9 wonders of ancient Rome for a timeless journey

Ready for a trip to ancient Rome? Here are 9 historic monuments to discover in the Italian capital.

If you’re looking to travel back in time, Rome is the ideal destination for you. The city is rich in history and brimming with incredible ancient monuments.

In this article, we’ve selected the 9 wonders of ancient Rome that you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Rome. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious to discover the treasures of the Eternal City, you’ve come to the right place. Follow the guide and discover these jewels of the past.

Back to the days of gladiators at the Colosseum

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Viacheslav Lopatin

If there’s one monument to remember in the Italian capital, it’s the Colosseum. Built in the late 1st century, the Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre in the world. With its colossal dimensions and two-storey vaults, it stands like a titan in the heart of the city.

It can be visited on a guided walking tour in French or via an audio tour, which can be booked online or outside the monument. In the past, the site was used by the Romans as a stage for gladiatorial combat, in the bloody games the people loved so much. Equally bloody games involving wild animals also took place here. You can almost hear the sound of weapons cleaving the air and smell the perfume of blood…

The Roman Forum, an archaeological treasure in the heart of the city

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The Roman Forum is another of the must-see historic sites for immersing yourself in ancient Rome. Admire the vast archaeological ruins between Capitoline Hill and Mount Palatine, and marvel at the Temple of Venus and the Temple of Saturn. These are two powerful emblems of the might of the Roman Empire at the time.

For a more complete tour of the Forum, it’s best to let yourself be guided by professional local guides. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to options: small-group tours, with or without a ticket, to be combined with Rome’s other historic monuments or not (there’s a ticket that includes entrance to the Colosseum, Mount Palatine and the Roman Forum)… What’s best for you?

The Circus Maximus, the largest circus in ancient Rome

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One of the most emblematic sites in the history of ancient Rome is, of course, the Circus Maximus. Close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, this is an ancient racecourse dating back to the 6th or 7th century BC. It was here that horse-drawn chariot races were held! Just like in the comic strip « Asterix and the Romans », in fact.

The huge circus enclosure could accommodate up to 300,000 spectators– imagine the spectacle. From now on, you can visit it thanks to an audio-guided experience available in several languages. Wouldn’t it be a shame to miss this marvel of ancient Rome on your trip?

The Pantheon, a religious temple still standing

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The Pantheon takes you back in time. Its name comes from the Greek words « pan » (all) and « theios » (divine), which could be translated as « all the gods ». Logical, since it’s an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Roman gods. What makes it so successful? It’s one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in existence. Its 18-century-old dome, for example, is a world record. A true testament to Roman genius.

You can’t help but be transported back to the Rome of yesteryear when you visit the Pantheon. What’s more, there’s as much to see outside as inside. Free and open every day, this quiet and powerful place is now a mausoleum for the kings of Italy. An audio-guide ticket is available to take the tour with historical commentary in your ears.

The Baths of Caracalla, public baths of yesteryear

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The Baths of Caracalla are not necessarily one of Rome’s best-known historical sites. And that’s a shame, because it’s well worth the detour. As its name suggests, this place was once dedicated to thermal cures. It was here that the inhabitants of ancient Rome came to bathe and bask in the public saunas.

Built between 212 and 217, the Baths of Caracalla offer a glimpse of life at the time. Imposing, the ruins are still very beautiful. Remember to buy your entrance tickets in advance to visit this emblematic site. They are available on site.

Castel Sant’Angelo, mausoleum turned museum

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Noppasin Wongchum

The Castel Sant’Angelo, aka Emperor Hadrian’s Mausoleum, is another must-see on any trip to the heart of ancient Rome. Situated on the banks of the Tiber River, close to the Vatican, this historic monument built in 135 has had many faces: first conceived as a funerary edifice, it has in turn been a fortress, papal residence and prison. Today, it’s a museum open to the curious.

You can buy tickets at the castle entrance and use an audio app to visit. Please note: in addition to its rich history, a visit to the Castello di Sant’Angelo offers a breathtaking view of the city of Rome. Good to know for travelers in search of beautiful panoramas.

The Mausoleum of Augustus, imperial tomb

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Looking for a unique experience during your trip to Rome? Why not visit the Mausoleum of Augustus, an emblematic site of Ancient Rome? Built in 28 BC by theemperor Augustus, himself the adopted son of the famous Julius Caesar, the Mausoleum of Augustus is in fact a monumental tomb. With a diameter of some 87 meters, it is quite simply the largest circular tomb known to date.

Please note that it is currently closed for renovation. However, you can get a glimpse of this imposing ancient necropolis from outside by following the opening hours of the surrounding park.

The Ara Pacis, a tribute to peace in Rome

Shutterstovk – Mirek Hejnicki

Located right next to the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Ara Pacis is a sanctuary commissioned by the eponymous emperor in 13 BC. Its name means « altar of peace », and it’s no coincidence that it was built to celebrate Rome’s peace. It was also a way for the powerful Augustus to anchor his power over the city.

Hidden inside an enclosed Carrara marble structure, it can be visited in the company of a professional guide or with an audio guide. Its sumptuous reliefs are well worth a visit. Some even consider it a marble poem…

Trajan’s Forum and Markets

Shutterstock – Nattee Chalermtiragool

The Forum of Trajan, located in the heart of Rome, is a majestic architectural testimony to the Roman Empire, built by Emperor Trajan between 107 and 113 A.D. It can easily be reached by taking metro line B and getting off at the Colosseo station. This colossal monument (300 x 85 meters), where the Greek architect Apollodorus of Damascus moved some 61 million cubic meters of earth and rock, welcomes you with its remains, such as broken columns and stacked stones, bearing witness to its glorious past.

To visit Trajan’s Forum, you can opt for a guided tour that offers a journey back in time through its rich history, from the Dacian conquest that financed its construction, to the time of Emperor Constantius II, who admired it. You can also opt for a solo exploration, wandering among the ruins, stopping to read the explanatory panels.

Soak up the atmosphere: listen to the murmur of the city, breathe in the scent of ancient stone and surrounding pine trees, and imagine the sounds of the past – the footsteps of sandals on cobblestones, the murmurs of scribes in libraries and the echoes of public speeches. Expect an experience both educational and moving, a direct connection to Rome’s ancient history.

With all this, you’ve got enough to treat yourself to a wonderful trip to Ancient Rome! It’s hard not to be impressed by the rich history of Rome, a city that has survived the centuries. The 9 wonders of Ancient Rome presented in this article are just a small part of what the city has to offer. So, are you ready to discover these historic monuments and immerse yourself in the history of this eternal city?