30 incredible Roman Empire ruins you need to visit

Remarkable Roman ruins

With one of the largest and most significant empires in history, the Romans ruled territories across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East for more than a thousand years. Their legacy lives on through the remarkable ancient treasures that they left behind, ranging from statues and intricate mosaics to sprawling amphitheatres and vast viaducts.

Click through this gallery to discover the most extraordinary Roman ruins from across Europe and beyond...

Pula Arena, Pula, Croatia

Pula Arena can be found on the very tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and is perhaps the greatest amphitheatre found outside of Rome. The structure was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC to AD 14) and was enlarged several times by the kings that followed him. Formed from colossal blocks of Istrian limestone, the arena has stood the test of time remarkably well. In fact, it's the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and all three of its levels intact.

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

There's no denying that the Italian capital is the world's greatest treasure chest of Roman artefacts, statues and buildings. The Roman Forum is one of the city's finest offerings – not to mention one of the most significant ancient ruins in the world. Once the centre of the Roman government, this is where elections, trials and political campaigns took place. The Temple of Saturn is particularly impressive and was a central bank used by the Roman people.

Tower of Hercules, Galicia, Spain

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Tower of Hercules is a modern marvel, but in fact it's considered to be the oldest lighthouse in the world. The spectacular structure has been an A Coruna harbor landmark since the 1st century and was created during the reign of Trajan (AD 98 to 117). Entirely unique, the 180-foot (55m) lighthouse has retained its structural integrity more than almost any other Greco-Roman antiquity over the centuries, and, according to UNESCO, it's been in continuous use for some 2,000 years.

Roman Baths, Bath, England, UK

The English city of Bath boasts the spectacular remains of one of the ancient world's greatest religious spas. The Roman Baths date back some 2,000 years and offer a fascinating insight into the cultural practices of the Romans. Bathing played a significant role in society and entire cities were built around these thermal pools. Although you can't take a dip in the Great Bath today, visitors can walk the original Roman pavements and explore the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. 

Baalbek, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon

The power and dominance of the Roman Empire is hard to overstate and there are plenty of incredible Roman remnants outside of Europe. Baalbek, in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, is definitely among the finest. Protected by UNESCO, the 2,000-year-old city is home to some of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture found anywhere in the world. With its towering columns and grand shrines, Baalbek is still just as special as it ever was.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy

Religion played an important role in Roman life, since they believed that the gods controlled all things. To honor them, the Romans constructed spectacular temples for daily worship, and the Pantheon in Rome is among the greatest of them all. Originally built by Agrippa between 27 and 25 BC, the temple was reconstructed by Hadrian between AD 118 and 125. Today, the building is considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world.

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Turkey

There's no denying the splendour of Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey. The mighty tomb was created in AD 117 for senator Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, an important figure in the Empire. The site was also home to some 12,000 scrolls, making it one of the richest libraries of ancient times. Archaeologists uncovered the treasures of Ephesus during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and many of its artefacts are now on display in the British Museum in London and the Ephesus Museum in Vienna.

Roman Bridge of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain

Although it's been reconstructed and restored over the centuries, the Roman Bridge of Cordoba remains a splendid example of Roman engineering. Created during the 1st century BC, the bridge straddles the Guadalquivir river and played host to some incredibly important battles during ancient times. The elegant stone structure acts as the gateway to the city of Cordoba.

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

It's one of Rome's lesser-known landmarks, but Castel Sant'Angelo is just as striking as the city's other Roman remains. The building was originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and became the burial site for numerous Antonine emperors in the decades that followed. It was built between AD 135 and 139, but converted into a fortress during the 5th century. It's now a museum, and visitors can step inside and explore the castle's Renaissance frescoes and extensive weapons collection.

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Diocletian's Palace, Split, Croatia

Diocletian's Palace is dubbed one of the best-preserved pieces of Roman architecture in the world. Positioned in the Croatian city of Split, the property was constructed as a luxury villa for Emperor Diocletian during the 4th century AD. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize Diocletian’s Palace from the iconic TV series, since the spectacular structure served as the backdrop for the streets of Meereen, as well as Daenerys's throne room.

Maison Carree, Nimes, France

Nimes in France was an important outpost of the Roman Empire and, as such, the city is home to some incredible Roman ruins. As well as an impressive amphitheatre, Nimes boasts one of the world's greatest Roman temples. Thought to have been built between 20 and 12 BC, Maison Carree was dedicated to the heirs of Emperor Augustus, Caius and Lucius Caesar, and is a spectacular example of Classical architecture. Decorated with commanding columns and ceiling roses, Maison Carree is a true marvel.

El Jem Amphitheater, El Djem, Tunisia

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, El Jem Amphitheater is the largest Roman colosseum in North Africa. Located in El Djem, Tunisia, the arena dates back to the 3rd century AD and once held up to 35,000 spectators for bloody gladiator matches. Illustrating the grandeur of Imperial Rome, the jaw-dropping structure was formed entirely from stone blocks and its completion was an important moment in the history of Roman North Africa.

Villa of Livia, Rome, Italy

In 1863, excavations were carried out on the Villa of Livia, located in the Roman suburb of Prima Porta. During the process, archaeologists discovered an array of spectacular frescoes dating back to the 1st century BC. The Painted Garden was perhaps the most important find, thanks to its size and remarkably well-preserved state. Decorated with colorful flora and fauna, the marvellous mural can now be found on display at the Museo Nazionale Romano in Palazzo Massimo, Rome.

Augustus of Prima Porta, Vatican City, Italy

The fresco wasn't the only gem found at the Villa of Livia. Augustus of Prima Porta is perhaps the most famous Roman statue ever. The freestanding marble sculpture dates back to the beginning of the 1st century AD, stands over six feet (1.8m) tall and weighs around 1,000kg (2,200lbs). The statue depicts Emperor Augustus dressed in a breastplate decorated with scenes of his military accomplishments. Today, the statue can be found in the Vatican Museums in Vatican City.

Porta Nigra, Trier, Germany

The largest remaining Roman city gate north of the Alps, Porta Nigra dates back to around AD 170 to 180. Latin for 'black gate,' the structure is located in Trier, Germany, and was one of four gates that protected the boundaries of the city during Roman rule. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gate was built from approximately 7,200 blocks of sandstone and today visitors can take a guided tour around its beautifully conserved interior.

Hadrian’s Wall, England, UK

Travelling from coast to coast across three counties, Hadrian’s Wall is one of Britain's most important historical landmarks. The UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 73 miles and dates back to around AD 120. The wall was devised by Emperor Hadrian and was built to guard the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Its construction took six years and 15,000 men to complete. The wall is now a popular hiking route, and adventurers can explore the forts, towers and towns that once kept watch over the land.

The Ruins of Jerash, Jerash, Jordan

A testament to the vastness of the Roman Empire, Jerash in Jordan was once a thriving city that iconic emperors called home. It was hidden under the Jordanian sands for hundreds of years, keeping its ancient architecture impressively intact. Today, the city is thought to be one of the best-preserved Roman Decapolis cities in the world. Visitors can witness Hadrian’s Arch, dating back to the 2nd century AD, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the towering colonnade of the Oval Plaza.

Valens Aqueduct, Istanbul, Turkey

Another iconic Roman site can be found in the Turkish city of Istanbul. A remarkable feat of engineering, Valens Aqueduct was built to supply Constantinople (now Istanbul) with water, after Constantine I declared the city the capital of the Roman Empire in AD 330. Construction of the aqueduct started in AD 345 and took 28 years. Upon completion it spanned about 3,018 feet (920m). Today, Ataturk Boulevard passes through the viaduct’s iconic archways – the ultimate juxtaposition of old and new.

Fishbourne Roman Palace, England, UK

Located near the English city of Chichester in West Sussex, Fishbourne Roman Palace is thought to be the largest Roman residence in northern Europe and is famed for its exceptionally well-preserved mosaic reliefs that are over 2,000 years old. Mosaics were very common in homes and public buildings during the Roman era and were often used to show wealth and social status. Today, visitors to Fishbourne can admire a huge collection of spectacular Roman mosaics, as well as Britain’s earliest formal garden.

Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France

At almost 2,000 years old, Pont du Gard aqueduct reveals the ingenuity of Roman engineering and was completed sometime between AD 40 and 60. Constructed to carry water to the nearby city of Nimes, the structure served this purpose until the 6th century. Straddling the scenic Gardon River, the aqueduct consists of three tiers of arches some 160 feet (49m) tall and remains one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in the world.

Pompeii, Campania, Italy

Once a thriving Roman city, Pompeii was home to around 20,000 people and benefited from a community amphitheater, stores, elegant villas, vegetable gardens and narrow cobblestone streets. Yet the city was positioned at the base of Mount Vesuvius and in AD 79 the volcano erupted, preserving Pompeii beneath a lethal layer of ash. Today, visitors can experience a fascinating portrait of Roman daily life, witnessing the ruins of ancient temples, thermal baths and the frescoes inside the House of the Vettii.

Altar of the Augustan Peace, Rome, Italy

Formed entirely from Italian Luna marble, the Altar of the Augustan Peace was built between 13 and 9 BC to commemorate the safe return of Emperor Augustus after three years away at war. The masterpiece boasts two entrances and an altar, decorated with spectacular carvings and inscriptions, including Imperial figures and floral garlands. Originally located at Campus Martius in Ancient Rome, the monument can now be found inside the Museum of the Ara Pacis in Rome.

Roman Theater of Merida, Extremadura, Spain

The Roman Theater of Merida was constructed by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus, between 16 and 15 BC. It was once a lively hub for music and the arts, and the theater’s location was chosen to ensure the best possible acoustics. Situated on the hill of San Albin in Extremadura, the theater was excavated in 1910. With space for 3,000 spectators and three stage doors, the ancient Roman site is as remarkable now as it ever was.

Arch of Constantine, Rome, Italy

Another of Rome's iconic landmarks is the Arch of Constantine. The beautiful monument was constructed in around AD 315 and commemorated Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge. The arch is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is an effective piece of political propaganda thanks to its depictions of Roman emperors and their military victories. Today, visitors to the city can take a close look at this spectacle of Imperial Rome.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens, Greece

The heart of Ancient Greece, Athens is a city of almost unrivalled history. And it's home to some key Roman ruins, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This magnificent Roman theater dates back to circa AD 160 and lies just below the Acropolis. Back in the day it would have been a cultural hub for music and the arts and in recent times it's hosted plenty of big names too, from Luciano Pavarotti to Frank Sinatra.

Bignor Roman Villa, England, UK

Offering a fascinating insight into ancient Britain, Bignor Roman Villa in Sussex is home to one of the greatest collections of Roman mosaic floors in the world. Located in South Downs National Park, the property was discovered in 1811 and has been lovingly conserved. Although there are no records to suggest who originally owned the estate, the villa must have belonged to someone of great financial and social status, since large mosaic floors were reserved for those with power and wealth.

Appian Way, southeast Italy

They say 'all roads lead to Rome,' and the Appian Way might well be the reason. This ancient road is thought to be Europe’s first super highway and linked Rome with Capua in southern Italy. The pathway eventually stretched more than 300 miles and the journey along it would have taken about five days. The first bricks were laid in around 312 BC and its construction took many years. Nicknamed 'the Queen of Roads,' the Appian Way is one of the oldest roads still in existence.

Column of Marcus Aurelius, Rome, Italy

Standing proud in the heart of Rome, the Column of Marcus Aurelius is one of the finest commemorative structures in the world. Dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the column was erected sometime around AD 180 and boasts intricate carved reliefs of the king's successful military campaigns. Towering to almost 128 feet (39m), the column was formed from fine white marble and has been repaired and restored numerous times over the centuries.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The most iconic Roman landmark in the world, the Colosseum is Rome's piece de resistance. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was built in the 1st century AD by Flavian dynasty emperors and was used to host legendary gladiator games. The monument remains the most visited attraction in Italy and the remarkable building has become an enduring symbol of the glory and power of the Roman Empire.

Segovia Aqueduct, Segovia, Spain

Despite its beauty and imposing scale, there's a chance you might never have heard of the Segovia Aqueduct, but it's by far the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world. The structure spans an incredible 8.6 miles and was built during the 1st century AD to transport water from the Frio River to the Spanish city of Segovia. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, the aqueduct has become the prime symbol of Segovia, even featuring on the city's coat of arms.

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