Cathedral of Benevento
The first Christian temple of the Samnite capital city
© DinoPh / Shutterstock.com
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria de Episcopio (Santa Maria de Episcopio Cathedral), also known as Cathedral of Benevento, has very ancient origins, in fact researchers trace it back to the Lombard period, and is a jump away from Corso Garibaldi in the city historic centre.
The Cathedral of Benevento was consecrated in 780 by Lombards, then enlarged first during the 12th century and then during the 8th century, and eventually destroyed by bombs in 1943, so it underwent several renovations over the centuries.
During the 20th century it was completely renovated, but several elements remained untouched, such as the original crypt, the majestic white marble Romanesque-style facade, the bell tower and a fresco dating back to the 14th century by a Neapolitan artist. The restores also managed to recover the Janua Major, a majestic bronze gate made up of 72 tiles recalling the life of Christ, that was created between 1100 and 1200 as requested by the archbishop Rogerio.
On the inside, the Duomo has three naves and a contemporary look, very bright with clean lines. The crypt houses the Museo diocesano ipogeo (Diocesan underground Museum), that keeps several finds from the old Cathedral. Thanks to the archaeological itinerary people can travel through the different stages of the construction of the site.
Not far from the Cathedral of Benevento there also are the Arco del Sacramento (Arch of Sacrament) and the Obelisco di Iside (Isis Obelisk).
Near the Cathedral, B&B 30 mt dal Duomo offers free WiFi and free use of bicycles. There is also a bar and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The units at the bed and breakfast come with a terrace, city view, a seating area, a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven and a private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries. They also feature a microwave, minibar, stovetop, coffee machine and kettle. free.
Some accommodations include a kitchen with a fridge, oven and microwave.