Teatro Romano di Benevento
Benevento (BN)
KnownHistory & archaeology
The story
Built under Hadrian and able to hold thousands of spectators, the Roman theatre of Benevento still opens its stone tiers to performances, among the houses of the old town.
The story
The Roman theatre of Benevento is one of the great monuments of ancient Beneventum. Presumably built under Trajan, it was inaugurated between 125 and 128 AD by the emperor Hadrian, who left there a dedicatory inscription. Today it is enveloped by the medieval Rione Triggio, grown up all around it.
What to see
With its great semicircular cavea — almost a hundred metres in diameter — the theatre is among the most imposing of Roman Italy. Originally twenty-three metres high over three orders of arcades, it keeps the lower order, and in summer once again hosts performances. It is the most monumental sign of imperial Benevento.
Tips
It is in the Rione Triggio, in the ancient heart of Benevento: it is combined with a visit to the Roman and Lombard city. Check hours and tickets on the official channels; in summer check the programme of performances. To be combined with the Arch of Trajan, Santa Sofia and the Ponte Leproso.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Roman theatre of Benevento built?
Presumably under Trajan, it was inaugurated between 125 and 128 AD by the emperor Hadrian.
How large is the Roman theatre of Benevento?
It has a semicircular cavea of about 98 metres in diameter, among the widest of Roman Italy.
Where is the Roman theatre of Benevento?
In the Rione Triggio, in the south-western sector of the old centre of Benevento.
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