The castle foundations contain remains of a Roman-era thermal bath complex.
The Torrione is the oldest section, dating back to the Lombard dukes of Benevento.
The complex was used as a prison until the late 20th century.
The name 'Rocca dei Rettori' derives from the 'Rettori' or governors sent by the Pope to rule Benevento when it was a papal enclave.
Local legend links the castle to the mythical 'Witches of Benevento,' a theme explored in some exhibits.
It hosted Pope Benedict XIII and Pope Benedict XIV during their visits to the city.
The Rocca dei Rettori, also known as the Castello di Manfredi, serves as the primary symbol of Benevento and currently houses the Sannio Museum. The structure consists of two distinct parts: the 'Torrione,' a Lombard-era keep, and the 'Palazzo dei Governatori,' a Renaissance-style palace constructed during the papal administration. It sits on the highest point of the city, occupying the site of an ancient Samnite fortress and later a Roman structure. Throughout history, it functioned as a residence for regional governors, a prison, and an administrative headquarters. The complex includes internal courtyards and dungeons that reflect the defensive architectural evolution of Southern Italy. Archaeological finds from the Samnite, Roman, and medieval periods are displayed within the museum collections. The exterior walls preserve stratigraphic layers of construction from the 8th to the 16th century.
The view of the main gate from Piazza Castello with the stone Torrione in the background.
Visit the Sannio Museum collections within the castle to understand the local Samnite history.
Check the internal courtyard for temporary art installations or seasonal event setups.
Explore the perimeter of the castle gardens for views of the surrounding Sannio valley.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as administrative offices, as the castle still serves as a seat for the provincial government.
Closed on Mondays.
