The Church of Saint Sofia in Benevento, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, is part of the serial site “Lombards in Italy: Places of Power (568-774 A.D)”, which includes seven locations across the country, stretching from Friuli to Apulia via Lombardy and Umbria.
Commissioned by Lombard Duke Arechi II, the Church of Saint Sofia was constructed in the 8th century A.D.
Following his rise to power in 758 A.D, Arechi II initiated an extensive program of patronage, erecting monumental and prestigious structures to reflect his political aspirations and cultural vision.
From its inception, the church was conceived not only as a ducal sanctuary but also as a symbolic center for the entire social and territorial system under Lombard domain.
Recently restored and exceptionally well-preserved, Saint Sofia remains one of the most significant and refined examples of early medieval architecture.
Why visiting Benevento?
Benevento is an ideal destination for a day trip, offering a rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage.
From the splendid Arch of Trajan, erected in honor of the Roman emperor, to the impressive Roman Theatre dating back to the last 1st century A.D, the city boasts a wealth of remarkable sites. Highlights include the Cathedral, the remains and fortifications of the Lombards, traces of the ancient Samnites and much more. The city’s historical layers are further enriched by contemporary art installations, most notably Mimmo Paladino’s “Hortus Conclusus”, a unique fusion of ancient and modern architecture.
