Forgione, better known as Padre Pio. The whole town seems to recall the presence of the Holy Saint, through places that are witness of the different phases of his life, from the native house to the Convent of the Capuchins, with the adjacent museum dedicated to him and the big elm tree where the young Father received the stigmata. Now destination for many pilgrims, Pietrelcina and its alleys still have that aura of peace that makes the village an ideal place for meditation and spiritual life.
Not far away is also the old town of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, with its enchanting medieval centre. The town raises on a ridge of tuff and has a semicircular city planning scheme. Through the streets medieval traces alternate with Baroque and Renaissance buildings and several roman vestiges. The artistic and monumental patrimony is very considerable. Furthermore there are also ancient underground cellars, dug into the tuff rock where the extraction of grape and wine precessing still occur.
Finally, for lovers of the wealth, the town of Telese Terme offers all this and much more. Telese Terme has become an important and renowned thermal centre and a good place to spend the spare time relaxing in an exclusive environment. Of recent date, the town of Telese has not monumental and artistic importance but it is important to remember the ruins of the Old Thermae and the volcanogenic lake that, especially on week-ends in summer, is a destination for hikers and swimmers.
