Rome's Greatest Historic Sites
Rome's historic sites span over two and a half millennia, from the founding of the Roman Republic to the grandeur of the Empire and the glory of the Renaissance. The city's historic center, along with the Holy See, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, recognized for its extraordinary concentration of monuments, churches, and archaeological remains. Our Rome historical map guides you to the most significant landmarks that tell the story of Western civilization.
Major Historic Landmarks
Pantheon
Built by Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD on the site of an earlier temple by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon is the best-preserved building from ancient Rome. Its revolutionary unreinforced concrete dome, measuring 43.3 meters in diameter, remained the world's largest dome for over 1,300 years. The oculus at the top is the building's only source of natural light. Originally a temple dedicated to all Roman gods, it was converted to a Christian church in 609 AD. The Pantheon houses the tombs of Renaissance master Raphael and two Italian kings. Entry is free but requires a reservation.
Coordinates: 41.898600, 12.476900
Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre, universally known as the Colosseum, is the largest amphitheatre ever built and Rome's most iconic symbol. Constructed between 72 and 80 AD under Emperors Vespasian and Titus, it could seat up to 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. The four-story structure introduced innovative crowd management systems that influenced stadium design for centuries. Despite earthquakes and stone robbers, the Colosseum remains remarkably intact and is part of the combined ticket that includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (EUR 16-22).
Coordinates: 41.890200, 12.492200
Roman Forum
For centuries, the Roman Forum was the beating heart of ancient Rome -- the center of political life, commerce, religion, and justice. Walking through its ruins, you pass the Temple of Saturn (one of Rome's oldest temples, dating to 497 BC), the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Curia (Senate House), and the Temple of Vesta. The Via Sacra, Rome's most famous street, runs through the center. The Forum's ruins can seem confusing without context, so an audio guide or guided tour is highly recommended. Access is included in the combined Colosseum ticket.
Coordinates: 41.892500, 12.485300
Baths of Diocletian
The largest of Rome's ancient bath complexes, the Baths of Diocletian could accommodate up to 3,000 bathers simultaneously when they opened in 306 AD. The sprawling complex covered 13 hectares and included libraries, gardens, and art galleries alongside the bathing facilities. Today, parts of the baths house the National Museum of Rome's epigraphic collection, while Michelangelo converted the central hall into the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in 1561. The Aula Ottagona (Octagonal Hall) nearby displays ancient Roman bronze sculptures.
Coordinates: 41.903200, 12.498200
Ara Pacis (Altar of Augustan Peace)
Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC to honor Emperor Augustus's return from campaigns in Hispania and Gaul, the Ara Pacis is one of the finest examples of Augustan-era sculpture. The altar's marble reliefs depict a procession of the imperial family, mythological scenes of Rome's founding, and elaborate floral patterns symbolizing the peace and prosperity of Augustus's reign. The monument was painstakingly reconstructed from fragments in the 20th century and is now housed in a striking modern museum designed by architect Richard Meier, opened in 2006.
Coordinates: 41.906000, 12.475500
Catacombs of Priscilla
Located along the ancient Via Salaria, the Catacombs of Priscilla are among the oldest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome, dating from the 2nd to the 5th century. Often called the "Queen of the Catacombs," this underground network stretches over 13 kilometers on two levels. The catacombs contain some of the earliest known images of the Virgin Mary (dating to around 230 AD), as well as the oldest known depiction of the Nativity. Several popes and martyrs were buried here. Guided tours run approximately every 30 minutes.
Coordinates: 41.928500, 12.512100
Domus Aurea (Nero's Golden House)
Emperor Nero's legendary palace, built after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, was one of the most extravagant buildings in Roman history. The sprawling complex covered parts of the Palatine, Esquiline, and Caelian hills, featuring a revolving dining room, walls encrusted with gold and gems, and an artificial lake where the Colosseum later stood. After Nero's death, subsequent emperors buried the palace and built over it. Rediscovered during the Renaissance, its painted decorations inspired artists including Raphael and Michelangelo. Visits are by guided tour only on weekends (EUR 16, reservation required).
Coordinates: 41.891800, 12.495300
Imperial Forums
As the original Roman Forum became too crowded, successive emperors built their own grand forum complexes nearby. The Imperial Forums include the Forum of Caesar (46 BC), the Forum of Augustus (2 BC), the Forum of Nerva (97 AD), the Forum of Vespasian (also known as the Temple of Peace, 75 AD), and the magnificent Forum of Trajan (112 AD) with its famous spiral column. Trajan's Column, standing 35 meters tall, is decorated with a continuous frieze depicting the Emperor's military campaigns in Dacia. The Via dei Fori Imperiali boulevard runs through the forums, and excavations continue to reveal new discoveries.
Coordinates: 41.894500, 12.486000
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic center of Rome was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, with extensions added in 1990. The designation covers all of Rome's ancient monuments within the Aurelian Walls, the Holy See properties, and the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura. UNESCO recognized Rome for its extraordinary influence on the development of urban planning, architecture, and the arts over more than two millennia.
Rome Through the Ages
- 753 BC - Founding of Rome: According to legend, Romulus founded the city on the Palatine Hill
- 509 BC - Roman Republic: The overthrow of the last king established the Republic and the Forum as its center
- 27 BC - Roman Empire: Augustus became the first Emperor, transforming Rome from a city of brick into a city of marble
- 80 AD - Flavian Era: The Colosseum was completed, symbolizing imperial power and engineering mastery
- 125 AD - Hadrian's Rome: The Pantheon was rebuilt in its current form, a masterpiece of Roman concrete engineering
- 306 AD - Late Empire: The Baths of Diocletian opened as the largest bath complex in the ancient world
- 476 AD - Fall of Rome: The Western Roman Empire fell, but the city's monuments endured
- 1506-1626 - Renaissance & Baroque: St. Peter's Basilica was built, and Rome was reborn as a center of art and architecture
- 1980 - UNESCO Recognition: Rome's historic center was inscribed as a World Heritage Site
Combined Tickets & Passes
Save money and skip the lines with these combined ticket options:
- Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill: Standard combined ticket (EUR 16-22), valid for 24-48 hours depending on ticket type
- Roma Pass (48h or 72h): Includes free entry to 1-2 museums, discounts on others, and unlimited public transport (EUR 32-52)
- National Museum of Rome: A single ticket (EUR 12) covers four sites: Palazzo Massimo, Baths of Diocletian, Crypta Balbi, and Palazzo Altemps
- SUPER Ticket: Covers the Colosseum arena floor, Roman Forum, Palatine Museum, and other premium areas (EUR 22)
Planning Your Historic Sites Visit
Rome's historic sites are concentrated in a relatively small area and can be explored over 2-3 full days. Start at the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning when crowds are thinnest, then walk to the Imperial Forums and Pantheon in the afternoon. Dedicate a separate day to the Vatican and another to sites further afield like the Catacombs of Priscilla and the Appian Way. Always book timed-entry tickets online in advance, especially for the Colosseum and Domus Aurea.