Ultimate guide to 31 ancient sites and Roman ruins in Italy

When it comes down to it, you can pretty much throw a rock and hit some ruins anywhere in Italy. After all, this was the heart of the Roman Empire. The reality is that most of the ancient sites are now a pile of rubble. However, there are several remarkably well-preserved pre- and Roman ruins in Italy worth visiting. From underground markets, important monuments and even whole towns, these ancient sites offer an insight into life in the past.

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Roman ruins in Rome and area

Rome is full of history, art and culture. After all, it’s like an outdoor museum where you can walk through layers of history and touch the past. Here, you’ll find the most famous Roman ruins in Italy. As the whole city stands on top of ancient sites, you’ll find different architectural elements incorporated into other styles throughout the city.

Note: There are ancient sites and Roman ruins in Italy almost everywhere. While it’s challenging to list them all, we’ve made our best effort to include ones that are either well preserved or substantial in size today. If there are any other ones you think we’ve missed and should be included, let us know!

As the once beating heart of the Roman Empire, Rome is always a great way to immerse yourself in the history and the legacy the Romans left behind. While you can see elements of art and architecture from other centuries, there are several vital Roman ruins to see here.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of my favourite of all Roman ruins. Initially, it was named the Flavian Amphitheatre and is a spectacular structure even today, considering it is over 2,000 years old. Begun by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, it held over 60,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheatre ever built.

The bloodthirsty public enjoyed gladiators fight each other and battle wild beasts. There were mock sea battles, hunts, and executions, resulting in many men and animals’ deaths over the years.

Vespasian commissioned the stadium on Nero’s opulent Domus Aurea site, determined to erase anything associated with the tyrant. His son, Titus, completed the project in 80 AD, with further modifications by Domitian between 81 and 96 AD. The three emperors were part of the Flavian dynasty, giving the Colosseum its original name. When it comes down to seeing Roman ruins in Italy, this is definitely the place for that.

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Arch of Constantine

Just outside the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine, commemorating his victory over co-emperor Maxentius in 312 AD. Although it is a bit of a Frankenstein, having elements recycled from other monuments, it is the largest surviving triumphal arch from the Roman Empire’s glory.

Today, the arch is still an impressive sight at over 21 metres (69 feet) high and 25 metres (82 feet) wide. It’s the largest triumphant arch and one of the last monuments of Imperial Rome. As far as Roman ruins go, this one seems intact.

The Roman Forum

The Forum was once the heart of Rome and the Roman Empire. Today it is one of just another part of the Roman ruins in this area. Everything from food stalls and temples to the Senate House, brothels and public spaces was here. It’s hard to see its former glory today.

The pillaging of the marble and stone after the fall of the empire left it barren for centuries. From an Etruscan graveyard, then a Roman ceremonial centre turned pastureland, and an excavation site, the Forum is a testament to human ambition and determination.

The fact that there is anything left of the Forum is incredible. As you stroll by the site, you see the remnants of various temples, monuments, churches and other vital buildings where the empire once wielded its power. The Arch of Titus, the Curia, Temple of Vesta, Basilica Julia and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina are just some of the highlights that make the Roman Forum an impressive ancient site.

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Palatine Hill

Once considered one of Rome’s most desirable addresses, the Palatine Hill is where you’ll find some of the oldest ancient ruins. Here is also where Romulus supposedly founded the city of Rome. Interestingly, Palatine Hill is also where Emperor Augustus was born and where Emperor Caligula was assassinated.

Today, the once opulent Domus Flavia stands in ruins; however, both the Domus Augustana and the Domus Livia have some of the best-preserved frescoes from Roman times. Palatine Hill offers excellent views of the city and the Roman Forum below. As far as Roman ruins go, this one is significant for history lovers out there.

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You might also enjoy 12 Amazing attractions in Rome away from the crowds

Domus Aurea

Nero’s famous Golden House was the epitome of luxury and excess. The scholars estimate it sat on over 300 acres (121 hectares) and was built in a record four years. With 155 rooms, roughly the size of three football fields, 12 metres (39 feet) high ceilings and 30,000 square metres (323,000 square feet) of frescos and stuccoed ceilings, it was a sight to behold.

The two-story villa had gold leaf overlay with embellishments of rare gems and seashells, thus the name Golden House. Semi-precious stones and ivory veneers in the stuccoed ceilings inside completed the exquisite design. An artificial lake completed the vision.

Nero, an avid lover of all art forms, was also an eccentric tyrant with a devious streak. The great fire of Rome in 64 AD, supposedly started by Nero to make space for his new palace, destroyed two-thirds of the city. Nero didn’t waste any time starting construction, which didn’t make him very popular.

After his death, Emperor Vespasian went to great lengths to distance himself from Nero. The lake was drained, making space for the Colosseum while the rest of Nero’s villa was stripped, buried, and forgotten. Rediscovered during the 15the century, it inspired many of the artists of the time. Not much remains of the frescoes, but with a little bit of imagination and 3D technology, you can see it all in its glory.

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Trajan’s markets

After Trajan conquered Dacia, modern-day Romania, he celebrated by building his forum in 107 AD. The complex was filled with storefronts, bars and shops. In the middle was Trajan’s column flanked by two libraries. Both offered a closer view of the column, decorated with scenes from his conquest.

Walking along the Via Biberatica, the main street of the forum still intact. You can see the well-preserved remains of doorways of bars and restaurants. These Roman ruins show us that Roman life wasn’t that different from ours.

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Teatro Marcello

At first glance, the Teatro Marcello looks like a missing part of the Colosseum, but it predates it. It was started by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus. It was probably an inspiration for the Colosseum’s design.

During the Renaissance, it became a fortified palace for the powerful Orsini family. Today, the top floor consists of several apartments, while the Teatro serves as a backdrop for summer concerts. It is also one of my favourite Roman ruins in Rome today.

Pantheon

Standing at 43 metres (142 feet) wide and 43 metres (142 feet) high, the Pantheon is one of Ancient Rome’s best-preserved buildings. It hardly looks like the other Roman ruins in the city. Built around 125 AD on the site of two previous temples, it became a church around the 7th century AD. Today, it is the resting place of many noble Italians, including the artist Raphael.

Pantheon’s most impressive feature is the oculus, 8 metres (27 feet) in diameter opening in the centre of the dome and it’s the only source of natural light. The whole structure, built without metal rods, remains an engineering and architectural wonder. A perfect homage to Roman building prowess.

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Baths of Caracalla

Even today, the size of what was one of Rome’s second-largest public baths is enormous. This massive spa complex included three large water pools at different temperatures, two libraries, gymnasiums and gardens. This was a place for socializing, business and wellness. As houses didn’t have individual plumbing, most Romans went to the baths for sanitation, health, fitness and relaxation.

The Baths of Caracalla, named after the emperor behind the project, finished in 216 AD and could accommodate up to 1,600 people. A special aqueduct provided the much-needed freshwater for the pools.  Additional reconstructions kept the spa going until it closed in 537 AD. These Roman ruins are a great example of the scale some of these ancient sites once were.

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Villa dei Quintili

Located on Rome’s outskirts, the Quintili Villa belonged to brothers Quintili who served as consuls in 151 AD. The brothers, known for wealth, nobility and military prowess, met their death when Emperor Commodus accused them of treason and confiscated the villa after their execution.

The villa was an impressive feat of architecture and style. Some of its notable features included hot and cold water basins, 14 metres (46 feet) high windows, courtyards and gardens. Located between the ancient Appian Way and the current Via Appia Nuova, the villa houses a museum. Also worth visiting are the nearby Roman aqueducts that used to provide water to the residence.

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Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore

Carved from volcanic tufa rock in the first century AD, the basilica was once home to an obscure cult called Neopythagoreanis. Built over 2000 years ago by a rich Roman family of devotees. It was accidentally discovered in 1917 during the construction of a railway line that brought it to light. After extensive renovations, it’s now open to the public. 

Inside are lavishly decorated ceilings with stucco reliefs of gods, animals and mythical creatures.

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Piramide Cestia (The Pyramid of Caius Cestus)

While a pyramid might seem like an odd sight in Rome today, it was built when Romans were mad for all things Egyptian. They used several obelisks and pyramids to decorate monuments around the city. The construction of the marble-covered pyramid took 330 days. Sometime later, it was incorporated into the Aurelian Wall. After an extensive restoration, it’s now open to the public.

The Pyramid of Cestus dates somewhere between 18 and 12 BC as a tomb for Caius Cestius, a man of power, wealth and influence. It’s the only surviving example of Roman pyramids. Pope Alexander VI dismantled the larger pyramid of Romulus during the 16th century to build steps of St. Peter’s Basilica. It shows us that some Roman ruins today look more Egyptian than Roman.

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Archaeological area Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

Just outside the old Aurelian walls of Rome is the church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. It is an archeological area of an imperial residence dating back to the late second and early third century AD. There are remnants of an amphitheatre, large gardens and temples. Excavations and restorations unveiled a number of black and white mosaics and colourful frescoes.

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Tempio Rotondo, Temple of Portunus and Bocca della Verita

Piazza dell Verita is like a jackpot for a blast from the Roman past. What was once a meat market is home to the Temple of Hercules, commonly referred to as Tempio Rotondo (Round Temple) due to its shape and the Temple of Portunus. Both date back to the 2nd century BC and are made from Greek marble.

Here you’ll also find the Bocca della Veritas (Mouth of Truth), an ancient Roman drain cover that is shaped like a giant face with an open mouth.  According to the legend popular in Medieval times, the mouth would swallow a liar’s hand if places in the opening.

Information on location, hours of admission and prices.   For a complete list of ancient monuments in Rome visit Wikipedia.

Tivoli – Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa)

Tivoli was a retreat town for many wealthy Romans, and it’s where Emperor Hadrian built his country villa around 117 AD. The peaceful setting and the proximity to numerous aqueducts made this a popular destination for wealthy people of the day.

Hadrian’s villa is a testament to the magnificence and grandeur of the Roman Empire. As a traveller and a keen architect, Hadrian drew inspiration for his villa from places in other parts of the world. Today, you can see the magnificent gardens, spas, and Teatro Marittimo (Maritime Theatre) remnants, an island where the emperor came seeking isolation.

Also impressive is the Canopus, an elongated lake surrounded by sculptures and columns, which is a copy of the sanctuary of Serapis near Alexandria.

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Roman ruins of Ostia Antica

Once a thriving port and a commercial hub, Ostia Antica was one of Rome’s most thriving cities. Unlike Pompeii and Herculaneum, the other famous Roman ruins in Italy, Ostia wasn’t destroyed by a natural disaster. Threats of impending attacks by northern invaders and outbreaks forced the residents to abandon it during the 4th century AD.

The mud and silt deposits from the sea and the Tiber preserved the city quite well, giving us an insight into Roman life. Villas, shops, and theatres left behind provide a look into how the city functioned. Baths, temples and ossuaries tell us about the daily activities and beliefs of the ancients.

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Roman ruins in and around Naples

While Naples might not immediately jump to mind when you’re thinking of Roman ruins in Italy, many of them are in this area. Naples, built on top of ancient ruins, is a treasure trove of history, as is the surrounding area. Many of these ancient sites are hidden under the modern city, making it even more fun to discover them.

Naples

There are many underground cisterns, tunnels and reservoirs under the city that date back to Greek and Roman times. Here you’ll find the remnants of the amphitheatre where Emperor Nero performed for audiences, a perfectly intact Roman market discovered under a church, as well as the Parco Archeologico Pausilypon.

Built by a Roman Publio Vedio Pollio and gifted to Emperor Augustus, it’s an interesting place in Naples with fantastic views of the Bay of Naples. 

For a list of underground tours of Naples, check out Discovering Naples underground with Napoli Sotterranea.

Roman ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii is probably one of the most famous Roman ruins in Italy and one of the largest ancient sites. Once a bustling and prosperous town, it disappeared for centuries under the ash and debris of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. It lay forgotten until its rediscovery in the mid-1800s.

Pompeii provides us with a glimpse into the life of Romans who once lived there. The structures, objects left behind and even the food and drink remnants found on-site provide clues to the life of the ancients. It’s a massive site to explore and an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Pompeiians who once lived here.

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Interested in Roman ruins in Italy? Read more about Visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum!

Roman ruins of Herculaneum

Perhaps not as well-known as Pompeii, Herculaneum suffered the same fate during the eruption and was covered for centuries. The restoration and preservation efforts have ensured that it is well intact as it was excavated much later. What makes this site so interesting is the quality of the objects found here. Door frames, furniture and even rooftops have survived the disaster.

Unlike Pompeii, you can get a lot closer to the mosaics and frescoes and walk into what were once houses. Overlooking the site is modern-day Herculaneum, which makes you wonder how those living above it feel about their own mortality. Parts of the ancient city remain under the existing one, but what has been uncovered is definitely worth visiting.

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Scavi di Stabia (Stabiae)

Stabia was another Roman seaside city with large villas of the wealthy. Although nearby Pompeii overshadowed it in antiquity, it suffered the same fate in 79 AD. Rediscovered initially in the mid-1800s, it had to wait until the 1950s for excavation and restoration efforts.  Today, you’ll be able to explore two of the villas that have some of the finest examples of Roman villas.

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Parco Archeologico di Cuma (Cumae Archaeological Site)

What started as the first Greek colony on mainland Italy in the 8th century B.C. later became a rich Roman city. Here you’ll find remnants of temples dedicated to Apollo, Diana and Isis, as well as the Crypta Romana and the enormous Grotta di Cocceio, a tunnel large enough for chariots to pass through the mountain to reach the lake.

You can also tour the triangular Cave of the Sibyl (Antro della Sibilla). This is where the Cumaean Sibyl, priestess of Apollo, sang her prophecies or wrote them on leaves from oak trees for centuries.  She has also appeared in many literary works of Virgil, Ovid, Dante and TS Elliott.

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Pozzuoli and Rione Terra

Pozzuoli, another Roman city with Greek origins, is home to the Amphitheatrum Flavium (Flavio Amphitheater) and the Macellum of Pozzuoli, also known as the Temple of Serapis. The amphitheatre is the third-largest after the Colosseum and the Capuan Amphitheater. The temple, actually a marketplace in ancient times, includes three marble columns built between the 1st and 2nd century AD.

Another great underground city of Rione Terra is a step back in time. Preserved intact under the modern-day town, this once-important Roman colony of Puteoli dates back to 194 BC. Discovered by chance in 1980 due to volcanic activity, it offers a glimpse into the life of Romans. Take a stroll along the ancient road lined with shops fronts, warehouses and homes.

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Capua

Called Casilinum in antiquity, the ancient city of Capua dates back to 600 BC. Etruscan, in origin, became a self-governing community under Roman rule until it sided with Carthage against Rome and lost its political rights.

While famous for its bronzes and perfumes, Capua is also where Spartacus began a revolt in 73 BC.  Today you can see the remains of the second-largest Roman amphitheatre, where he fought as a gladiator, temples, baths and tombs.

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Parco Archeologico di Baia

Once a luxury resort town catering to the wealthy and prominent Romans, today, Baia lies underwater. The natural volcanic vents that made baths and spas here so popular and successful,l combined with the seismic activity, led to flooding.  You can explore the city by boat or dive for a closer look.

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Other ancient sites in Italy

There are numerous ancient sites and Roman ruins in Italy. Some are not as concentrated in a particular area and deserve a stand-alone mention. Probably many more have yet to be discovered, while others are under excavation today. The beauty of ruins is that with careful excavations and preservations, they give us a glimpse into the past. In Italy, you can really spend years visiting them all.

Roman ruins in Verona

Probably most famous for the Romeo and Juliet ill-fated romance, here you’ll also find a Roman amphitheatre dating back to 30 AD. In ancient times, the venue held over 30,000 spectators that came from all over. Originally made of pink and white limestone, it is the third-largest of its kind in Italy. Today, it’s used for performances for thousands of spectators.

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Foro Romano of Assisi (Perugia)

Linked closer to St. Francis of Assisi’s medieval figure, ancient Assisi was a Roman town with military purposes. Here you’ll find a partially excavated Roman forum and the well-preserved Roman temple of Minerva, dating back to the 1st century BC.

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Paestum

This once-prosperous city dates back to the 7th century BC. Settled first by the Greeks, it enjoyed over 1,000 years of prosperity, including the Lucanian and Roman rule. Abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire, the fields turned into overgrown swamps.

Three intact Greek temples were accidentally rediscovered in the 18th century during the construction of a nearby road. Additional temples, walls, tombs and an amphitheatre were discovered in the 20th century. While they are not exactly Roman ruins, they are still spectacular ancient sites.

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Valley of the temples (Sicily)

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples includes ruins of the ancient city Akragas, named after a river of the same name.  It was one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, founded around 582 BC. Today, the site covers over 1,300 hectares (over 3,000 acres) is the largest archeological site in the world. Here you’ll find remains of seven temples in Doric style. 

There are also remains of ancient gates and walls, tombs, catacombs and graveyards dating back to Roman and Byzantine times.

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Tarquinia

Tarquinia, Tarchuna in Etruscan, emerged as a trading power back in 8th century BC. Not much is known about the city throughout the Roman period, but you can definitely learn more about its Etruscan heritage by visiting the necropolis of Monterozzi.

The necropolis predates the Romans and is home to over 6,000 tombs, some of which have beautiful wall paintings of exceptional quality. They provide an insight into the secretive world of the Etruscans. Make sure to visit the nearby National Museum of Cerveteri and check out the numerous Etruscan artifacts on display.

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Taormina (Sicily)

Settled on the picturesque hill of Monte Tauro, Taormina views of the bays below and that of Mount Etna have been attracting people here for centuries. Settled by the Sicels, Greeks and Romans, then the Byzantines, Saracens, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, there is a lot of history.

Here you’ll find the remnants of an ancient Greek theatre with Roman modifications, where gladiators entertained audiences, and numerous fragments of ancient buildings.

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Barumini (Sardinia)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Barumini is home to the archaeological site “Su Nuraxi.”  It is the most complete and best-preserved example of the Nuraghi architecture, Sardinia’s oldest civilization dating back to the Bronze Age (11th-10th centuries BC.). 

Not much is known about the uses of these cylindrical structures made of basalt blocks. A complex of huts, cisterns, bastions and towers offers a look as far back as the 16th century BC. There is also a museum with 180 artifacts found on site.

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Final thoughts on Roman ruins in Italy

Italy is a history lover’s dream. The layers of the past make up the country, so many love to visit. Whether it’s the Roman ruins or other ancient sites, there is a lot to see and cover. While you will most likely come across the past anywhere in the country, this post is meant to guide those who want to have a handy overview.

Many Roman ruins in Italy haven’t been covered here, as that would be impossible to capture in one post. However, the Romans were a conquering bunch, and you can find other Roman ruins in other countries outside of Italy. They capture the extent of how far-reaching the Roman Empire was and how enduring Roman architecture is today.

Do you have any favourite Roman ruins or ancient sites that you think should be on this list? Let us know.