Arch of Trajan, Benevento

The Arch of Trajan is an ancient Roman triumphal arch in Benevento, southern Italy [1]. It was erected in honour of the Emperor Trajan across the Via Appia, at the point where it enters the city [1]. The arch was built between 114 and 117 [1]. In Lombard times, it was incorporated into the southern sector of the city walls and became known as Porta Aurea [1]. The arch was studied by Sebastiano Serlio in Renaissance times and drawn by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century [1]. It was restored several times due to aging and earthquakes: under Pope Urban VIII, then in 1661, 1713 and 1792 [1]. The arch has a single, barrel-vaulted archway, and is 15.60 m high and 8.60 m wide [1]. The arch is built in limestone covered by opus quadratum of Parian marble slabs [1].