Church of Sant'Ilario a Port'Aurea, Former church in central Benevento, Italy.
The Church of Sant'Ilario a Port'Aurea is a former place of worship in central Benevento with a rectangular structure featuring a semicircular apse and two turrets topped with tiled roofs of varying heights. Inside, the building displays distinct domes above the turrets, creating an unusual architectural composition.
The structure was built between the late seventh and early eighth centuries during Lombard rule, standing on foundations dating back to the second century. Following a significant earthquake in 1688, the building was repurposed and later restored for modern use.
The building takes its name from the nearby Arch of Trajan, which medieval residents called Porta Aurea, linking it to Roman heritage. This connection shaped how locals understood the site and its place in the town's history.
Access is typically available Tuesday through Sunday, and the site functions as part of an archaeological complex with multimedia presentations. Plan enough time to examine both the building's architectural details and the informational displays.
After the 1688 earthquake, the building was transformed into a farmhouse before being restored as a video museum showcasing Trajan's military campaigns. This conversion reflects how historical structures adapted to changing needs over the centuries.
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