One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Roman Colosseum was a center of entertainment for over 500 years until gladiator fights and other such events were no longer popular. Over the next millennia, the Colosseum was abandoned and left subject to lootings, earthquakes, and even bombings during WWII.

1. The Colosseum

Considered the best-preserved building from ancient civilization the Roman Pantheon is a quintessential stop along any exploration of Rome's historical sites. Showcasing the ingenuity and architectural feats of the ancient Romans, visitors experience the landmark just as the ancient Romans would have almost two millennia ago.

2. The Pantheon

While both cities were affected by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., Herculaneum is considered better preserved than Pompeii. Closer to the volcano, Herculaneum was entrenched in a thick layer of ash and flooded by lava which caused enhanced preservation of the city, including organic remains.

3. Herculaneum

Known as the Valley of Temples, the archeological area of Agrigento spans 1,300 hectares across the Sicilian coast and dates back to the sixth century B.C. With eight unique temples, each honoring gods including Juno, Demeter, Heracles, and Zeus, the Temple of Concordia is considered one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world.

4. Valley of the Temples

Since 620 B.C., Ostia thrived as a small community at the mouth of the Tiber River, becoming a Roman naval base around 400 B.C., and a commercial center and seaport by 150 A.D. When the Roman Empire fell in the sixth century, Ostia was abandoned, but today it’s a unique preservation of a historic seaport and an under-trafficked attraction.

5. Ostia Antica