Archaeological sights in Rome
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Colosseum
The Colosseum is the most extraordinary of all Rome’s monuments. It’s not just the amazing completeness of the place, or its size, but the sense of its gory history that resonates: it was here that gladiators met in mortal combat and condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions. Two thousand or so years on, it’s still hauling in the crowds. Don’t let the lengthy queue put you off: just pop down to the Palatine ticket office, buy your combined ticket there, and on returning march straight in.
reviewed
-
B
Imperial Forums
The expanse of ruins to the northeast of Via dei Fori Imperiali are known collectively as the Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali). Constructed between 42 BC and AD 112, they were largely buried in 1933 when Mussolini built Via dei Fori Imperiali. Excavations have since unearthed much of them, but work continues and visits are limited to the Foro di Traiano (Trajan’s Forum), accessible through the Museo dei Fori Imperiali. Little that is recognisable remains of the forum except for some pillars from the Basilica Ulpia and the Colonna di Traiano (Trajan’s Column), whose minutely detailed reliefs celebrate Trajan’s military victories over the Dacians (from modern-day Romania)…
reviewed
-
C
Basilica di San Clemente
Architectural time travel awaits at the Basilica di San Clemente, which lies between San Giovanni and the Colosseum. The 12th-century church contains a stunning medieval mosaic in its apse, the Triumph of the Cross, with 12 doves symbolising the apostles. Figures around the cross include the Madonna and St John, as well as St John the Baptist and other saints. Though stunning, it’s eclipsed by the Renaissance frescoes in the Chapel of St Catherine, to the left of the entrance.
reviewed
-
D
Palatino
The Palatino (Palatine) is a beautifully atmospheric area of leafy gardens, majestic ruins and memorable views. According to legend, it was here that Romulus killed his twin Remus and founded Rome in 753 BC. Archaeological evidence has dated human habitation here to the 8th century BC.
Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and Circo Massimo, the Palatino was Ancient Rome’s poshest neighbourhood. Augustus lived here all his life and successive emperors built increasingly opulent palaces. But after Rome’s fall, it fell into disrepair and in the Middle Ages churches and castles were built over the ruins. During the Renaissance, members of wealthy families established gardens on…
reviewed
-
E
Area Archeologica del Teatro di Marcello
Rising from the ruins to the east of Via del Teatro di Marcello, the Teatro di Marcello is the star of this recently opened archaeological area.
The theatre was originally planned by Julius Caesar but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 44 BC. Augustus then inherited the project and named it after his favourite nephew Marcellus, who had died earlier in 23 BC. By 17 BC the theatre was in use, and was formally inaugurated in 11 BC.
Capable of holding more than 20,000 people, it was frequently restored after fires and earthquakes until it eventually fell into disuse. In AD 365 it was partially demolished and the stone used to restore nearby Ponte Cestio.
Beyond t…
reviewed
-
Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica
reviewed
-
F
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.
reviewed
-
G
Museo Nazionale Romano: Terme di Diocleziano
Today the bath complex ruins constitute part of the Museo Nazionale Romano: Terme di Diocleziano. The ground- and 1st-floor galleries contain a large collection of vases, amphorae and household objects in terracotta and bronze. Among the highlights are three stunning terracotta statues of seated female figures that were found in Ariccia, southeast of Rome. The extensive 2nd-floor galleries contain artefacts (mainly burial objects such as jewellery and domestic items) dating to the 11th to 6th centuries BC.
reviewed
-
H
Circo Massimo
Now little more than a basin of yellowing grass, the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) was Rome’s biggest stadium, a 250,000-seater capable of holding a quarter of the city’s entire population. The 600m racetrack circled a wooden dividing island with ornate lap indicators and Egyptian obelisks. Chariot races were held here as far back as the 4th century BC, but it wasn’t until Trajan rebuilt it after the AD 64 fire that it reached its maximum grandeur.
reviewed
-
I
Roman Insula
At the bottom of the Campidoglio, next to the Aracoeli staircase, are the ruins of a Roman apartment block or insula, typically used to house the poor. The unexcavated ground-floor shops of this building are now 9m below the current road level.
reviewed
Advertisement
