Rocca dei Rettori, Benevento, Italy

Now housing the Museum of the Samnium, Rocca dei Rettori fortress has origins dating back to prehistoric times, with a Samnite necropolis (7th-6th century BC) and Roman baths later built on-site. The Lombards fortified the area, adding the Big Tower (Torrione), and an 8th-century Benedictine monastery was later merged into a castle under Duke Arechis II. By 1321, Pope John XXII restored it as a papal residence, and in 1586, it became a prison until 1865.

Perched on Benevento’s highest point, the Rocca consists of two main structures. The Big Tower (Torrione) is a 28-meter Lombard-built tower, modified over centuries, featuring Roman wall fragments, ogival double windows, and turrets. The Palazzo dei Governatori Pontifici is a three-floor palace with barbicans, framed windows, a colonnade, and 18th-century wooden ceilings. The lowest floor housed prison cells, while the upper halls boast elaborate decorations.

The rear garden contains Roman ruins, including slabs from the Via Traiana. A 1640 Lion Monument honoring Pope Urban VIII stands at the entrance, featuring a medieval lion atop an octagonal Roman pedestal.

User Reviews

Vincenzo Pizzolorusso (46 days ago)
The 'Rocca dei Rettori' is the name of the local Castle, which today houses the offices of the Province. Only visited externally, I plan to pay a visit inside on my next visit to Benevento. In this, which is one of the highest points of the city, various buildings have emerged, starting from the Samnites, moving on to the Romans and then to the Lombards. It's easy to understand how today there is a set of different styles that are linked to each other, and show a cross-section of the history of Benevento ❤️

Legends l (49 days ago)
The museum was closed during my visit however the building and its surroundings are impressive. Older stone of historical significance. Lots of activities take place in the proximate area.

Domenico Nappo (3 years ago)
STAMM fort

Daniele Fusco (4 years ago)
On air

Cici Cici (4 years ago)
Nice museum very small

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Rocca dei Rettori

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