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Top 20 Archaeological Sites to Visit in Italy


A trip to Italy is definitely the experience of a lifetime.


It really has the best of everything from food and wine, to art and culture, and of course the lively and friendly Italian people.


Who doesn’t want to live their own version of la dolce vita?


For the cultural traveller, or even someone with a slight curiosity about the past, a visit to an archaeological site or ancient monument is a must. As the former heart of the Roman Empire, there is just so much to see.


With all of that ancient grandeur dotting the Italian peninsula, it can be difficult to narrow things down. So, we’ve come up with a list of our favourite 20 archaeological sites to visit, along with some recommendations for visiting from ‘skip-the-line’ tickets to personal guided tours of the larger sites help you get the most out of your visit.


We who are about to travel, salute you!


1. Pompeii - this is, of course, the well-preserved ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Nothing quite captures the imagination like the vast ruins of Pompeii from the grand forum and temple of Apollo and ornate villas of wealthy Pompeians, to the cobbled streets leading to the great Lupanar and myriad other sites that have given us such a clear picture of life in the Roman Empire. Pompeii is an amazing place to visit and requires at least a day all on its own. If you are in Rome, you can get there by train or bus easily enough. To get the most out of your trip, you can book a ‘skip-the-line’ tickets and one of the many excellent guided tours of Pompeii by CLICKING HERE.


2. Herculaneum - this is another Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius, just like Pompeii, except this city was smaller and more luxurious. If you want to see how the wealthy lived, this is a magnificently preserved site that will leave you a bit haunted. Because it is so close to Pompeii, you can combine it with a visit there, as well as a visit to Vesuvius if you are yearning for added adventure! To get more out of the site, book a guided tour with a knowledgeable archaeologist! You can get your ‘skip-the-line’ tickets and guided tour tickets for Herculaneum and/or Pompeii by CLICKING HERE.


3. Colosseum - the iconic Flavian Amphitheater of Rome where gladiators fought and other public spectacles took place. Nothing quite says ‘ancient Rome’ like the Colosseum! This is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Italy, which means that the lines can be long and the site extremely crowded. But everyone should see the Colosseum at least once in their lives! It is truly something to behold. We highly recommend booking ‘skip-the-line’ tickets for a visit to the Colosseum so that you don’t waste half your day. You can get even more out of the visit, and see parts of the interior that regular folks can’t see by booking a personal guided tour with one of the local historians and archaeologists. CLICK HERE to view the tour options and get ready for adventure!


4. Forum Romanum - the Roman Forum was the centre of political and social life in ancient Rome. The ruins consist of numerous ruins of temples, basilicas, and other buildings such as the Curia (Senate House), the Temple of Vesta, the arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, and the temple of the Divine Julius where people still lay flowers to Rome’s beloved general. There is a lot to see in the Forum, and it can be difficult to discern what you are looking at, so we recommend a guided tour. You can go on a guided tour with a knowledgeable historian, or one that combines it with a tour of the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, by CLICKING HERE. The Forum Romanum really was the beating heart of the Roman Empire, and it should not be missed!


5. Ostia Antica - the ancient port city of Rome, at the mouth of the Tiber River, has well-preserved ruins of houses, shops, and public buildings. This is a vast, well-preserved site, that gives some wonderful insight into ancient life, and it is easy to get to from Rome. The archaeological park is perfect for a bit of fresh air and time out of the hustle and bustle of Rome. You can walk in peace as you contemplate the ancient world and the people who roamed the streets, lived and worked there. You can book a shuttle from Rome, or tickets HERE.


6. Trajan’s Markets - a part of Emperor Trajan’s forum, this complex gives some insight into life and architecture in ancient Rome. Trajan’s Markets were a sort of ancient shopping mall where Romans could buy almost anything. This is near the Forum Romanum and Colosseum, so it is easy to walk to. Purchase your tickets and multimedia tour HERE.


7. Paestum - a well-preserved Greek colony in Campania, in southern Italy, with three magnificent Doric temples, ancient city walls, and amphitheatre, all located in the archaeological park. This is a wonderful site that is sometimes overlooked by most tourists, but well worth the visit. Explore the ruins of this ancient Greek community with ‘skip-the-line’ tickets and a guided tour to get more out of your visit. CLICK HERE for more information.


8. Villa Adriana - the lavish summer residence of the Emperor Hadrian near Rome, at Tivoli, with a complex of palaces, gardens, and baths. The villa complex is the largest known in the Roman world and covers an area that is larger than the city of Pompeii itself! This is not far from Rome, so it is easy to visit for a day trip. Guided tours that include ‘skip-the-line’ tickets to the Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este are available HERE.


9. Villa Poppaea - a beautifully decorated Roman villa near Pompeii, at Oplontis, with frescoes depicting a mysterious religious ceremony. This villa is believed to have been owned by Emperor Nero and lived in by his second wife, Poppaea Sabina, when she was away from Rome. Compared with other villas in the region, this site is especially luxurious.


10. Syracuse - a Greek city in Sicily with impressive archaeological sites such as the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysus cave. This area has rich and exciting ancient history and is well worth a visit if you are in Sicily. There are several very affordable ticket options including a combined entry and experience ticket for the Greek Theatre and Archaeological Park which you can purchase by CLICKING HERE.


11. Tarquinia - an Etruscan city in central Italy with fascinating tombs and sarcophagi decorated with intricate paintings and reliefs. This site is not far north of Rome and is easy to get to if you want a day out of the city, or if you are in southern Tuscany and looking for sites to visit. The various Etruscan necropoli are fascinating to visit. Specialized, guided tours and day trips to Tarquinia are available.


12. Agrigento - a Greek colony in Sicily founded around 580 B.C.E. This is the site of the magnificent ‘Valley of the Temples’ which has several well-preserved temples, including the famous Temple of Concordia. This site is truly a world apart that will take you back in time. Consider taking a guided tour with a local expert to get more out of your visit to this magical place. CLICK HERE for details.


13. Selinunte - another Greek city in Sicily, established in the 500s B.C.E. and destroyed during the Punic Wars. This amazing archaeological park has impressive temple ruins, walls, and houses overlooking the sea. It is perfect for a few hours out while exploring the beautiful island of Sicily. Tour options are available.


14. Baths of Caracalla - one of the greatest bath complexes of ancient Rome, the Baths of Caracalla are definitely worth a visit if you are in the Eternal City. This ancient complex, completed in the 3rd century C.E., took over a large portion of the ancient city, making it the second largest bath complex. You can get a combined, ‘skip-the-line’ ticket to the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla HERE.


15. Rome Catacombs - underground Christian cemeteries and sanctuaries used from the 2nd to the 5th century AD, with impressive frescoes and inscriptions. There is a vast and impressive network of catacombs beneath the city of Rome, so it is recommended to take one of the many guided tour options to properly explore this miracle of faith and survival in Rome. CLICK HERE for options.


16. Palatine Hill - one of the seven hills of Rome, with impressive ruins of imperial palaces and gardens. This was the home of Rome’s rich and famous during the Republic, and then of the emperors and empresses of the greatest empire in the world. Roam the ruins of palaces and gardens, temples and more in this very peaceful setting in the middle of Rome. There is also an on-site museum that has some truly wonderful artifacts and statues. From the top of the hill you can see what a view of the Circus Maximus the imperial family had when the chariot races were on! There are many tour options for the Palatine Hill which overlooks the Roman Forum and Colosseum, so be sure to check for the option that most suits your needs. CLICK HERE for more information.


17. Castel Sant'Angelo - this magnificent structure that overlooks the River Tiber in Rome is truly a site to see. Originally, it was built to be a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family, but was converted into a castle for the popes of Rome. Today it is a museum that is a wonder to explore and get a spectacular view over the city of Rome and the Vatican city. CLICK HERE for ‘skip-the-line’ tickets and guided tours.


18. The Pantheon - this famous Roman temple to the gods was originally built during the reign of Emperor Augustus by his admiral, Marcus Agrippa. It is one of the best-preserved and most famous monuments of ancient Rome. The construction of the dome was a technological and architectural marvel that inspired other works, including the Duomo in Florence. A visit to the Pantheon won’t take you long, but it is definitely worth a visit when in Rome. CLICK HERE for ticket and tour options.


19. Capua - an ancient Roman city in southern Italy, in Campania, with a well-preserved amphitheater and other ruins of public buildings. This amphitheatre is second in size only to the Colosseum in Rome. It is also where the Spartacus rebellion began at the gladiator school there. If you are interested in ancient Rome and the history of gladiatorial combat, this is a must. Be sure to visit the Gladiator Museum while you are there. There are several tour options for this wonderful site.


20. Via Appia Antica - this is perhaps the most famous road of ancient Rome. If you are in Rome, it is easy to visit this piece of history lined with trees and tombs, including the tomb of Caecilia Metella, the wife of the dictator, Sulla. This is a serene setting and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome without going far. The road is rich in history and is best explored on bikes or e-bikes with a tour guide. CLICK HERE for options.


These are just a few of the many ancient archaeological sites to visit in Italy, but they offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this fascinating country and its Greek, Etruscan, and Roman past.


Remember to check out our ‘Travel Resources’ page for deals and recommendations around flights, accommodation, tours, museum passes, and more!


Buon viaggio!



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