Rome is a city known for its ruins. In the minds of many, Italy’s most famous ruin—the Colosseum—is Rome, just as Venice is its one-of-a-kind canals. Ruins in Rome are such a presence in this “Eternal City” that they’re everywhere you look: from the ruins of ancient aqueducts on the far edges of the city to the colossal pillars of the Pantheon in the heart of town.
With so many ruins to explore, we’re here to help you narrow it down to the very best. First-time traveler? The Colosseum really is a must-see. Looking for something more off the beaten path? The ancient port city of Ostia Antica is Rome’s best-kept secret that almost rivals Pompeii. And before you check Rome off your bucket list, learn Italian to get even more out of your trip with Rosetta Stone.
1. See the site where gladiators once fought at the Colosseum
As the largest Roman amphitheater that’s still left standing, one of the seven wonders of the world, and one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, the Colosseum is an absolute must-see. When you step into this ancient stadium and gaze onto the field, you’re looking at thousands of years of history. The first gladiator fight took place there in 80 AD, and in the years that followed, the Colosseum bore witness to gladiator fights, battles with bears and elephants, and even naval combat.
Book a guided tour to skip the line and learn more about the building’s incredible history. Base prices for Colosseum tickets hover around €30, and they book fast—especially during summer. Book in advance and visit in the morning before the crowds take over. And if you simply can’t get enough of this world wonder, we highly recommend booking a reservation for a rooftop restaurant in Monti several weeks before your trip to see this arena from up high.
>> Real-life gladiator fights and a cat sanctuary top our list of things to do in Rome with kids!
2. Take in a one-of-a-kind dome at the Pantheon
From the Colosseum, a 25 minute walk through the heart of Rome will lead you to one of Rome’s best-preserved buildings. Built around A.D. 126 – 128, the Pantheon is recognized as a truly impressive feat of Roman architecture. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a wall of granite Corinthian columns, each of which is 40 feet tall and weighs around 60 tons! There’s more to marvel at inside; as you look up to the ceiling, you’ll see the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome that has influenced countless buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Don’t miss the 20-foot obelisk, Obelisco Macuteo, sitting just outside this former Roman temple’s entrance. Though not as architecturally intricate as the Pantheon, it has an interesting history extending back to ancient Egyptian times. It was excavated at the beginning of Italy’s Renaissance in the late 1300’s.
Catholic masses are held in the Pantheon on Saturdays and Sundays, and if you’re respectful and open to the minimal entrance fee, you’re welcome to observe. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month!
3. Visit the legendary birthplace of Rome’s founders at Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is an open-air museum with a special place in Rome’s origin myth! This ancient area of Rome—considered to be one of the oldest parts of the city—is believed, in Roman mythology, to be the site where Remus and Romulus were found.
If Roman mythology isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty to explore and appreciate on this hilltop. Inhabited since the 10th century B.C., you’ll find the remnants of the Temple of Apollo Palatinus, the House of the Griffins, and the many once luxurious palaces of former emperors. At the site and the nearby museum, you can see some of the oldest Roman artifacts from the many archeological digs that have taken place there.
Admission costs €12. We recommend visiting in the morning or evening to avoid the heat during summer months. Note that the area does close earlier during winter at around 4:30pm, so plan accordingly!
>> Overwhelmed by the variety of museums in Rome? This guide can help you narrow down your list.
4. Watch the sunrise at the once bustling Roman Forum
Welcome to the center of public life during the Roman Empire. Surrounded by the ruins of ancient government buildings, this sprawling site now known as the Roman Forum was originally a market place. While some buildings and structures have vanished altogether—including a series of temples and altars dedicated to Roman gods—you’ll find a number of temples that still stand, as well as basilicas, arches, and official residences. Don’t miss the remains of two pools, Lacus Curtius and Lacus Juturnae, amidst the taller ruins!
Put on your walking shoes to trod down Via Sacra, the main street of Ancient Rome that cuts through the Forum, and be prepared to set aside at least two hours to explore every corner. Standard tickets cost around €16 and guided tour tickets cost around €22. Pro tip: The Roman Forum is beautiful at any time of day, but especially at sunrise.
5. Experience the grandeur of Rome’s largest stadium at Circus Maximus
As Rome’s first and largest stadium, Circus Maximus was once a bustling hub of entertainment. Best known for chariot racing, horses raced around the 2,000 foot-long sand track, reaching speeds of almost 40 miles per hour. Step into this colossal stadium, and you can feel the excitement of days past; chariots were to ancient Rome what Formula 1 is to modern-day Italy.
Though less popular than the Colosseum, there’s plenty to explore, and many elements are unique to this particular stadium. Take the ruins of the carceres (gates) just behind the starting line, which opened simultaneously before each race. Or the spina, which was once adorned with statues and is almost 1000 feet long. A newly excavated portion, revealed in 2016, includes what remains of latrines and an arch honoring Emperor Titus.
Today, you can run laps of your own around the track, which is used mostly as a public park, or catch a concert.
>> Looking for the absolute best things to do in Rome? Check out our guide to eating, shopping, and admiring all that Rome has to offer.
6. Admire the ego of a bygone emperor Mausoleum of Augustus
No emperor is more synonymous with ancient Rome than Julius Caesar, but surprisingly, it isn’t Caesar who lays claim to a mausoleum bearing his name. Instead, the rotund mausoleum that sits steps away from the River Tiber houses the remains of Emperor Augustus, Caesar’s adopted son and heir. As it turns out, there’s no better way to legitimize one’s rule than to build yourself a giant tomb.
This tomb has lived many lives since it was built in 27 BC, acting as a fortress, bullfighting arena, site for circuses and theatrical performances, and even a venue for concerts. Today, its doors are shuttered. After many years of excavations and renovations, the monument opened up briefly in 2023, only to close back up again at the discovery of more artifacts. Though there’s no definitive reopening date, it’s worth strolling around to take in the sheer size of this colossal resting place.
7. Appreciate the lavish interior of the Domus Aurea
In ancient Rome, some emperors knew how to rule. Others, like Nero, knew how to party. The Domus Aurea is the crowning jewel of Nero’s extravagant lifestyle. A five minute walk from the Colosseum, the ruins of this estate include an octagonal room, complete with an impressive domed ceiling, and what was once an extensive courtyard and gardens.
The austerity of these ruins makes them no less impressive than they were back in the day, gilded with ivory, marble, and jewel accents. Frescos can be found on several of the mansion’s walls, many of which are under restoration.
Domus Aurea tours start at around €21. The mansion is quite cool year-round at 50°F (10°C), so outerwear is recommended, though large bags and luggage are not allowed.
8. Catch an unforgettable concert at the Baths of Caracalla
Public baths were a central part of Roman life. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and the architectural inspiration for New York’s Penn Station and Chicago’s Union Station, The Baths of Caracalla in particular are an iconic piece of history and architecture. The baths were built in 216 AD and used until the 6th century. The aqueducts remained connected until the 19th century. After the Baths of Caracalla closed, those living in the area found other practical uses for the ruins. If you look closely, you’ll see the remnants of quarries, excavation sites, vineyards, and even a playground!
9. Observe the colossal animal heads at the Baths of Diocletian
If you can’t get enough of the ancient baths of Rome, the Baths of Diocletian are a natural next stop. These sprawling ruins once housed a gym, library, and baths that served thousands of Romans at a time. Much of the baths have been built over or lost to decay, but the Great Halls are well-preserved and boast stunningly high ceilings.
On the site of the baths, you’ll also find the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri and adjacent monastery. The aforementioned animal heads are housed in Michelangelo’s Cloister, a large garden featuring an ornate fountain and notable sculptures.
10. Check out the remaining archways of the Villa of the Quintili
Owned and built by a pair of Roman officials during the 2nd century AD, the Villa of Quintili is one of many ruins located along the Appian Way—and this one is worth stopping for. Though long past its heyday, a number of the walls remain intact. The towering archways and paths that connect them make it easy to picture it in its full grandeur.
Used as a fortress in medieval times, this villa was so big that early excavators believed it was a whole town! It’s located on the outskirts of the city, but it’s worth the trek if you want to see an example of an ancient Roman home that didn’t belong to royalty. Price of admission is less than €10.
11. Visit the town that rivals Pompeii at Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica is one of Rome’s best hidden gems. Just 30 minutes from the city center by train, it once functioned as its own port city. Walking the cobblestone streets past the well-preserved homes and businesses, you’ll get a feel for how ancient Romans lived uninterrupted by the hustle and bustle of the more touristy destinations in the city. Be sure to check out the amphitheater (the oldest still in use worldwide!), the piazza of corporations, and the museum to learn more about the old city’s unique history as a naval base and trade hub.
12. Villa Adriana
Villa Adriana is an estate built in the 2nd century AD by emperor Hadrian. His vision for the villa was to create an “ideal city” with elements of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architecture. With ruins of over 30 buildings, the site is often described as the most imposing and complex Roman villa. It’s located in Tivoli, just outside Rome. Villa Adriana also has the distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standard admission tickets cost less than €10.
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Written by Luca Harsh
Luca Harsh is an e-learning copywriter and language enthusiast based in Chicago. They speak French and are currently learning Italian. Their favorite region to visit is the south of France.
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