Janua – Museum of Witches: a Journey into the Magic of Benevento

Located in the evocative setting of Benevento’s historic center, the Janua – Museum of Witches is a unique place that explores the history and myth of the Beneventan witches, legendary figures that have inhabited the popular imagination for centuries. The museum offers an interactive and immersive experience that goes far beyond a traditional exhibition, plunging visitors into the mysterious atmosphere of an ancient and fascinating belief.

The name “Janua” (Latin for “door”) symbolizes its role as an entrance into a hidden world, a passageway to the past — to its rituals, beliefs, and persecutions. The exhibition is designed with projections, soundscapes, and evocative objects that recreate a magical and at times unsettling atmosphere.

History and Legends

The image of the witch is deeply intertwined with the city of Benevento. According to legend, the Walnut Tree of Benevento, a centuries-old tree that once stood near the River Sabato, was the witches’ meeting place, where they gathered to celebrate their sabbaths and infernal rites. These stories, passed down through generations, have their roots in ancient pagan cults and in historical periods marked by superstition and the Inquisition.

The museum explores these themes through several sections:

• The Roots of the Myth: a historical and anthropological overview of the origins of witchcraft legends.
• Tools and Symbols: displays of objects and instruments believed to have been used by witches — herbs, potions, talismans, and amulets.
• The Persecutions: a section devoted to the tragic history of witch trials and persecutions that swept across Europe, including Italy.
• The Sabbath: a captivating reconstruction of a witches’ sabbath, immersing visitors in the climactic heart of the legend.

Visitor Information

The Janua Museum is a must-see attraction for those interested in history, folklore, and the mystical charm of Benevento.

• Address: Via San Pasquale, 26 – 82100 Benevento (BN)
• Contacts:
  • Tel: +39 0824 54228
  • Website: www.januamuseodellestreghe.it
• Opening Hours:
  • October to March: Friday to Sunday and holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • April to September: Thursday to Sunday and holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tickets:
  • Full: €8.00
  • Reduced: €6.00 (for school groups, groups of 15+, over 65s, and residents of Benevento)
  • Free: children under 6 years old

Cover photo credits: Viviana Cotugno, Google Maps