Very close to the Arch of Trajan (to which it owes its name – because during the Lombard domination, this was incorporated into the new city walls, becoming the “golden” gate of the city) -, the complex includes the former Church of Sant’Ilario in Port’Aurea, an early medieval building and the remains of a building complex of the imperial era (II century AD) that testifies to an archaeological pre-existence.
The Church of Sant’Ilario, built between the end of the seventh and the first half of the eighth century, consists of an apsidal hall with two slightly unequal spans. The outer covering is formed by two separate lanterns with a pavilion roof.
Later a convent was added. Some of its remains are still visible; worthy of note are the cisterns and wells for the collection of water.
In the late ancient age, the complex was abandoned and only a part of it was recovered and incorporated into new walls, probably for military or defensive use. It suffered damage during the earthquake of 1688, which made it unusable and the church, after being deconsecrated, was used as a farmhouse.
In 1974 the Province of Benevento bought the complex and after the restoration of the church which took place thanks to the cooperation of the Archaeological Superintendence, the Province of Benevento and the capital Municipality, on December 8, 2004 the “Museo dell’Arco”, the Arch of Trajan museum, was inaugurated inside the former church. Through a multimedia video it aims to report the military exploits and the program of the Emperor Trajan represented in the reliefs that adorn the victory arch named after him.
Inside the monumental complex you can enjoy, free of charge, a guided tour of the archaeological park, the former early medieval church, the “Museo dell’Arco“, as well as informative material in English.
SINGLE – valid for two days, it allows access to the Museo del Sannio, the Cloister of the Church of Santa Sofia, Palazzo Casiello, the Egyptian section and the Museo dell’Arco di Traiano.
