Chiesa di Santa Sofia
Benevento (BN)
FamousSacred art
The story
A Lombard church with a star-shaped plan, a World Heritage site, where columns and arches trace an unusual geometry left almost intact for over a thousand years.
Access
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The story
The church of Santa Sofia is one of the very few in the world with a star-shaped plan, and one of the most important testimonies of Lombard architecture. It was founded by Duke Arechis II around 760, at the height of his project to make Benevento a prestigious capital. Since 2011 it has been part of the UNESCO site 'Longobards in Italy: Places of Power'.
What to see
The interior, with its unusual central star-shaped plan, keeps the Lombard layout and fragments of frescoes from the eighth century. Beside it, the cloister houses the Museo del Sannio. It is a rare glimpse into the art and power of the Lombards of the South.
How to get there
- Car needed
Public transport. Il trasporto pubblico in quest'area interna è limitato: i collegamenti in autobus sono radi e non sempre giornalieri. In pratica il luogo è difficilmente raggiungibile senza un mezzo proprio; per eventuali autolinee e per la stazione ferroviaria utile più vicina, verifica su Unico Campania e sui canali ufficiali degli operatori regionali (AIR Campania). · fonte: Fallback onesto — area interna, routing transit non disponibile
Tips
The church is in the centre of Benevento, a stone's throw from the Arch of Trajan. The visit is short but dense: look for the surviving Lombard frescoes. For the cloister and the Museo del Sannio check hours and admission on the official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the church of Santa Sofia special?
For its rare star-shaped plan and for being one of the greatest testimonies of Lombard architecture; since 2011 it has been a UNESCO site.
Who founded the church of Santa Sofia?
The Lombard duke Arechis II, around 760, as part of his project of prestige for Benevento.
What is next to the church of Santa Sofia?
The cloister, which houses the Museo del Sannio.
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