How often do you think about the Roman Empire? In certain parts of Europe, you can’t go more than a few hours without being reminded of it, since there are literal ruins lying around outside your doorstep—and we’re not just talking about in the city of Rome itself.
Sure, you’ll find the greatest hits in Rome: the Colosseum, Pantheon and Roman Forum. But you’ll also find stunning—and incredibly well-preserved—ruins across the continent.
Such was the dominance of Rome in its heyday that you can visit the structures it left behind from northern England down to the southern tip of Sicily. Let’s explore some of the best Roman ruins outside of Rome.
Image Credit: Getty Images, emicristea. Image Location: Pula Amphitheater, Pula, Croatia
Roman ruins in Croatia
The Pula Amphitheater is found in Pula, a seafront city located on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheater to retain its complete circuit of walls, with all four side towers entirely preserved.
Constructed between 27 BCE and 68 CE at the beginning of Roman imperial rule, it is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas and is believed to have seated around 20,000 spectators in its day.
Today the venue is host to a number of different events such as the Pula Film Festival, various concerts, opera, ballet and sports competitions, with a capacity of 5,000. It is open daily to visitors.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Yann Guichaoua-Photos. Image Location: Pont du Gard, Gard, Occitanie, France
Roman ruins in France
Arles Arena
Closest station: Arles
The Arles Arena is a Roman amphitheater found in Arles, a city in the south of France.
Built in 90 CE with three medieval towers jutting out from the top, the amphitheater used to hold over 20,000 spectators for chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand battles to the death. Nowadays, it draws smaller crowds for bullfighting during the popular Feria d’Arles festival held every year as well as plays and concerts in the summer months. The Arles Arena was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Pont Du Gard
Closest stations: Nîmes | Avignon
The world’s largest Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the 1st Century CE to transport water over 30 miles to the Roman colony of Nîmes, crossing the river Gardon near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France.
The Pont du Gard is the tallest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and one of the best preserved. It was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 1985.
Explorers can enjoy walking paths lined with greenery and a variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna as well as luscious views in the surrounding areas.
Roman ruins in Paris
In Roman times, Paris was known as Lutetia and you can still find ruins of the Roman settlement in the French capital today, including:
- The Roman Baths at the Musée de Cluny.
- The Arènes de Lutèce in the 5th arrondissement.
- The Archeological Crypt beneath Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Image Credit: Getty Images, blue sky in my pocket. Image Location: Hadrian's Wall, Greenhead, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Roman ruins in England
Are there still Roman ruins in England?
The most popular Roman structures visited by tourists are the Roman Baths in Bath and Hadrian's Wall in the north of England. But you'll find ruins and archeological sites across the country. You'll even notice the Roman Empire's legacy in certain very straight roads still in use today.
Bath
Closest station: Bath Spa
Constructed in the 1st Century CE, the Roman Baths are the top tourist attraction in the English city of Bath. You might not be able to swim there any more—the water is untreated and unsafe—but you can pretend like you've traveled back 2,000 years when they light the torches around the Great Bath at night.
Hadrian's Wall
Once the northernmost frontier of the empire, Hadrian's Wall stretches 84 miles across the north of England from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. A former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, it served not just as a barricade to separate the barbarians from the Romans but also as a visual testament to the power and reach of the Empire.
If you want to explore the archeological remains up close, pay a visit to Chesters Roman Fort (closest station: Hexham) and Corbridge Roman Town (closest station: Corbridge), both short train rides from Newcastle. Or if want a challenge, you can even hike the full length of the Hadrian's Wall Path from Wallsend (closest station: Newcastle) to Bowness-on-Solway (closest station: Carlisle).
Roman Ruins in London
The oldest part of London—the City of London, where the financial district is located—sits on top of the remains of the ancient Roman city of Londinium. You can still see sections of the Roman walls of the city near the Tower of London, and even one section in an underground car park near the Museum of London.
What is the oldest Roman town in the UK?
London—formerly Londinium—is not, in fact, the oldest Roman town in the UK. That honor goes to the city of Colchester—formerly Camulodunum—in Essex, which was the province of Britannia's first capital. Following Camulodunum's destruction in 61 CE during the rebellion led by British Queen Boudica, the Roman provincial capital moved to Londinium.
Image Credit: Getty Images, FotografieLink. Image Location: Porta Nigra, Trier, Germany
Roman ruins in Germany
Trier
Closest station: Trier
During the reign of Constantine I, Trier was a major imperial hub and the primary residence of Constantine’s son Crispus. Today, it is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Germany and is known as the oldest city in the country.
A large Roman bath complex was constructed in the early 4th century CE, with the baths built around hot water pools reaching 104oF. Underneath lie a network of underground passageways used by the staff which can still be seen today, along with the remains of the sewer system.
Also worth visiting in the city are the Porta Nigra gate (the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps) and the 2nd-century CE Roman Bridge across the Moselle River (the oldest bridge north of the Alps still crossed by traffic).
Roman ruins in Spain
Segovia
Closest station: Segovia
One of the greatest architectural jewels of the Iberian Peninsula, the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is thought to be a masterpiece of civil engineering.
Found in the city of Segovia in central Spain’s Castile and Leon region north of Madrid, it was built around the 1st Century CE to channel water from springs in the mountains down to the city’s fountains, public baths, and private houses, and was still in use up until 1973.
Roman ruins in Barcelona
Closest station: Barcelona Sants
Barcelona was founded by the Romans near the end of the 1st Century BCE. If you want a taste of what the Roman town was once like, visit the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA). It runs several heritage sites across the city. At the Plaça del Rei site, you'll be able to see the ruins of a whole quarter of the Roman town, including streets, factories and shops. Another highlight is the Temple of Augustus.
Rails to ruins
If you think it's time to indulge your inner history buff, download the Trainline App and search for the fastest and cheapest trains to the the best Roman ruins across Europe. You can pay securely in US Dollars before you even leave on vacation and store your e-tickets on your phone. Looking for other historical sites to explore in Europe? Check out our articles on the best military museums in London and how to reach Normandy's D-Day beaches by train from Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, SCStock. Image Location: Arles Arena, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France