7 cities with Roman ruins

We have so much to thank the Romans for. It’s not just the aqueducts, sanitation, roads, and education – the ruins left behind by this incredible civilisation are a testament to how astonishingly advanced they were and a joy to explore. In today’s world of metal, concrete and glass, an encounter with Roman-era architecture can bring history to life. Here are some of the best places to see the relics of 1200 years of Roman rule.

Rome, Italy

In the Eternal City, ancient structures are all around you. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the individual stories hidden in the San Calisto Catacombs, the full 1200-year-span of Ancient Rome is at your fingertips. Wake up with the Forum and Colosseum on your doorstep, at Tre R Colosseo or B&B Colosseo Panoramic Rooms.

Bath, United Kingdom

One of the many things the Romans are known for is their baths – places where people came to bathe and socialise, and cornerstones of daily life. The city of Bath has some of the world’s most famous, making good use of the hot spring water that bubbles under the Mendip Hills. Since visits to Bath’s baths are clothes-on affairs, you’ll need to book spa sessions elsewhere – so how about a stay at The Gainsborough Bath Spa?

Évora, Portugal

The Romans’ conquering reach stretched throughout the Iberian peninsula. One of the country’s best-known Roman cities is Évora, the proud owner of some chunky city walls and a 1st-century temple that briefly served as a butcher’s shop in later years. Stay at the highly rated Albergaria Do Calvário, a 16th-century olive mill right next to the Roman fortifications.

Athens, Greece

Though Athens of course has its own precious ruins – the Acropolis is an ancient citadel built upon a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, dating as far back as the 5th century – Hadrian’s Library and the Tower of Winds were actually built by the Romans as their imperial force that swept through Athens. For overnight stays, Herodion Hotel is a winner. This city-centre hotel is round the corner from the Roman Forum, and has views straight up to the Parthenon.

Verona, Italy

Verona may be the known as the setting for Romeo and Juliet but it’s also home to one of the world’s most impressive amphitheatres: Arena di Verona. Wonderfully-preserved, this 1st-century performance space is still in use today – check listings for opera and pop concerts in the most atmospheric of venues. If you’re looking for a place within a stone’s throw of the Arena, stay at the highly-reviewed San Nicolò 3 or Hotel Accademia.

Chester, United Kingdom

Known as Castra Deva in Latin, Chester has some of Roman Britain’s best-kept remains. The highlight is the city walls, a rare complete circuit of intact town fortifications that now functions as a glorious walking route. Located down the road from the walls is The Pied Bull, a 12th-century inn which has its own microbrewery and beer garden.

Syracuse, Italy

For lovers of the classical world, Syracuse is a true wonderland. An important port city for both Greek and Roman empires, it’s home to a mind-boggling number of ruins spanning the millennia. Take your pick between Greek and Roman amphitheatres, temples, quarries and palaces. The ideal spot to stay is Ortigia, the little island just off the mainland, where properties like Hotel Henry’s House and Antico Hotel Roma 1880 are dotted amongst the architectural wonders.