The Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
From the remnants of the Roman Empire to the Etruscan relics of the old world, the best ruins in Italy to visit on vacation provide insight into the great eras and historical civilizations of ancient Italy.
Whole villages of ruins hang on hills beneath volcanic mountains, crumbling stadiums once the battlegrounds of Roman gladiators stand in the cities, and historic necropolises preserve the memory of ancient civilizations. There are thousands of ancient ruins in Italy to explore, with this list sharing the best to visit as you travel around the capital city, along the Gulf of Naples, or to the island of Sicily.
Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch, and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a visit to Italy’s magnificent ruins, use this information as a guide before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is an enduring symbol of ancient Rome's power and ingenuity, an iconic oval amphitheater that has captivated imaginations for nearly two millennia. Built in 80 AD, this colossal structure once hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles, serving as the heart of the Roman Empire's entertainment and engineering prowess. Despite the passage of time, its grandeur remains, allowing you to feel the profound echoes of history within its ancient walls.
What to ExpectPrepare for an immersive journey into the heart of ancient Roman spectacle and engineering.
If you are ready to witness the grandeur of the Colosseum on your luxury journey to Italy, explore our Rome vacations and trip packages to begin planning your journey.
The Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
The Roman Forum was the vibrant epicenter of Ancient Rome, a sprawling complex where political, religious, and social life converged from as early as 500 BC. This open-air plaza served as the stage for significant historical events, public speeches, elections, and commercial dealings that shaped the socioeconomic landscape of the burgeoning Roman Empire.
What to ExpectStep back in time and immerse yourself in the daily life and monumental history of Ancient Rome.
Envision yourself walking through history as you delve deeper into planning your Roman adventure with our Rome travel guide.
Pompeii in Naples, Italy
Nestled at the base of the formidable Mount Vesuvius, the archaeological site of Pompeii offers a uniquely preserved snapshot of Roman life frozen in time. Devastated by a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 AD, the city was buried under layers of ash and pumice, which paradoxically protected its structures and contents from the ravages of time and looters. This poignant site is an essential visit for any history enthusiast, providing an intimate understanding of daily life during the Roman Empire's rule just moments before disaster struck.
What to ExpectExperience a remarkably preserved ancient Roman city, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.
For more inspiration to inspire your trip to Pompeii, take a look at our Antiquities of Italy Tour: Colosseum, Pompeii, Capri, and More.
Ruins of Ostia Antica Port in Ostia, Italy
Ostia Antica, once the bustling harbor city of Ancient Rome, provides an extraordinary archaeological experience that often rivals its more famous counterpart, Pompeii, in its detailed preservation. Just a short distance from Rome, this expansive site will have you stepping back into the empirical era and exploring a remarkably intact ancient port. Abandoned by the 9th century, its meticulous mosaics, marble statues, and historic ruins are a testament to a vibrant past, offering a vivid backdrop against which to reconstruct the daily lives of its inhabitants.
What to ExpectImmerse yourself in the remarkably preserved port city of Ancient Rome, offering a detailed look at daily life.
To uncover the hidden gems of Ancient Rome's port, see our sample Uncovering the Secrets of Rome Tour before contacting a Zicasso travel specialist to arrange your seamless visit to Ostia Antica.
Valley of the Temples in Sicily, Italy
Sicily's Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agrigento, is among Italy's most magnificent testaments to Ancient Greek art and architecture. Dating back over 2,000 years, this sprawling archaeological park showcases a series of remarkably preserved Doric temples built by the former civilization across Greece and the shores of southern Italy. Each temple was dedicated to a Greek god and exploring these eight famous structures in one comprehensive, private tour offers a well-rounded and awe-inspiring view of the Ancient Greek presence in Sicily.
What to ExpectPrepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with monumental Ancient Greek architecture and religious devotion.
Embark on a journey to the heart of Ancient Greek Sicily. Explore our Southern Italy and Sicily Tours to include this incredible site in your itinerary.
Temple of Hera at the ancient Paestum, Salerno, Italy
Paestum is an expansive archaeological site in Salerno and a breathtaking representation of Greek colonization in Italy. Boasting some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek Doric temples in the world, it dates back to 450 BC. Formerly known as Poseidonia, this great Greek city was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon, and its ruins preserve the myths and legends of the ancient world. Even in their ruined state, these structures are glorious examples of Ancient Greece's architectural prowess.
What to ExpectWitness some of the most remarkably preserved Ancient Greek temples outside of Greece.
Integrate the ancient wonders of Paestum into your Italian adventure. Let Zicasso craft a bespoke In the Footsteps of Italian History Tour that includes this extraordinary site.
Statue in the Canopus at Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli, Italy
Roman Emperor Hadrian's Villa, constructed between 117 and 138 AD, was far more than a mere getaway from Rome; it was an architectural and design masterpiece that showcased the emperor's vast knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures. This exquisite country residence incorporated styles famous in Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, creating a sprawling complex of bathhouses, sculptural pieces, immaculate gardens, theaters, private suites, and more.
What to ExpectImmerse yourself in the opulent and intellectually rich world of a Roman emperor's private retreat.
Uncover the imperial grandeur of Hadrian's Villa on a personalized Highlights of Rome, Naples, Tuscany, and Umbria Tour that brings this ancient marvel to life.
Greek Theatre of Segesta in Sicily, Italy
Sicily's iconic Elymian site, Segesta, offers a profound gateway into the life of ancient Sicilian people and a fascinating glimpse into a civilization whose origins predate Greek records. The Elymians of western Sicily settled in this culturally Greek city from around 420 BC, leaving behind pottery and architectural styles that trace their Hellenic influence. Today, the remarkably preserved Doric temple stands majestically for travelers visiting the Italian island.
What to ExpectEncounter a unique and remarkably preserved ancient site with a captivating, unfinished story.
Dive deep into Sicily's ancient past on an Exclusive Sicily Tour of Ancient and Contemporary Charm.
Arena di Verona, Verona, Italy
Verona’s Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona, built in 30 AD, is a grand arena of immense historical importance that continues to serve as a vibrant venue for events and performances. This magnificent open-air stadium, once the stage for gladiatorial battles and public spectacles, now hosts world-renowned opera performances, drawing thousands to its ancient stands. Its accessibility makes it a perfect day trip from Venice, blending historical exploration with contemporary culture.
What to ExpectExperience a living ancient Roman amphitheater that seamlessly blends history with world-class performances.
Combine ancient history with modern spectacle. Contact Zicasso to integrate a visit to the Arena di Verona into your Venice vacations and tours.
Mosaic at Herculaneum ancient ruins in Naples, Italy
Italy’s ancient town of Herculaneum was founded between the 6th and 7th centuries BC in honor of the Greek god Hercules. It provides an extraordinary glimpse into Roman life. Like Pompeii, it was devastated by the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. However, Herculaneum was buried by a fast-moving pyroclastic flow, which hardened into a tuff that preserved many buildings, wooden objects, and even organic materials in remarkable detail, far beyond what was possible in Pompeii.
What to ExpectDiscover an exceptionally preserved ancient Roman town, offering intimate insights into daily life.
Let Zicasso help you plan your visit to Herculaneum. Take a look at our Bay of Naples and Ravello Vacation Tour for more inspiration.
The Pantheon in Rome, Italy
Standing proudly in the heart of bustling Rome, the Pantheon is an architectural marvel and an immaculate preservation of Ancient Roman history, dating back to 125 AD. Originally a temple dedicated to all gods, it has served as a Catholic church since the 7th century, a testament to its enduring structural integrity and sacred significance. Its iconic dome, with the famous oculus opening to the sky, remains an engineering wonder, inspiring architects for centuries.
What to ExpectExperience an exceptionally preserved ancient Roman temple, now a basilica, showcasing incredible architectural prowess.
Discover the timeless beauty of the Pantheon on Zicasso’s Immersive History and Culture Tour of Rome and Florence.
Etruscan frescoes in the Monterozzi Etruscan Necropolis, Tarquinia, Italy
The Monterozzi Etruscan Necropolis in Tarquinia offers a dramatic and unique view into the ancient world of the Etruscans, a sophisticated civilization that predated the Romans and significantly influenced early Italian culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to approximately 6,000 Etruscan tombs, many of which are adorned with stunning frescoes that provide invaluable insights into their daily life, beliefs, and rituals from as far back as the 8th century BC. As a resting place for ancient Etruscan people, the necropolis symbolizes central Italian heritage.
What to ExpectDelve into the fascinating world of the ancient Etruscans through their remarkably preserved burial sites.
Uncover the mysteries of the Etruscans. Contact Zicasso to include the Monterozzi Etruscan Necropolis in your bespoke Best of Greater Rome Tour: Wonders of Lazio.
Villa Romana del Casale ruins in Sicily, Italy
Sicily’s Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent testament to the historic luxuries and complex socioeconomic structures of Italy’s ancient Roman economy. This grand Roman villa, likely an imperial hunting lodge or a luxurious country residence, is most renowned for its remarkable and exceptionally well-preserved mosaics that cover thousands of square feet of its floors and walls. Beyond the stunning artistry, the villa's extensive thermal baths, basilicas, and opulent design reveal a level of extravagance that was excessive even by Ancient Roman standards.
What to ExpectBe captivated by one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics, offering a vibrant window into ancient life.
Experience the unparalleled artistry and luxury of Ancient Rome on Sicily tours and vacation packages by including Villa Romana del Casale in your itinerary.
View of ancient town of Sassi di Matera, Matera, Italy
Italy’s rocky outcrop city, Matera, is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true treasure trove of historical discoveries with its unique Sassi settlements dating back to 7,000 BC. Regarded by many as among the earliest human settlements in Italy, the Sassi di Matera offers an exceptional opportunity to explore ruins that are not merely remnants, but a living, evolving landscape interwoven with more modern buildings. As you follow cobbled streets that wind through this ancient city, you can discover desolate cave homes.
What to ExpectEmbark on a captivating journey through one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Uncover the ancient secrets of Matera. Take a look at our Southern Italy travel guide, then plan your trip to this extraordinary region.
The Catacombs of Rome in Italy
Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a dramatic and impressive network of ancient underground burial chambers known as the Catacombs of Rome. Dating back to the first century, these vast subterranean labyrinths served as resting places for early Christian and Jewish communities, offering a glimpse into their funerary practices and beliefs. Each catacomb site reveals a diverse ceremonial history, from the simple tunnels carved by Jewish communities to the more elaborate Christian cemeteries.
What to ExpectDescend into the silent, ancient underground world of Rome's early communities.
Delve into Rome's hidden history by planning a journey to explore these fascinating sites with our Italy tours from Rome.
Basilica di San Vitale interior mosaics, Ravenna, Italy
Ravenna’s 6th-century Basilica di San Vitale is a spectacular Christian Byzantine building that showcases the beauty of early medieval Italian art and architecture. Unlike the older Roman ruins, this basilica represents a later, yet equally fascinating, period of Italy's past, when Ravenna served as a crucial center of the Byzantine Empire in the West. Its interior is a breathtaking display of colorful mosaics, intricate patterns, and ornate walls that reveal the sophisticated artistic and design choices of its era.
What to ExpectBe mesmerized by one of the finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Western Europe.
Discover the Byzantine splendor of Ravenna. Plan your visit to this iconic basilica when touring neighboring cities and towns on the 3 Exclusive Itineraries to Emilia-Romagna.
Teatro Antico di Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Perched dramatically on a hilltop with glorious panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Taormina’s Teatro Antico di Taormina is an impressive Ancient Greek theater on the Italian island, dating back to the 3rd century BC. As the second-largest ancient theater in Sicily, it is a famous ruin to visit and once hosted musicians and orchestras. It continues to be used for cultural events today.
What to ExpectExperience an ancient Greek theater with breathtaking panoramic views and a vibrant historical atmosphere.
Discover the timeless allure of Taormina's ancient theater. Plan your Sicilian adventure with our Sicily Travel Guide.
The Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
The best ruins in Italy showcase ancient civilizations' diverse cultures and significance in shaping Italy as we know it today. From Roman ruins in the capital city to Ancient Greek Doric temples on the island of Sicily, you can explore the most famous ruins on our Italy tours and trip packages.
When planning your vacation in Italy, you can find more insight into the best places and experiences you can have in our Italy travel guide.
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