These 14 Roman Landmarks Outside Italy Are Giving Travelers Chills
The borders of modern-day Italy didn’t stop the grandeur of the Roman Empire. From the windswept deserts of North Africa to the rolling hills of England, the remnants of ancient Rome stand as a testament to a civilization that left its fingerprints all over the map.
Visiting these sites is like going back in time. While they spark awe at how large and advanced Roman engineering was, they connect us with the past. Even the remains of an amphitheater or an imposing aqueduct’s towering arches are capable of bringing a sense of wonder that few other historic sites are able to elicit. Get ready to travel across continents to learn about 14 breathtaking Roman landmarks that have survived the ages—outside Italy.
The Roman Baths in England
One of the best preserved Roman sites in the world, this ancient wonder is tucked away in the city of Bath. The baths, built about 70 AD, were a social center for Romans who met here not just for hygiene, but for politics and leisure. Visitors can still see what life was like centuries ago, as the warm, mineral-rich waters still flow through the ancient stones. Around 1.3 million visitors go to the baths each year, so it is safe to say the lure of these baths still hasn’t fizzled out.
Pont Du Gard in France
This 1st century AD colossal aqueduct in southern France carried water to the Roman colony of Nîmes. Its three tiers of arches stand over 900 feet and are considered to be incredible engineering for the age. Experts still study its structure today, trying to work out how the Romans did this without modern tools. More than a million people visit every year, and Pont du Gard is not only a historical artifact, but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leptis Magna in Libya
Leptis Magna is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Africa, and a rare glimpse into the grandeur of Rome’s southern empire. On its sprawling streets, you will be surrounded by intricately carved temples, an amazing amphitheater, and colorful mosaics that have withstood the sands of time. Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born there, is believed by archeologists to have raised the city to its peak of prosperity in the 2nd century.
The Colonia Ulpia Traiana in Germany
This site was once a thriving Roman city, located near modern-day Cologne. The ruins, a forum, a temple, and an amphitheater, provide a vivid picture of how a Roman settlement was lived. Recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site is part of the Lower Germanic Limes. Artifacts and reconstructions of Roman life are also provided by a museum nearby.
The Roman Theater of Amman in Jordan
This 2nd-century Roman theater, now perched on a hillside in Jordan’s bustling capital, once sat 6,000 people. Despite its age, it’s still an architectural masterpiece in that it has a semi-circular design that makes for good acoustics even for the seats furthest away. Today, it’s a concert and cultural events venue where ancient history meets modern entertainment.
Timgad in Algeria
Timgad was a 1st century AD military colony nicknamed the ‘Pompeii of Africa’. Its grid-like layout showcases Roman urban planning at its finest. The ruins comprise a theater, a basilica, and a triumphal arch, all of which have a timeless quality. UNESCO calls the site “a living image of Roman colonization.”
Roman Ruins of Dougga in Tunisia
Named by some as the best–preserved Roman town in North Africa, it’s easy to see why. There are a host of structures, a theater, temples, and baths in this hillside settlement. What is most striking is the Capitol building, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Dougga is important, according to UNESCO, as a synthesis of the Roman, Punic, and Numidian cultures.’
Volubilis in Morocco
Sitting in the fertile plains of northern Morocco, Volubilis was the Roman Empire’s southernmost outpost. The ruins on the site are impressively adorned with stunning mosaics suggesting the city was wealthy and sophisticated. Volubilis also turns out to be an important place for olive oil production.
The Roman Wall of Lugo in Spain
This ancient wall stretches some 1.5 miles and is the only Roman fortification left in existence. It encircles the historic center of Lugo, built in the 3rd century AD. Its well-preserved ramparts can be strolled along by visitors for a unique view of the city’s Roman past.
The Library of Celsus in Turkey
The magnificent Library of Celsus can be seen in Ephesus; the once Roman metropolis. The library was built in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus in 117AD and formerly housed over 12,000 scrolls. By far one of Turkey’s most photographed landmarks is its stunning façade, with intricately carved columns and statues.
Caerleon Roman Fortress in Wales
A military base at the heart of the Roman occupation of Britain, this fortress sits in southern Wales. The amphitheater, barracks, and bathhouse give some insight into the day-to-day life of Roman soldiers. Historians say Caerleon was one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain.
The Roman Amphitheater of El Djem in Tunisia
El Djem’s amphitheater is on a scale and class with the Colosseum, a monument to the power and wealth of the Roman Empire. It was built in the 3rd century AD and could hold up to 35,000 spectators. History enthusiasts love its well-preserved arches and underground chambers.
The Roman Forum of Philippi in Greece
For centuries, this was an ancient site in northern Greece that was central to Roman and early Christian history. Philippi’s forum was the center of social, political, and economic life. Today its ruins are visited by people interested in its historical and spiritual importance.
The Temple of Augustus in Croatia
This temple is one of the best preserved Roman structures in the Adriatic region and stands proudly in Pula. One of the oldest buildings of ancient Rome, it was built in the 1st century BC to honor Emperor Augustus, with exquisite Corinthian columns and detailed reliefs. It now is a museum for ancient Roman artifacts.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.