Ancient Ruin sights in Europe
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A
Villa di Massenzio
The outstanding feature of Maxentius’ enormous 4th-century palace complex is the Circo di Massenzio, Rome’s best-preserved ancient racetrack – you can still make out the starting stalls used for chariot races. The 10,000-seat arena was built by Maxentius around 309, but he died before ever seeing a race here.
Above the arena are the ruins of Maxentius’ imperial residence, most of which are covered by weeds. Near the racetrack, the Mausoleo di Romolo (also known as the Tombo di Romolo) was built by Maxentius for his son Romulus. The huge mausoleum was originally crowned with a large dome and surrounded by an imposing colonnade, in part still visible.
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B
Largo di Torre Argentina
A busy transport hub, Largo di Torre Argentina is set around the sunken Area Sacra and the remains of four Republican-era temples, all built between the 2nd and 4th centuries BC. These ruins are off-limits to humans but home to a thriving population of 250 stray cats and a cat sanctuary.
On the piazza’s western flank is Rome’s premier theatre, the Teatro Argentina.
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C
Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella
Dating to the 1st century BC, this great drum of a mausoleum encloses a burial chamber (built for the daughter of the consul Quintus Metellus Creticus), now roofless. The walls are made of travertine and the sorry-looking interior is decorated with a sculpted frieze featuring Gaelic shields, ox skulls and festoons. In the 14th century it was converted into a fort by the Caetani family, who used to frighten passing traffic into paying a toll.
Beyond the tomb is a picturesque section of the ancient road, excavated in the mid-19th century.
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D
Villa dei Quintili
Set on lush green fields, this vast 2nd-century villa was the luxurious abode of two brothers who were consuls under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Alas, the villa’s splendour was to be the brothers’ downfall – in a fit of jealousy, Emperor Commodus had them both killed, taking over the villa for himself. The highlight is the well-preserved baths complex with a pool, caldarium (hot room) and frigidarium (cold room).
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