Here are 10 must-see ancient ruins in Rome:

Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum, and its ancient ruins are a testament to its enduring legacy. Stepping into these magnificent structures is like traveling back in time, immersing yourself in the grandeur and daily life of one of history’s most powerful empires. From colossal amphitheaters to sprawling forums, these sites offer an unparalleled glimpse into Roman engineering, governance, and culture.

For the savvy traveler, booking tours and skip-the-line tickets in advance is highly recommended to maximize your time and avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. Consider walking tour bundles for a comprehensive experience that covers multiple sites with expert guidance.

Here are 10 must-see ancient ruins in Rome:

1. The Colosseum

• Historical Significance: Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum, built between 70-80 AD, was the largest amphitheater ever constructed in the Roman Empire. It hosted gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles, entertaining up to 50,000 spectators. It symbolizes the might and entertainment culture of ancient Rome.
• What to Expect to See: You’ll marvel at the sheer scale of this iconic structure. Explore the various tiers, imagine the roar of the crowds, and gaze down into the arena where epic battles unfolded. Some tickets offer access to the underground levels (Hypogeum), where gladiators and animals waited before their performances, and the arena floor, offering a gladiator’s perspective.
• How to Get There: Located in the heart of Rome at Piazza del Colosseo.
  • Metro: Line B to Colosseo station (right outside).
  • Bus: Several routes stop nearby, including 51, 75, 85, and 87.
  • Tram: Line 3 stops at Piazza del Colosseo.
  • Walking: Easily accessible by foot from central Rome.
• Tips:
  • Skip-the-line tickets are essential! Book online well in advance, as tickets often sell out. Many tickets are bundled with access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
  • Consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into its history and access restricted areas like the arena floor or underground.
  • Visit early in the morning (before 10 AM) or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved.
• Nearby:
  • Cafes: Numerous cafes and restaurants are located around the Colosseum, offering quick bites or more substantial meals. “Benso” and “Oro Bistrot Ristorante” are options (check OpenTable for availability).
  • Photo Ops: The classic shot from outside the Colosseum is a must. For a unique perspective, try capturing it from the top of Palatine Hill or through the Arch of Constantine.

2. Roman Forum

• Historical Significance: For centuries, the Roman Forum was the vibrant heart of ancient Roman public life. It was a bustling marketplace, a venue for political speeches, legal trials, gladiator fights, and religious ceremonies. It tells the story of the city’s political, social, and economic life.
• What to Expect to See: A sprawling complex of ruins, including the remains of temples (like the Temple of Saturn and Temple of Vesta), basilicas, triumphal arches (Arch of Septimius Severus, Arch of Titus), and the Via Sacra, the main road that ran through the Forum. While much is in ruins, imagining the grandeur of the past is part of the experience.
• How to Get There: Adjacent to the Colosseum.
  • Metro: Line B to Colosseo station.
  • Bus: Routes 51, 75, 85, 87.
  • Walking: A short walk from Piazza Venezia or the Pantheon.
• Tips:
  • Entry is typically included with Colosseum tickets.
  • The Forum is vast; download an offline map or use a guide app to help identify the ruins.
  • Shade is limited, so bring a hat and water, especially in summer.
  • Consider a guided tour to truly understand the significance of each crumbling stone.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: Head to the viewpoints on Via dei Fori Imperiali (near the Altar of the Fatherland) or near Capitoline Hill for panoramic views of the Forum.

3. Palatine Hill

• Historical Significance: One of the Seven Hills of Rome, Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome, where Romulus is said to have founded the city. It later became the residential area for emperors and elite Romans, housing magnificent palaces and gardens.
• What to Expect to See: Explore the impressive remains of imperial palaces, including the Flavian Palace and the House of Augustus and Livia, offering glimpses into imperial life. Don’t miss the Farnese Gardens, a beautiful Renaissance garden built on top of ancient palaces, providing stunning views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
• How to Get There: Connected to the Roman Forum. You can access it through the Roman Forum entrance on Via della Salara Vecchia or via the Colosseum side entrance. The quietest entrance is often on Via di San Gregorio.
  • Metro: Line B to Colosseo station.
• Tips:
  • Access is usually included with Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets.
  • The Palatine Museum on the hill provides valuable context to the ruins.
  • Catch the golden hour (late afternoon) for beautiful light on the ruins, perfect for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes; there’s a good amount of uphill walking.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The Farnese Gardens offer some of the best panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

4. The Pantheon

• Historical Significance: “Pantheon” means “all gods,” and this marvel of Roman engineering was originally a temple dedicated to all Roman deities. Rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD, it is remarkably preserved and has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Its massive unreinforced concrete dome remains the largest in the world.
• What to Expect to See: Step inside to be awe-struck by the sheer size of the dome and its famous oculus (a central opening to the sky), which is the building’s only source of natural light. Marvel at the intricate details of the interior, including the tombs of famous Italians like the painter Raphael and kings of Italy.
• How to Get There: Located in the Campo Marzio area of central Rome.
  • Metro: Nearest stops are Barberini and Spagna on Line A (a 15-20 minute walk through the historic center).
  • Walking: Easily walkable from many central Rome attractions like Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain.
• Tips:
  • Entry now requires a ticket. While residents of Rome, children under 18, and people with disabilities enter for free, others need a ticket. You can often obtain free entry tickets on site on the first Sunday of each month, but expect queues. Advance booking for paid tickets is advisable.
  • As it’s still a functioning church, visits can be temporarily suspended for religious celebrations.
  • Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect.
• Nearby:
  • Cafes & Restaurants: The Pantheon is surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants in Piazza della Rotonda. Grab a coffee or gelato and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Photo Ops: The exterior with the imposing columns is iconic. Inside, the oculus provides a unique photographic opportunity, especially when it’s raining (the rain falls directly onto the floor).

5. Baths of Caracalla

• Historical Significance: These enormous public baths, built between 212 and 216 AD by Emperor Caracalla, were more than just a place for bathing. They were a vast complex encompassing cold, warm, and hot baths, pools, massage rooms, libraries, and even brothels, serving as a social and recreational hub for all Romans, regardless of social class.
• What to Expect to See: While largely in ruins, the immense scale of the remaining brick walls and collapsed vaults still conveys the grandeur of this ancient complex. Imagine the richly decorated interiors with mosaics, frescoes, and marble cladding. In summer, the ruins often serve as a dramatic backdrop for opera and ballet performances.
• How to Get There: Located on Viale delle Terme di Caracalla.
  • Metro: Line B to Circo Massimo station (a 400-meter walk).
• Tips:
  • Book tickets online in advance to save time.
  • Allow time to wander and imagine the daily life that once filled these spaces.
  • Consider a guided tour to understand the layout and function of the different areas.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The vastness of the ruins against the sky creates impressive photographic opportunities, especially at sunset.

6. Circus Maximus

• Historical Significance: The largest stadium in ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus was primarily used for chariot racing, accommodating up to 250,000 spectators. It was a place of thrilling entertainment and immense social importance, where charioteers, often slaves, could achieve fame and even freedom.
• What to Expect to See: Today, the Circus Maximus is largely an elongated grassy field, but its immense size still hints at its former glory. The basic outline of the stadium is clearly recognizable. It’s a popular spot for locals to exercise and relax.
• How to Get There: Located between the Palatine and Aventine Hills.
  • Metro: Line B to Circo Massimo station (right across the street).
• Tips:
  • The main lawn area is free to access at all times. There’s also a separate archaeological section with an entrance fee.
  • While there are few standing ruins, it’s a great place to imagine the thundering hooves of chariots and the roar of the crowd.
  • Combine a visit here with the Palatine Hill or Baths of Caracalla, which are nearby.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The panoramic view from Palatine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus offers a good sense of its scale.

7. Catacombs of Rome

• Historical Significance: These extensive underground burial networks served as cemeteries for early Christians and Jews in Rome, dating from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD. They offer a unique insight into early Christian art, beliefs, and funerary practices during a time when Christianity was not yet openly practiced.
• What to Expect to See: Guided tours take you through narrow, winding tunnels lined with burial niches (loculi), chambers (cubicula), and sometimes frescoes and mosaics. Different catacombs offer unique aspects, such as the Crypt of the Popes in the Catacombs of Callixtus or the beautiful frescoes in the Catacombs of Priscilla.
• How to Get There: The catacombs are located outside the city center, primarily along the Appian Way.
  • Catacombs of Callixtus, Domitilla, and St. Sebastian: Accessible via Bus 118 or 218 from the Colosseo area.
  • Catacombs of Priscilla: Accessible via Bus 86, 92, or 310 from Termini.
• Tips:
  • All visits are guided, and photography is often prohibited in certain areas.
  • Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and bring a light sweater, as the underground temperature is cool (around 12°C/54°F).
  • Book tours in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill quickly.
  • The narrow tunnels might not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The entrance areas and surrounding grounds might offer some photo opportunities, but remember to respect the rules within the catacombs.

8. Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

• Historical Significance: Known as the “Queen of Roads,” the Appian Way was one of the earliest and most strategically important Roman roads, built in 312 BC. It connected Rome to Brindisi, facilitating military movements, trade, and communication across the Roman Empire. Its historical significance is further amplified by the numerous tombs and monuments that line its ancient path.
• What to Expect to See: Walk or cycle along stretches of the original basalt paving stones, encountering ancient tombs, mausoleums (like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella), and parts of ancient aqueducts. The area is now a regional park, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
• How to Get There: The closest section to Rome begins at the Porta San Sebastiano.
  • Bus: Bus 118 or 218 from the Colosseo area will take you along the Appian Way, stopping near various catacombs and sites.
  • Biking: You can rent bikes from the Appian Way Visitor Centre.
• Tips:
  • Sundays are ideal for visiting, as the road is often closed to traffic, making it perfect for walking or cycling.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes or rent a bike for a more extensive exploration.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to one of the nearby catacombs.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The long, tree-lined stretches of the ancient road, with scattered ruins and tombs, provide picturesque photo opportunities.

9. Castel Sant’Angelo

• Historical Significance: Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family in the 2nd century AD, Castel Sant’Angelo has transformed throughout history, serving as a fortress, prison, and even a papal residence connected to the Vatican by a secret fortified passageway (Passetto di Borgo).
• What to Expect to See: Explore the various levels, from the original mausoleum core to the papal apartments with their stunning Renaissance frescoes. Climb to the panoramic terrace for breathtaking 360-degree views of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Tiber River. You can also see the famous Ponte Sant’Angelo, adorned with Bernini’s angel statues.
• How to Get There: Located on the right bank of the Tiber River, a short walk from the Vatican City.
  • Metro: Line A to Lepanto or Ottaviano (a 15-20 minute walk).
  • Bus: Several bus lines stop nearby.
  • Walking: Easily accessible from Piazza Navona or the Vatican.
• Tips:
  • Book skip-the-line tickets online to avoid queues.
  • Consider a guided tour to learn about its diverse history.
  • The views from the top are particularly stunning at sunset.
• Nearby:
  • Cafes & Restaurants: Numerous options around the Castel Sant’Angelo and along the Tiber River.
  • Photo Ops: The view of the castle from Ponte Sant’Angelo with the angel statues is iconic. From the top of the castle, capture sweeping panoramas of Rome.

10. Trajan’s Market

• Historical Significance: Built between 100 and 110 AD, Trajan’s Market is considered by many to be the world’s first covered shopping mall. This multi-level complex housed over 150 shops and offices, showcasing the sophisticated commercial and administrative aspects of ancient Rome. It was an integral part of Trajan’s Forum, a massive urban complex.
• What to Expect to See: Explore the various levels and structures, including the Great Hall, which likely served as a public market, and the smaller shops and tabernae (taverns). The site also houses the Museum of Imperial Fora (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which uses models and multimedia to explain the different imperial forums.
• How to Get There: Located on Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
  • Metro: Line B to Colosseo or Cavour.
  • Walking: Easily accessible from Piazza Venezia or the Roman Forum.
• Tips:
  • The entrance fee includes access to the Museum of Imperial Fora.
  • Allow ample time to wander through the different levels and appreciate the architectural ingenuity.
• Nearby:
  • Photo Ops: The unique terraced structure of Trajan’s Market, especially when viewed from Via dei Fori Imperiali, offers a distinct photographic angle.

Visiting these ancient ruins in Rome is an unforgettable journey through history. By planning ahead with skip-the-line tickets and considering guided tours, you can ensure a smooth and enriching experience, truly appreciating the timeless allure of the Eternal City.