Rome is a city bursting with jaw-dropping ancient sites, and it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start.
The whole city feels like an open air museum, with every corner transporting you back to the glory days of the Roman Empire.
With so many fascinating ruins to explore, it’s smart to plan ahead so you can make the most of your time.
Each ruin tells a story—of Roman armies conquering enemies, heroes making history, and gods being honored for protection.
Two thousand years ago, Rome was the heart of “civilization.” If you weren’t Roman, you were considered a barbarian, and Rome was determined to bring its version of order to the world.
As you wander through the Roman Forum, you can almost hear Julius Caesar and his allies delivering speeches, celebrating victories, and parading through the streets.
These ancient Romans left behind a treasure trove of ruins—temples, forums, palaces, and sculptures—that give us a glimpse into their complex, sometimes controversial world.
Some of these ruins are towering, crumbling remnants, while others are impressively well-preserved. Each one offers a secret look into the city’s dramatic past and its unforgettable rulers.
Let’s dive into the most fascinating ruins in Rome that deserve a spot on your Italy bucket list!
Roman Ruins & Archeological Sites In Rome
Here are my picks for the 30+ must visit Roman ruins in Rome.
1. Domus Aurea: Nero’s Underground Golden House
Nero’s Golden House was once the grandest building on earth.
It’s not your typical Roman tourist site, and is an often overlooked hidden gem in Rome. Domus Aurea is an excavation in progress, one of Rome’s best Roman ruins and archaeological sites.
Built by Emperor Nero between 64-68 AD in the heart of imperial Rome, the sprawling property covered up to 300 acres. The facade and walls were adorned with frescos, gold leaf, glass mosaics, pearls, and marble. In natural light, it had a golden hue.
READ: History of the Roman Emperors
But little of this wealth survived Nero’s rule. As Nero’s extravagance and tyranny spun out of control, rivals condemned both his reign and his emblematic palace.
For a decade after his death, the palace was looted, destroyed, and filled in with brick. But the vivid frescos by the artist Famulus couldn’t be pried off the walls.
At the end of the 15th century, the Domus Aurea was discovered by accident when a young man fell into a crevice. To his surprise, he found himself surrounded by paintings.
At first, the palace ruins were thought to be caves or grottos. Artists like Michelangelo and Raphael flocked to see the ancient frescos.
In the 18th century, proper excavation of the Golden House began. Now, you can visit (with a hard hat) on the weekends.
The crown jewel is the Octagonal Room, which represented a revolution in architectural style and technique.
Click here to book a guided tour of Domus Aurea. Click here to book the virtual reality experience.
2. Domus Transitoria, Nero’s First Palace
Before there was Domus Aurea, there was Domus Transitoria. Nero’s first palace was built between 60 and 64 BC. The palace had a short life. It was destroyed in the great fire of Rome in 64 BC.
Like Domus Aurea, Domus Transitoria was a massive and lavishly decorated palace, connecting the Palatine Hill and Esquiline Hill. It was dubbed the Transit House.
According to Seutonius, Domus Transitoria was characterized by all the pomp, gold, and luxury one typically associates with grandiose Neronian architecture.
Domus Transitoria was just opened in April 2019. You enter and descend a staircase to inspect the site underground.
Virtual reality headsets bring the dank place to life, allowing visitors to see vignettes of the palace in its former glory.
You can take this YouTube virtual tour to see the ruins and a glimpse of what the palace looked like in ancient Rome.
3. Pantheon: Rome’s Most Perfect “Ruin”
Without a doubt, the Pantheon is the best preserved building from ancient Rome.
You’d don’t have to wrinkle your brow or struggle to conceptualize anything, as with many ruins. It’s all before you.
The Pantheon was a temple dedicated to all of the gods. It was originally built by Augustus’ right hand man, Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC.
The pediment still proclaims that “Marcus Agrippa, three times consul made this.” But Agrippa’s version was destroyed by fire.
It has 40 foot tall Corinthian granite columns from Egypt, a pediment, and portico. It was considered a masterpiece of engineering and mathematical precision.
The Pantheon’s most emblematic feature is its perfect unsupported spherical dome. At the time, it was a major architectural breakthrough.
The dome became the model for Michelangelo’s dome for St. Peter’s Basilica and for Brunelleschi’s dome for Florence Cathedral.
The dome is made of lightweight concrete, a Roman invention. The concrete gets increasingly thinner as the height of the dome increased.
The coffered ceiling also reduced the weight without compromising the dome’s structural integrity. At the top is the oculus, or eye, which is the Pantheon’s only source of natural light.
After the fall of Rome, the Pantheon became a Christian church, which helped save it from looting at first.
But eventually the interior, marble, and gold were all looted in the 7th century, although the marble floor is recreated.
The Pantheon is filled with tombs of important Romans, including the artist Raphael.
Here’s my complete guide To the Pantheon. Click here to book a guided tour of the Pantheon.
4. Baths of Diocletian: Largest Baths in Ancient Rome
Rome took its baths seriously. They were places to swim, bathe, and socialize. The Baths of Diocletian were built by Emperor Maximian to honor his co-Emperor Diocletian.
Constructed between 298-306, the Baths of Diocletian were Rome’s largest bath complex. They were meant to surpass the Baths of Caracalla and could accommodate 3,000 citizens.
Ironically, Diocletian never saw the baths. Diocletian was a colorful man with a big ego, who thought he was a living god.
Having successfully divided the empire to make it easier to manage, he governed in the east or camped out in his swishy palace in Split Croatia.
The baths were built using the typical bath design of Roman times — with a frigidarium (cold), tepidarium (warm) and caldarium (hot), large bathing chambers, and gymnasiums.
There were smaller rooms for private bathing, changing, and meetings. On the ruins of the frigidarium, Michelangelo was commissioned to build a church, the Basilica of Santa Maria deli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Today, the Baths of Diocletian are part of the National Roman Museum. The baths aren’t particularly conveniently located.
They’re in northeast Rome near the Termini station. The upside is that you can experience ancient ruins without the crowds.
Click here to book a skip the line ticket and guided tour for the baths.
5. Roman Forum: the Epicenter of Ancient Rome
I advise having a guided tour for the Roman Forum. It’s vast and there’s not much signage. It will be difficult to divine what you’re looking at without a guide to decipher the lovely rubble.
The forum is a rectangular valley running from Arch of Titus to the Capitoline Hill. The main road is the Via Sacre.
The forum was the beating heart of Rome, the seat of power, and its central showpiece. It was a grandiose district consisting of white temples, grand basilicas, and vibrant public spaces.
The Forum was the scene of political upheavals, funerals, and triumphant parades. Before the Colosseum was built, it even hosted gladiatorial battles.
Stroll by the Basilica of Constantine, the Temple and House of the Vestal Virgins, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Basilica of Constantine, and the 3 columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux.
You’ll also find the ruins of the Temple of Caesar. It was built by Augustus after Caesar’s assassination.
Inside, in a small apse area, is a mound of stone and dirt covered with coins and flowers. This is the altar holding Caesar’s ashes and marks his grave.
Most tickets include entry to the all the imperial ruins — Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. There are plenty tour options you can choose from.
They all vary slightly in duration and what you see. So pick one that best suits your sightseeing agenda.
I’ve done the fourth and seventh one on this list and loved both tours.
- skip the line entry tickets to all 3 sites
- tickets + a 2 hour guided tour for all 3 sites
- 3 hour guided tour and entry to all 3 sites
- tickets & tour of all 3 sites + underground Colosseum access
- Colosseum tour with entry tickets for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
- 4 hour private day tour of Ancient Rome
- skip the line private guided tour with an art historian
- skip the line private tour of all 3 sites + the underground Colosseum
6. Colosseum: Into the Gladiators’ Lair
Formally named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum has stood in Rome for almost 2,000 years. It’s the most instantly recognizable monument from the classical world.
Despite the ravages of time, the Colosseum is an incredibly well-preserved piece of Rome’s fascinating history.
Emperor Vespasian began constructing the Colosseum in 72 AD. It was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. Domitian subsequently added the hypogeum, or basement.
In its glory days, the Colosseum was a vivid white with painted trim and frescoed hallways. There were monumental statues of the Greek and Roman gods in the arches of the middle two stories. The top story had a retractable canvas awning to shade spectators.
The Colosseum hosted the popular “games,” a form of ancient theater re-creating far flung lands and mythological themes for the masses. There were many variations.
The spectacles pitted men against men, men against beasts, and beasts against beasts. There was a menagerie of beasts — lions, giraffes, crocodiles, dogs, rhinos, elephants, etc.
The best way to visit the Colosseum, and go behind the scenes, is on an Underground Colosseum Tour. You’ll visit parts not accessed by the standard tickets, like the hypogeum and third ring.
Here’s my complete guide to the Colosseum, with must know tips for visiting. You can book guided tour of the Colosseum or a tour that also includes the underground gladiator area of the Colosseum.
7. Theater Of Marcellus: A Romantic Facade
Located in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood of Rome, the Theater of Marcellus is easily overlooked by most tourists. But I walked past it everyday on the way home to my Air Bnb in Trastevere on my last visit.
The monument isn’t far from the gigantic white Monument of Victor Emanuel. And it looks like a mini-Colosseum.
The Theater of Marcellus is truly ancient. Julius Caesar launched construction and his heir Augustus inaugurated it in 12 BC. It could seat 20,0000. As you walk around it, you’ll see both Doric and Ionic columns. There are ruins piled up all around it.
Unfortunately, you can only admire the exterior and walk along the amphitheater edge. In the 4th century BC, the theater started to crumble. Thereafter, it was used as a stone quarry and repurposed, like so much else, for other buildings in Rome. In the summer, there are sometimes concerts outside.
Today, the Theater of Marcellus is a building that’s half private and half public. If you look at the photo, you’ll see luxury apartments lining the top.
8. Augustus’ Mausoleum: Family Tomb of Julio-Claudian Dynasty
Augustus’ Mausoleum is the family tomb of Rome’s first emperor. As mentioned above, Augustus ruled between 63 BC and 14 AD and was the great nephew and heir of Julius Caesar.
His mausoleum was built around 28 BC after the Battle of Actium. It was inspired by the mausoleum of Alexander the Great in Egypt.
The mausoleum was a burial place for Augustus, his wife Livia, and the other Julio-Claudian emperors. Not much has survived from its former grandeur and it’s original appearance is unknown. The mausoleum is closed to the public.
Though it was in ruinous condition, a 6.5 million euro restoration began in 2016 and was is only partially complete as of the summer of 2023. 50% of the structure is long gone — pillaged and destroyed.
The renovated monument opened to the public in March 2021 with a 3D experience, much like Domus Aurea. Hopefully, excavations will be fully complete in the summer of 2024.
Click here to book a skip the line ticket. Here’s a YouTube video of Rome’s mayor showing off the restored mausoleum.
9. Ostia Antica: an Alternative to Pompeii
Founded in 4th century BC, Ostia Antica is an ancient harbor town about 40 minutes outside Rome. It’s a pretty adorable town too, with warm orange stone buildings.
In ancient Rome, Ostia served as a naval base. Later, it became important commercially. This was where food and grain supplies arrived to feed Roman citizens.
There are some impressive preserved ruins. It’s similar to Pompeii — the excavation of an entire ancient city.
You get to wander around the ancient town at will.
Along the way, you’ll see a necropolis, an amphitheater, ancient temples and gates, the Baths of Neptune, statues, mosaic floors, and the forum. Mosaics were used to inform illiterate Romans about the purpose of a given building — tavern, baths, brothel, etc.
Click here to book a guided walking tour. You can also book a half day guided tour from Rome.
10. Baths of Caracalla, Termi di Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla are another must visit Roman ruin in Rome. The baths were inaugurated by Emperor Caracalla in 216. The massive complex is one of Rome’s best preserved ancient sites.
Construction began in 206 AD, under the direction of Emperor Septimius Severus. His son, Caracalla, finished it 10 years later, after killing his brothers to seize sole power.
The baths could accommodate 1600 people. The original brick walls are still standing, a towering shell. They were once covered in stucco and marble. But that was long ago carried off by looters.
The sculptures and mosaics from the Baths of Caracalla have been moved to museums. The famous Belvedere Torso is now in the Vatican Museums.
The Farnese family pillfered and excavated the baths. The Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules are in Naple’s Archaeological Museum. Two fountain shaped bathtubs are now in the Piazza Farnese in Rome.
The large rooms at each end of the structure were used for exercise. In between was a long pool flanked with changing rooms and decorated with mosaics.
You can still see the black and white floor mosaics. To keep cool in the summer, the Romans played games in the pool on tables.
Tourist can even visit the underground tunnels of the bath complex, where slaves kept the baths going. You can also don virtual reality googles.
You can book a small group or private tour of the baths. You can also book a tour that includes both the baths and the Circus Maximus.
Every summer since 2014, the Baths of Caracalla are the backdrop for open air night at the opera performances.
11. House of Augustus, Palatine Hill
For nearly 2,000 years, the House of Augustus on Palatine Hill lay hidden. Archaeologists only discovered the ancient home in the 1960s.
The House of Augustus marked the transformation of Palatine Hill from a residential area into an imperial seat.
The House of Augustus is located on the most sacred area of the Palatine Hill, near the symbols of Roman power.
It was built near the Temple of Apollo (which Augustus could access by ramp from his peristyle) and on top of the sacred Cave of Lupercal, where the She Wolf of Rome nursed the twins Romulus and Remus.
Comprising two levels, the House of Augustus served as Augustus’ primary residence during his reign. It was arranged around two courtyards, linked by an open promenade. Emperor Domitian, a more megalomaniacal sort, demolished much of it when he built his massive palace.
The western end of the house held the domestic rooms. The eastern end held the public reception rooms. By far the most elegant room is the Emperor’s Study, where Augustus burned the midnight oil.
Protected behind glass, the walls are beautifully decorated with stylized winged obelisks, gryphons, and floral elements. The colors are bold — green, black, green, and yellow.
The House of Augustus is most celebrated for its lavish red Pompeian frescoes. They’re the best preserved frescos from ancient Rome, superior even to those in Pompeii. They’re the real reason you should visit the House of Augustus.
Most of the frescos are executed in the Second Pompeian Style, called the “Architectural Style.” It began in Pompeii, became the fashion, and was then adopted by Augustus.
The style emphasized architectural features and illusionistic compositions. Artists used columns, faux marble blocks, and stoas to frame fantastic images. The use of vanishing points made the walls seem three dimensional.
You can only visit Domus Augustana with a special ticket and a reservation. It’s not included in the standard ticket giving you access to Palantine Hill.
Access is via small groups of 20 on a 75 minute guided tour, with specific time slots on certain days. There are informative audiovisual and laser displays.
Click here to pre-book a guided tour of the House of Augustus. Here’s my complete guide to the House of Augustus.
12. House of Livia, Palatine Hill
If you book a special ticket to see the House of Augustus, you’ll also see the House of Livia. Livia was Augustus’ third wife.
When Augustus fell in love with the beautiful young woman, they both divorced their respective spouses to marry. Livia’s son from her first marriage, Tiberius, became Augustus’ heir and the second emperor of Rome.
First excavated in 1839, Livia’s House was attributed to her when her honorific name was found stamped on a lead pipe. Built in the first century BC, Livia’s house was actually a bit larger and grander than her husband’s house.
The best preserved section is the atrium and three adjoining rooms. The central room (the tablinum) was the most richly decorated. Known as the Room of Polyphemus, it had mythological frescos showing Mercury kidnapping the nymph Io.
In the dining room, there was a stunning garden fresco that made the walls almost disappear. The fresco has flowering trees, blossoms, and flying birds in all varieties of nature.
The colors are delicate in faded purple, blue, yellow, and white.
The original of this fresco was moved to the Palazzo Massimo all Terme, one of Rome’s best museums. A replica is now in the House of Livia on Palatine Hill.
The House of Livia recently reopened to the public as of July 2024 after significant restoration work.
13. Domitian’s Palace, Palatine Hill
Domitian’s Palace is a Roman ruin that was built circa 81 AD by Emperor Domitian. He hired master architect Rabirius to create a massive imperial palace.
It was so grand that one poet remarked that it “made Jupiter jealous.” It was the residence of Rome’s emperors for three centuries.
Unlike previous emperors, Domitian wasn’t interested in public architecture. A megalomaniac, he viewed himself as “lord and god” and wanted the public to know it.
The palace contained many large spaces, including a basilica, receptions rooms, an audience hall, a stadium, a sunken garden, peristyle courts, and baths.
The part of the palace above the Circus Maximus was added by Emperor Severus.
The Circus Maximus was a long oblong course for chariot racing. If the gladiator show at the Colosseum was sold out, the citizens would come here for entertainment.
Inside, the palace was decorated with reflective surfaces, probably white marble or selenium. A paranoid Domitian wanted to be able to spot any potential enemies and see what people were up to.
Each public room had apses, where Domitian could sit on a throne and be worshipped.
14. Arch of Constantine: Symbol of Christianity
The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch dedicated to Emperor Constantine the Great. It represents a seismic shift in history, when the western world became Christian.
Until 312 AD, Rome was a pagan empire. But a small, obscure, and previously persecuted sect was becoming more popular, Christian monotheists.
In 312, Emperor Constantine saw a vision of a cross in the sky. The next day, he defeated his rival Maxentius, becoming sole emperor. His first task as an agent of change was to legalize christianity.
The Arch of Constantine is on the Via Triumphalis in Rome, between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It’s approximately 21 meters high and 25 meters wide.
It’s decorated mostly with recycled carvings from other buildings and from different times. Because of this, some art historians have criticized the arch as poor craftsmanship.
But Constantine deliberately wanted reliefs from other great eras. To unscore this point, there are statutes of the great emperors on the arch, putting Constantine in good company. As a usurper himself, it was important to also be a symbol of reverence.
15. Arch of Titus
This intricate triumphal arch marks the entry into the Roman Forum. Emperor Domtian built it to celebrate his brother Emperor Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem in 71 AD.
The reliefs inside feature scenes of the Roman troops sacking Jerusalem, soldiers carrying bodies and taking items from the Temple in Jerusalem, and the first depiction of a menorah. The arch was intended to exalt the mythological status of the Flavian dynasty.
It was a terrible monument for Jews. In antiquity, Jews refused to walk under the arch because of it subject matter.
You would think the monument was anti-Semitic. But at the time, it was just business as usual — Rome putting down a rebellion, which was more about taxes than religious differences.
16. Castle Sant’Angelo: Fortress Museum
Castle Sant’Angelo is also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum. Hadrian built it on the banks of the Tiber River in 139. It’s a magnificently preserved ruin from Ancient Rome.
Hadrian also erected the Bridge of Angels, which connected central Rome to his mausoleum. The bridge is now lined with 10 angels, designed by Bernini and commissioned by Pope Clement IX. Each statue holds an object of Christ’s passion.
The cylindrical castle was richly decorated. Originally, it was faced with travertine marble, pilasters, and bronze. By the 5th century, the mausoleum was converted into a miltary fortress.
It was renamed Castle Sant’Angelo in the 5th century. Legend holds that the Archangel Michael appeared above the castle, sheathed his sword, and magically put an end to the plague.
In the 14th century, Castle Sant’Angelo was turned into a papal residence. A covered corridor connected it to St. Peter’s Basilica. Popes fled there during sieges.
In the 15th century, at the direction of the notorious Borgia pope, Alessandro VI, the castle became battle ready. He also installed sumptuous papal apartments decorated with frescos by Pinturicchio, who also decorated the Borgia Rooms in the Vatican Museums.
In 1536, a marble and bronze statue of Archangel Micheal was perched on top. There are gorgeous 360 views of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica from the Terrace of the Angel. The museum also has a bar/coffee shop with splendid views.
Here’s my complete guide to the Castle Sant’Angelo, which is almost one of Rome’s hidden gems since so few venture inside.
In high season, you may want to book a skip the line ticket. Click here to book a guided tour with fast track access.
17. Mouth of Truth: Roman Lie Detector
This sculpture is a Pavonazzzo marble mask called la Bocca della Verita, the Mouth of Truth. It has the ambiguous face of an unknown pagan god with an open maw. It’s located in the portico of Santa Maria Church.
Legend holds that, in medieval times, the carved mask was a device for determining whether a person was telling the truth.
Suspicious people were brought to the sculpture. They took an oath and put their hand inside the gaping mouth while being interrogated.
If the detainee was being truthful, the mouth wouldn’t moved and you could keep your hand. If you were lying, the mouth would slam shut and bite off the hand.
The legend became famous via Hollywood. In the 1953 film Roman Holiday, the Mouth of Truth was used as a storytelling device.
I’m not sure this sculpture is worth a trip in and of itself. It’s been theorized to be a possible drain cover or fountain decoration. And the line for testing your hand can be long.
18. Trajan’s Market: World’s First Shopping Mall
Trajan’s Markets is a large complex of ruins that was part of Trajan’s Forum. This forum was the largest and most advanced of six imperial forums in Rome, as befitting Rome’s most popular and powerful emperor dubbed the “best leader.”
Trajan’s Market was built in the 2nd century AD by Trajan’s favorite architect, Apollodorus of Damascus. It’s affectionately called the world’s “first shopping mall.”
Trajan’s Market was a dense complex. It was once 6 stories with 150 shops and offices, set into the side of Quirinal Hill.
The structure is remarkable. It shows that Romans didn’t just build with columns and pediments. Powered by concrete, this urban structure was light filled, with windows and atriums.
>>> Click here to book a tour of Trajan’s Markets
19. Trajan’s Column: War Diary
Trajan’s Column was part of Trajan’s Forum. It’s probably the best preserved victory column in Rome, though it’s similar to the column for Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna. Built in 113 AD, the column was a tour de force of Roman propaganda art.
The column celebrated Trajan’s defeat over the Dacians. It depicts the campaigns he fought against them, the fortifications that were built, the Dacian themselves, and their weaponry.
The column consists of 22 layers, one yard each, spiraled around a 125 foot high column. The emperor’s ashes were buried in the foundation after his death.
You wouldn’t know it, but there’s a staircase inside that takes you up to the top. Atop the column, there’s a statue of St. Peter. During the Renaissance, it replaced a statue of Trajan.
20. Catacombs of Priscilla
Dating back almost 2,000 years, the Catacombs of Priscilla are a series of catacombs built by early Christians. Known as the “Queen of the Catacombs” since antiquity, the catacombs house the bones of early popes and many Christian martyrs.
The Catacombs of Priscilla are considered one of Rome’s most interesting underground sites, hidden away under Villa Ada Park.
After five years of conservation and restoration, the Priscilla Catacombs opened to the public in 2018. Lasers were used to clean the religious frescoes on the walls.
Click here to book a guided tour of the catacombs.
21. Hadrian’s Villa: an Easy Day Trip From Rome
Built in 118-133 A.D, Hadrian’s Villa is an important archeological complex. It’s the largest and most spectacular villa of ancient Rome, three times the size of Pompeii. Hadrian’s Villa is an easy day trip from Rome, just 30 minute away.
It reflected the power and glory of ancient Rome and one of that world’s most important leaders, Emperor Hadrian. And it was designed by Hadrian himself, just like the Pantheon.
Hadrian’s Villa is a sprawling luxury palace. It was designed on a vast scale to reflect the power, elegance, and excess of the Roman Empire.
Though it’s called a “villa,” Hadrian’s Villa is more accurately a miniature Rome that covers nearly 300 acres. It’s dotted with 30 large structures — palaces, libraries, baths, living quarters, dining pavilions, and sculptural gardens.
Hadrian’s Villa was originally intended as a secret escape from the political complexities of a bustling Rome.
But Hadrian loved his villa so much that he moved in and used it as the seat of government in his last decade, much like Louis XIV governed France from Versailles.
While you’re in Tivoli visiting Hadrian’s Villa, you should also visit the Renaissance era Villa d’Este.
Click here to book a wonderful guided day tour from Rome.
22. Arch of Janus
The Arch of Janus is the only surviving four way marble arch in Rome. It’s close to the Mouth of Truth, if you’re visiting that. Built in the 4th century, the arch has four facades. It was supposedly built from pieces of other ruins.
The Arch of Janus is built over an ancient drain to the Tiber River. It’s thought to have been a boundary marker, rather than a triumphal arch.
The Arch of Janus now stands in front of the Palazzo Rhinococros. In 2012, the building was purchased and restored by Fendi heiress, Alda Fendi. It’s the newest hotspot/art space in Rome, with cultural and residential spaces that opened in 2018.
A resin sculpture of an endangered white rhino now stands guard in the square, symbolizing the union of the old and the new. Inside the palazzo art gallery, there’s a Michelango sculpture, Crouching Boy, on loan.
23. Forum of Augustus
The Forum of Augustus is one of the Imperial Fora from Ancient Rome. This forum was built after a young Gaius Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius in the Battle of Philippi. Octavius was avenging the murder of Julis Caesar.
Before the battle, Octavius vowed that, if he won, he would build a temple to Mars Ultor, which translates to the Avenger. After winning the battle, Octavius kept his promise.
He located his forum next to Caesar’s. At the center was the Temple of Mars Ultor. The long sides of the forum sported colonnades.
The once richly decorated Hall of the Colossus held a colossal statue of the Genius of Augustus. Remains of the statue are in the Museum of the Imperial Fora.
There is also the remains of the Great Wall toward the Suburra. The wall was intended to protect the forum from an overpopulated part of Rome subject to frequent fire. It’s one of the most impressive ruins in the Imperial Fora.
The Temple of Mars Ultor once held colossal statues of Mars and Venus, linking Augustus with the gods. Archaeologists think there may have been a third statue depicting a deified Julius Caesar.
In general, the forum functioned as a military, administrative, and political center. It was a gallery of statues and place to hold important ceremonies.
It was also a place for Senate deliberation. Military commanders would make sacrifices to Mars before going off to battle.
24. House of the Knights of Rhodes
The House of the Knights of Rhodes is perched right above the Forum of Augustus. It’s a little known hidden gem in Rome.
This impressive building, known as the House of the Knights of Rhodes, was built in the 13th century by the Knights of Rhodes. It’s been controlled by the Knights of Malta since 1946.
The building features a massive five-arched loggia, which was once used by the pope to receive blessings from the citizens while overlooking the city.
If you’re interested in visiting, note that the House of the Knights of Rhodes is only open to the public by reservation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Inside, you’ll have the chance to see several interesting rooms, including the Hall of Honor, the Byzantine Hall, the Sala della Loggetta, and the Palatine Chapel, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the knights.
To catch a glimpse of the house from the outside, head to Via dei Fori Imperiali, which offers an excellent vantage point.
25. Church of Santa Costanza
This church is traditionally identified as the mausoleum of Constantina, the daughter of the Emperor Constantine.
It was likely built by Constantine at the behest of his daughter.
But, after excavations in 1992, some historians speculate that the mausoleum may have been built 30 years later by Emperor Julian for his wife Helena. It officially became a church in the 13th century.
This 4th century mausoleum is considered a fine example of early Christian architecture. It is a circular brick rotunda covered by a dome with a vestibule porch.
Inside, 12 pairs of Corinthian columns are arranged in a ring. 12 clerestory windows that let light into the interior.
The mausoleum was once elaborately decorated. Originally, the cupola, vault, and niches were covered with early Christian mosaics.
You can still see some in the vault and several niches. They were restored in 1840.
26. Forum Boarium
The other Roman forums get all the love, and so they should. Whereas these famous forums are named for emperors, the Forum Boarium is named … for cattle.
The forum is a Roman ruin that was once the true commercial heart of Ancient Rome. It was the working man’s forum where the docks were located.
The most notable buildings on this forum are the Temple of Hercules (shown above) and the Temple of Portunus.
The Temple of Hercules is the oldest surviving marble building in Rome. Hercules, of course, was the legendary hero of superhuman strength. The Mouth of Truth was likely once located in this temple.
Portunus was the god of gateways, locks and livestock. He might not be the most glamorous god of the Roman pantheon. But he did his job well, granting good luck to the all important merchants.
27. Aurelian Walls
The Aurelian Walls in Rome are the biggest, but most neglected, ruins from Ancient Rome.
They date back to the 3rd century and originally stretched 12 miles, standing 26 feet tall with 14 gates and 380 watch towers. Pretty impressive, right?
They’re named after Emperor Aurelian, who was determined to protect Rome from the growing threat of barbarian invasions when the empire was on the verge of collapse.
Later on, Emperors Arcadius and Honorius reinforced the walls and transformed the two main gates into fortress-like structures. They even doubled the height of the walls to about 52 feet!
Despite the fall of Rome, the walls held strong for centuries. Some sections were torn down during the Middle Ages, but they continued to serve as a defense line until 1870, when they were finally breached during Italy’s unification.
It’s amazing to think these ancient walls stood the test of time and played such a key role in Rome’s history!
28. Caligula’s Garden Of Delights
Caligula was the fourth of the Caesarian emperors. He’s mostly known as a combustible lunatic and tyrannical ruler who married often and never forgot a slight.
During the four years he occupied the throne, Caligula had a favorite hideaway. It was an imperial garden called Hour Lamiani on Esquiline Hill.
The garden was essentially a wildlife park, filled with shrines, banqueting halls, orchards, and fountains. Exotic animals completed the tableaux. They were used for private circus games.
Archaeologists discovered the Roman ruins of the lavish garden complex under a 19th century apartment building during excavations in 2006-15.
In April 2021 the Nymphaeum Museum of Piazza Vittorio was opened. You can see highly decorative frescos, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, and animal bones.
They paint a vivid picture of wealth and opulence of imperial Rome and the appetite for luxury of Caligula.
29. Pyramid of Cestius
Rome was a little obelisk crazy in its heyday. Egypt was downright fashionable and astonished wealthy and Rome aimed to emulate its example.
In fact, Rome has more obelisks than the country of Egypt. 8 are Roman and 5 are Egyptian. They’re a symbol of what Rome once was — the cultural hub of the known world.
The Roman pyramid was most likely built between 18 and 12 B.C. during the reign of Augustus. The pyramid is 120 feet high and covered in white Carrera marble.
You can tell it’s not the real deal. The pyramid is too steep and pointy, compared to the real Egyptian pyramids of Giza.
Cestius was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman under the sway of all things Egyptian. The tomb was long ago ransacked.
The pyramid was excavated and restored in the 16th century. Many of the columns and sculptures that once surrounded it are in the Capitoline Museums.
You can visit the pyramid on a guided tour. If you want to visit solo, reservations must be made in advance.
30. Ara Pacis
Another Roman ruin to visit in Rome is the Ara Pacis monument.
In 13 B.C., the Roman Senate commissioned it to celebrate Emperor Augustus’ victory over the barbarians. This victory kicked off the Pax Romana, a 200-year golden era where arts, culture, and architecture thrived.
The altar was originally part of a larger complex, but today, you can admire it at the Ara Pacis Museum, which opened in 2006.
The museum itself is a sleek, modern building made of glass and steel, designed by American architect Richard Meier. The space is light, airy, and a beautiful contrast to the ancient monument inside.
The altar is covered in intricate relief carvings, telling the story of Rome’s history and Augustus’ accomplishments. The message? Rome was thriving and secure under Augustus’ leadership—a perfect piece of Roman propaganda!
If you don’t want to pony up the rather outrageous entry fee, you can admire the ornate altar through the windows or take the museum’s virtual tour here.
But if you do want to go inside, click here to book a skip the line ticket for the museum.
31. Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina is an archaeological site in the heart of Rome just minutes from Piazza Navona. Excavations have revealed the remains of four Republican-era Roman temples and part of the ancient Theatre of Pompey.
This is ancient stuff, dating from the 3rd century B.C. For history buffs, this is also the place where Julius Caesar was (most likely) assassinated in 44 BC.
Apart from its historical importance, Largo di Torre Argentina is also known for its association with cats. The square has become a sanctuary for stray cats. There is a designated area called the “Roman Cat Sanctuary.”
In the past, visitor could only gaze at the ruins from an observation platform at street level. But the ruins just opened to the public for the first time in June 2023. Now, you can go below and stroll along new walkways.
32. Domus Tiberiana
Another amazing Roman ruin on Palatine Hill is Domus Tiberiana. It was the first official imperial palace in Rome.
The palace was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD). Tiberius used as a residence before he became emperor. And it became the designated abode of the designated heir to the empire.
Until recently, it had barely been excavated as it was overlaid by the Farnese Gardens in the 16th century.
In September 2023, opened to the public after more than 40 years of restoration. I had the opportunity to visit this historical gem last December, and it was an exhilarating experience!
Visitors are currently limited to the ground floor, as the second level hasn’t been stabilized for public access yet.
Despite this, a glance upwards reveals glimpses of ancient stucco and fresco decorations, hinting at the former splendor. And there’s a museum onsite with artifacts to boot.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the must visit ancient Roman ruins of Rome. You may enjoy these other Rome travel guides:
- 8 ways to spend 1 day in Rome
- 3 day itinerary for Rome
- 5 day itinerary for Rome
- 1 day itinerary for Vatican City
- Hidden gems in Rome
- Best museums in Rome
- Guide to the Borghese Gallery
- Guide to Palatine Hill
- Guide to the Roman Forum
- Guide to the Colosseum
- Walking tour of central Rome
If you’d like to visit must see ruins and historic landmarks in Rome, pin it for later.
