Ponte Leproso
Benevento
KnownHistory & archaeology

The story
On the ancient Via Appia the stone arches stride across the river Sabato: the same threshold that travellers bound for Rome once crossed to enter Benevento.
Access
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The story
The Ponte Leproso is a Roman bridge that spans the river Sabato at the gates of Benevento: from here the Appian Way, coming from Capua, entered the city. Its construction dates to shortly after the founding of the Roman colony of Benevento (268 BC), when the Appian Way was extended; some inscriptions suggest a restoration in the fourth century. It is part of the UNESCO site 'Via Appia. Regina Viarum'.
What to see
The bridge, with its Roman arches over the Sabato, is one of the ancient gates of Benevento and an authentic piece of the Regina Viarum. Its value is that of a living monument of Roman road-building, today recognised as World Heritage.
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
It is at the edge of the built-up area of Benevento, on the river Sabato: it is easily reached and combined with a visit to the Roman and Lombard city. To line up with the Arch of Trajan and the Roman theatre for an itinerary in ancient Beneventum.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ponte Leproso?
A Roman bridge over the river Sabato at the gates of Benevento, by which the Appian Way entered the city; it is part of the UNESCO heritage 'Via Appia. Regina Viarum'.
How old is the Ponte Leproso?
It dates to shortly after the founding of the Roman colony of Benevento (268 BC), with probable restorations in the fourth century.
Where is the Ponte Leproso?
At the edge of the built-up area of Benevento, where it crosses the river Sabato.
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