{"id":5150,"date":"2023-12-09T05:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T01:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/paris-guide-best-museums-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T19:59:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:59:06","slug":"ruins-of-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/ruins-of-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"When in Rome: 8 Ancient Ruins You Simply Cannot Skip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Few civilisations in human history have had quite the audacity of Rome. What started as a humble city-state<\/b> grew into one of the largest empires the world has ever seen, reshaping Western civilisation in ways we still feel today. At its peak, the Roman Empire was a remarkably sophisticated operation \u2014 a complex social and political structure with a healthy dose of influence borrowed from Greek democracy, spanning most of Western Europe. Wherever the Romans went, they brought their way of life with them, from roads and laws to language and architecture. And the best part? You can still see a lot of it. Monuments like the Colosseum and the Appian Way have survived thousands of years and are still standing. <\/p>\n

So\u2026 how much of ancient Rome actually still exists? <\/h2>\n

Here’s a fun fact that’ll stop you mid-bite of your gelato: experts estimate that only about 10% of ancient Rome is visible today<\/b>. The other 90%? Buried roughly 30 feet beneath the streets you’re walking on right now. Mind-blowing, isn’t it? Much of what once stood was destroyed over centuries of wars, looting, and the general chaos of history. But here’s the good news \u2014 the 10% that does remain is absolutely spectacular.<\/p>\n

The Pantheon alone is enough to make your head spin; a near-perfectly preserved masterpiece of Roman engineering that has stood for nearly 2,000 years and still holds the record as the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Not bad for a building that predates modern construction by millennia!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Top 8 ancient ruins in Rome <\/h2>\n

1<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Colosseum <\/h2>\n

<\/span>\"ruins<\/span><\/p>\n

With over 5 million visitors every year, the Colosseum<\/a> is one of Italy\u2019s most popular tourist attractions. Believed to have been constructed as a gift from ancient emperors to the Roman people, this grand outdoor amphitheater once served as the epicentre for entertainment in the Roman Empire, hosting various public spectacles and games. A stage for gladiator fights, often including animals, the Colosseum has quite the bloody past. Step back in time, marvel at the stunning architecture, and walk the floor of the greatest arena known to mankind. <\/p>\n

Hours<\/strong> The Colosseum is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, all around the year.Closing times vary throughout the year, and it is best to check again before leaving.<\/p>\n

Address<\/strong>Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184, Rome, Italy Get Directions<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n