When I first saw the list of inscribed properties, I was surprised to see the south, since I was associating the longobards with the north of Italy (Lombardy). Only afterwards did I become aware that while Langobardia Maior was in the north, Langobardia Minor was centered in the centre and south (duchies of Spoleto and Benevento).

The property selected for Benevento is Santa Sofia Complex, built under Arechi II in the 8th century, which still holds paintings from 8-9 centuries. The monument did not disappoint, but then again, I am always impressed when I find art between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Carolingian Renaissance. The UNESCO plate is outside the church, on the right, as you enter the garden.

It is not the only monument from that period, it is worth taking a look at Sant’Ilario Church near the Arch of Trajan and the tower of Rocca dei Rettori. Moreover, this is the land of Samnites (see Livy, the Battle of Caudine Forks), as well the Italian version of Salem (it was only after my Airbnb host kept mentioning the ‘streghe’ and Isis that my brain started working).

It might be that I enjoyed this trip more because of the lack of tourists (I had the church all to myself), but Benevento was definitely worth a stop.