This Lesser-Known City In Southern Italy Is Full Of Unique Sights And Historic Charm

When booking a trip to Italy, travelers tend only to visit about 1% of what this beautiful country has to offer. While Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan may take the top spots for most visited cities in Italy, there's a growing travel trend that offers a breath of fresh air when visiting popular destinations. Those looking to experience traditional eateries and ancient Roman ruins will love wandering through this lesser-known city in southern Italy that's full of unique sights and historic charm to tick off all your travel must-haves.

The city of Benevento is southern Italy's perfect "detour destination," where visitors can enjoy all the traditional customs and beauty that busier Italian cities offer while also avoiding the crowds. Enjoy traditional eateries and trattorias, have genuine interactions with locals, take in gorgeous scenery, and explore the historic core that gives Benevento its southern Italian charm.

While Italy isn't known for being a particularly wallet-friendly destination, Benevento offers visitors the chance to enjoy Italian hidden gems on a shoestring budget with more affordable accommodation options than more popular cities. For those who are keen to immerse themselves in Italian culture while visiting underrated destinations, a trip to Benevento should be on your bucket list.

Located close to Caserta and Naples in the municipality of Campania, Benevento is easily reached from both cities. With a rental car, the 57-mile drive from Naples, or 32-mile drive from Caserta, offers gorgeous views along the way. Travelers looking to kick back and relax can take the train from Caserta, a journey of about 50 minutes, while the train ride from Naples reaches Benevento in about two hours.

History buffs will enjoy the vast amount of Roman architecture dotted throughout the city. The most notable structure is the intricate Arch of Trajan, erected in the 2nd century and still standing tall. The Roman Theater, dating back to the 2nd century, is a testament to Emperor Hadrian's rule and is considered one of the largest and best preserved Roman theaters that still stands to this day. The Sannio Museum will also have you marveling at archaeological finds, Roman stones, and other historical artifacts from the Samnite and Roman eras, where Benevento's rich history stems from. 

Roaming around Benevento provides ample opportunities to enjoy quiet and beautiful squares teeming with impressive architecture. One of Italy's oldest examples of Lombard architecture is the San Sofia Church in Benevento, which dates back to the 8th century and has beautiful mosaics. For incredible views of the city, be sure to visit Rocca dei Rettori, an old medieval fortress built in the 13th century that was home to many previous rulers, and is now the seat of the local government.

One of life's simple pleasures when traveling is indulging in local cuisine and tasting flavors from the regions you're visiting. Benevento has numerous culinary delights, making sure that you get the most out of your food tourism experience. A few of Benevento's many must-try dishes are Cazzarielli in Cassuola, a small dumpling pasta, and Pizzo Panaro, a glazed top sponge cake typically given to children on Palm Sunday and covered in colorful sprinkles.

For a taste of local fare and traditional menu items, a dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Enoteca Gino e Pina is sure to tickle your taste buds. The menu showcases local items, which are found in Benevento's markets and transformed into culinary delights, including daily deliveries of seafood that come directly from the Adriatic Sea.

After strolling around the many piazzas in Benevento's historic center or enjoying a coffee in one of the many surrounding cafes, stop in for a taste of Benevento's unique walnut Strega liqueur, which has been produced in the city since 1860. Directly translated to "witch," this liquor is made from 70 different herbs and spices, such as juniper, mint, and saffron, and has a unique, witchy history. It's said that witches gathered around a magical walnut to create this strong love potion, rumored to unite couples forever.