Italy feels like a living museum, with every corner echoing ancient history.
Crumbling ruins and perfectly preserved temples offer a front-row seat to the wonders of the Roman Empire.
You can stroll through the ruins of Pompeii, stand in awe beneath the Pantheon’s dome, or picture chariots racing through the Colosseum.
Italy’s ancient monuments don’t just tell a story—they immerse you in it.
As you would guess, many of these beauties are in Rome, the caput mundi or capital of the world. But they’re really spread out all over Italy.
When I think of “ancient monuments in Italy,” I’m referring to structures from the classical periods of the Roman and Greek civilizations.
They were built for public, religious, or ceremonial purposes. Think temples, amphitheaters, triumphal arches, and forums.
These monuments played major roles in the social, cultural, and political life of their time. That’s why I haven’t included ancient palaces on the list. That’s for another article!
So, let’s dive into Italy’s greatest historical treasures, where the past feels remarkably alive.
Pantheon, Rome
The Pantheon is one of the most spectacular oldies every built. It’s been described as a “perfect” example of architectural design.
No question, the Pantheon is the most famous and best-preserved monument from ancient Rome. It’s also the only piece of Imperial architecture that’s still completely intact.
The Pantheon was originally built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC. But what you see today was completed in 120-128 AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.
The exterior of the Pantheon grabs your attention right away, with 16 towering columns holding up the grand pediment.
But once you step inside, it feels like you’re stepping into eternity—everything is in perfect harmony and symmetry. Sunlight streams through the oculus at the top of the massive dome, creating a magical atmosphere.
You can really see the Roman love for geometry in the design, especially with the circles and squares on the floor, which got a 19th century restoration.
The interior, like many Roman buildings, has been given a Baroque makeover, so most of the decoration reflects that style.
But the real showstopper? The Pantheon’s iconic dome.
It’s completely unsupported and perfectly spherical, symbolizing the heavens above. And it still holds the record for the largest unreinforced masonry dome ever built—talk about a masterpiece!
Be sure to book a ticket on Tiqets or Get Your Guide in advance. If not, the cash line is the faster way to get in.
Colosseum, Rome
The most celebrated ancient monument in Italy is the Colosseum in Rome. It was built at the end of the first century by the Flavian emperors.
As befitting Rome, the Colosseum was the mother of all amphitheaters, seating up to 80,000 people.
The Colosseum offers a glimpse into the thrilling world of ancient Rome, where gladiator duels and wild animal fights kept the crowds on the edge of their seats. It’s a place that shows just how much the Romans loved a grand spectacle.
As you wander through the Colosseum, you can almost hear the roar of the crowds and imagine the clash of swords and the excitement of chariots racing around.
This iconic arena once hosted some of the most dramatic battles in history.
On hot or rainy days, there was once a protective covering called a valarium or cloth dome. Models of it look almost extraterrestrial.
>>> Click here to book a guided Colosseum tour
Verona Arena, Verona
This ancient monument in Verona was actually built a little before the Colosseum. And it’s almost as massive, holding between 30,000 to 50,000 people.
Dating back to A.D. 30, this open air amphitheater originally hosted brutal gladiator games, jousts, circuses, and tournaments.
It’s made from beautiful pink and white stone from Valpolicella. While it once had three tiers of arches, only two remain today.
The outer ring is missing. But that doesn’t really take away from its grandeur.
What’s really cool is that the arena is still in use today for operas. If you’re planning to catch a show, make sure to get in line early—it tends to wrap around the block!
Pompeii Amphitheater
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city of about 10,000 people. The city was flash frozen by a volcano in 79 AD.
Rediscovered centuries later, Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into the daily life, art, and architecture of ancient Roman civilization.
The Amphitheater of Pompeii is one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. It built around 70 BC, and predates the Colosseum by over a century.
The amphitheater was used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and other spectacles. Like the Colosseum, The arena featured underground spaces for gladiators and animals, as well as a retractable canopy for shade.
It once seated 20,000 people — a lot for a small town.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Lucca
This piazza is amazing. It has a distinct elliptical shape. That’s because it was once an ancient Roman amphitheater.
The amphitheater was constructed in the 2nd century AD. Over time, it was repurposed to create the unique, elliptical piazza you see today.
In the Middle Ages, Lucca figured if you an’t beat them, join them. So, houses and shops were built along the outline of the old amphitheater, incorporating the ancient walls into their design.
Even though monument itself is not standing, you can see its traces and walk where Romans once walked.
Greek Temples in Paestum
Before Rome became Rome, there was a strong Greek influence on the Italian peninsula. So, there ancient Greek monuments in Italy as well.
In fact, the best preserved Greek temples in the world are, in fact, in Italy.
Take UNESCO-listed Paestum, for example. There are extraordinary temples in the archaeological park. Out in the middle of nowhere really.
There are three temples. The best preserved temple is the Temple of Hera II (also called the Temple of Neptune), a beautiful example of the Doric order.
It’s not a reconstructed temple either. This temple survived intact!
The is probably because people were forced to flee the temples because of a mosquito contagion. Hence, they were left alone and perfectly preserved.
You can walk into a couple temples, letting you soak in the majesty.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Paestum ticket
Valley of the Temples, Sicily
The Valley of the Temples is the world’s largest archaeological site and Sicily’s star attraction.
Lying on the island’s southern coast, the complex is chock full of spectacular Greek ruins.
The temples were once shiny and new, showcasing the power of the Greek culture and ancient Agrigento. Today, some lie in romantic ruins among olive groves while others are in pristine condition.
The Temple of Concordia is a beautiful Doric temple. It was constructed with perfect ratios, tapering columns, sublime harmony, and optical refinements.
The setting is beautiful. You can see the sea in the distance. The nature is untouched.
In high season, you should pre-book a skip the line ticket to avoid lines.
I also advise booking a guided tour. Apart from the Archaeological Museum, there’s not much informational signage at the site itself.
You can book a guided tour from Catania or a guided tour from Palermo.
Segesta, Sicily
Segesta is home to a beautiful and well-preserved Doric temple from 430 BC.
It was built by the ancient Elyminans, an indigenous Sicilian people. They lived during the Bronze Age and Classical Antiquity.
Did they adopt Greek architecture? Or did the Greeks build them? It’s still debated.
The beautifully preserved temple is Doric in style. It’s 69 feet by 183 feet, a rather petite temple for the time.
The entire peristyle is preserved, with 14 columns on the sides and 6 on the front and back. There is a perfectly intact frieze, entablature, and pediment.
The one odd thing of this monument is that it doesn’t have fluted columns.
Selinunte, Sicily
In Selinunte, you can see a whole host of reconstructed Greek Temples in the Doric Order, dating from the 5th century BC.
There are five main temples. They’re identified by letters rather than their original names since there is uncertainty about which gods or goddesses they were dedicated to.
Temple E is the best preserved temple and was dedicated to the goddess Hera. Its massive columns and majestic design make it one of the most striking structures in the area.
Temple C is one of the largest and oldest temples, dating to around 550 BC. It was dedicated to Apollo. Though much of it lies in ruins, it still offers a glimpse of Greek grandeur.
Like Paestum, this is another idyllic setting. The temples are perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Roman Temple, Assisi
Assisi is know for St. Francis. But it also has an ancient Roman monument.
A sculpture of a Roman deity was found on the spot and they named the temple after her — Minerva (Venus). In reality, the temple was probably dedicated to Hercules.
Once the centerpiece of ancient Assisi, this temple dates back to the 1st century BC, when it towered over the Roman Forum. Its six massive Corinthian columns still stand proudly at the front, resting right on the steps.
The architrave, the beam stretching across the top of the Corinthian columns, once showcased the names of Rome’s highest-ranking officials in bronze.
While the temple’s impressive facade has been preserved, the interior was demolished in the 16th century to make way for the Church of San Nicolo, blending ancient history with a touch of Renaissance charm.
Arch of Titus
The triumphal arch was a key feature of Ancient Rome. There are three still standing in the city.
The oldest is the Arch of Titus, dating from 81 AD. And you can see on the attic level, the arch is devoted to the “divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian.”
This arch celebrated Rome’s hacking of Jerusalem in 69 AD.
Inside the arch, you’ll find detailed reliefs showing Roman soldiers carrying off treasures from the Temple, including the first-ever depiction of a menorah.
It’s a scene meant to glorify the Flavian dynasty, turning their military victory into myth.
For Jews, though, this monument was a painful reminder of a devastating loss. In ancient times, many refused to walk under it because of what it represented.
You might think it feels anti-Semitic. But for the Romans, it was just business as usual back then.
This was more about crushing a rebellion over taxes than any religious conflict. Rome wasn’t picking sides—it was simply enforcing its empire’s rule.
Arch of Constantine
This is the other celebrated arch in Rome.
The Arch of Constantine is more than just a triumphal arch. It’s a symbol of a turning point in history. It marked the moment when the western world shifted towards Christianity under Emperor Constantine the Great.
What’s interesting is that much of its decoration isn’t original. The arch is covered in carvings and reliefs recycled from earlier monuments. Some art historians knock it for that, calling it a bit of a patchwork job.
But Constantine knew exactly what he was doing. By using pieces from past great eras, including statues of famous emperors, he was aligning himself with Rome’s finest.
As a usurper himself, he needed to show he was worthy of the same reverence as those who came before him. It was a smart move—he wasn’t just building an arch, he was building his legacy.
Arch of Trajan, Benevento
This is a stunning triumphal arch in southern Italy, built about 40 years after the Arch of Titus.
Erected in 114 AD, it was designed to celebrate Emperor Trajan’s victories and his incredible public works, especially his efforts to expand the Roman Empire into Dacia (modern-day Romania).
Standing around 50 feet tall, this limestone arch marked the entrance to the city from the Via Appia.
Its surface is beautifully adorned with marble reliefs that tell Trajan’s story—his military conquests, civic achievements, and even his interactions with the gods.
The upper section of the arch shows Trajan mingling with the divine, while the lower panels depict grand military processions. It’s a striking monument to his legacy.
There’s also another, less grand, arch dedicated to Trajan in Ancona, in the Le Marche region, built around 115 AD after the Dacian War.
Arch of Augustus, Rimini
This is more proof that, if you want to see ancient triumphal arches, you don’t have to be in Rome There’s another one in Rimini in the north.
And it’s the oldest such ancient monument in Italy, clocking in at 27 BC.
Technically, it wasn’t built as a triumphal arch. It was party of the city walls of Rimini. It marked the end of the Via Flaminia.
But Mussolini knocked down the walls on the side, leaving just the arch.
In Rimini, you can also see the ancient Roman Bridge of Tiberius. It was built in the 1st century AD. Some 2,000 years later, it’s still going strong.
Trajan’s Column, Rome
Trajan’s Column is one of the best-preserved victory monuments in Rome, standing proudly in Trajan’s Forum. Built in 113 AD, it’s a powerful piece of Roman propaganda, much like the column for Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna.
The column was created to celebrate Trajan’s victory over the Dacians. The carvings that spiral up its 125 foot height show scenes of battles, fortifications, and Dacian soldiers with their weapons.
Made up of 22 layers, each about a yard tall, the column also holds a secret: there’s a hidden staircase inside leading to the top. After Trajan’s death, his ashes were buried in the foundation.
At the top, a statue of St. Peter stands today. It was added during the Renaissance, replacing the original statue of Trajan, blending Rome’s ancient and Christian histories.
Ara Pacis, Rome
Another fascinating Roman ruin to check out in Rome is the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC, it was built to honor Emperor Augustus and his triumphs.
It’s more than just a monument—it’s Roman propaganda at its finest. Augustus had recently defeated the barbarians, ushering in the Pax Romana, a 200 year golden age of peace, art, and architecture.
Originally part of a larger complex, today the Ara Pacis has its own museum, which opened in 2006.
It’s a sleek and modern, designed by American architect Richard Meier. It features a light-filled glass and steel pavilion that contrasts beautifully with the ancient altar inside.
The monument itself is covered in intricate carvings, showcasing scenes from Roman history and celebrating Augustus’ many achievements.
The message was clear: under Augustus, Rome was secure, prosperous, and powerful. It’s a beautiful blend of art and history, well worth a visit.
>>> Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket
Theater of Marcellus
Julius Caesar started building this ancient Italian monument, and Emperor Augustus completed it around 13 BC.
The theater was named after his nephew, Marcellus, who was supposed to be his heir but died young.
It’s like a smaller, earlier version of the Colosseum. The theater was used for plays, musical performances, and other public events.
It had a seating capacity of up to 20,00 people. That’s shocking for a theater!
There’s not much left of it. What remains is set into a luxury apartment complex.
Greco-Roman Theater of Taormina
This Greek Theater of Taormina sits in a stunning location, perched on a cliff between the sea and sky. It’s the second largest Greek theater in Sicily and Italy, after the one in Syracuse.
The Greeks loved their theaters. This one was dedicated to Dionysus. In its prime, it could hold up to 10,000 people, and the acoustics were likely spot on.
The semi-circular design made sure everyone had a great view of the stage. The top level once had a red wall that held bronze urns and marble statues.
We know from ancient writings that the Greeks originally built the theater in the 3rd century BC. But most of what you see today was remodeled by the Romans in the 2nd century.
They made some rather significant changes, like removing the first 10 rows to create space for gladiator fights. They even added a wall to keep the wild animals away from the audience.
The mix of Greek and Roman styles isn’t exactly seamless. This might explain why it’s not a UNESCO site. Still, it’s exciting to visit!
The theater is still used today. In the summer, you can catch concerts here. There’s also a small museum on-site, plus a fantastic viewing platform next to it.
And what a backdrop with Mount Etna. Mama Mia!
The scenic location was chosen intentionally. It combined four elements important to the ancient Greeks — earth, water, air, and fire.
Greek Theater In Syracuse
Built by the architect Damocopos, the amazing Greek Theater in Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse was once the center of religious and social life.
Dating back to 470 BC, it got a makeover from Heiron II between 238-215 BC, including an underground passage connecting the stage and orchestra.
The theater is a grand sight and impressively well-preserved. You can view it from above and below, though walking into the area isn’t allowed.
Not much is left of the stage itself, just some incisions in the rocks. But you can still see the underground passageway between the stage and orchestra.
When the Romans took over, they made changes. They enlarged the stage and altered its shape from horseshoe to semi-circular. Later, they adapted it for water games, though it’s unclear if gladiator games were ever held here.
The theater once hosted plays by Euripides, Sophocles, Dionysius I, and Aeschylus. Today, the theater still hosts summer performances, with wooden seats added to protect the stone.
It originally had 67 rows of seating, carved right into the rock, with space for 15,000 spectators. Now, only 35 rows remain.
Roman Theater of Volterra
This ancient Roman Theater of Volterra dates back to the 1st century BC, ad is definitely worth checking out!
It’s located just outside the city walls, about a 10-15 minute walk from Volterra’s historic center. You’ll pass through the Porta Fiorentina, an ancient Etruscan gate, to get there.
The theater was once a hub for Roman entertainment—hosting everything from plays to gladiator fights. Carved into the hillside, it gives you a real sense of what Roman life was like.
You can wander through the ruins, explore the stage and seating areas, and even peek backstage. There’s also a small museum on site with artifacts and info about its history.
Plus, from the theater, you get gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside.
The theater wasn’t discovered until the 1950s!The discovery was quite a surprise, revealing one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Italy.
Theater of Gubbio
The Roman Theater of Gubbio is tucked away in a tiny medieval village in Umbria.
It’s the second-largest surviving Roman theater in the world. The theater was made with large limestone blocks and originally had two levels, though only one is left today.
The white limestone steps and the orchestra floor, once paved with stone plates, are still visible.
The stage isn’t in great shape now. But it used to be decorated with columns, statues, and frescoes. Inscriptions show that gladiator games were held here during Emperor Augustus’ time.
If you’re planning to visit, it’s just 3 euros to explore the ruins. You’ll get a token to pop into the turnstile, and you’re in!
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
This basilica was truly the mother of all basilicas—massive! It was started by Maxentius and later completed by Constantine after he defeated his rival.
One of the largest buildings in the Roman Forum, the basilica served as a place for legal proceedings and public gatherings. Built in the 4th century, only about a third of it remains today. But you still get a sense of its grandeur.
It had three huge barrel vaults, and the interior was once incredibly elaborate. Imagine gilded ceilings, inlaid marble, and beautiful sculptures filling the space.
The centerpiece was a colossal statue of Constantine on a throne, which originally stood about 30 feet tall. You can still see pieces of this statue at the Capitoline Museums today!
House of the Vestal Virgins
The House of the Vestal Virgins was where the Vestal Virgins lived and performed their duties of maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta.
It was a large, luxurious complex with multiple rooms, courtyards, and gardens.
Today, you can still see the ruins of the residence, including statues of the Vestal Virgins that once lined the courtyards.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the ancient monuments of Italy. You may find these other Italy travel guides useful:
- 3 day itinerary for Rome
- 1 day itinerary for Vatican City
- 3 day itinerary for Florence
- 1 day itinerary for Milan
- 1 day in Venice itinerary
- 2 days in Venice itinerary
- 10 day itinerary for Tuscany
- 1 week itinerary for Umbria
- 10 day itinerary for Italy’s classic cites
- 11 ways to spend 1 week in Italy
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