Planning a trip: Best Roman ruins outside of Italy?

travelhistoryancient-rome

Radoslav_Tech

Joined:
29.07.2022
Posts: 433

Topic Starter

09.01.2025 09:46

I've already spent quite a bit of time exploring the sites in Rome and Pompeii, and now I'm looking to branch out for my next vacation. I'm really interested in seeing how the Roman Empire's architecture holds up in other parts of Europe or North Africa. Does anyone have recommendations for well-preserved sites that aren't completely overrun by tourists? I've heard good things about Nîmes in France and Ephesus in Turkey, but I'd love to hear some personal experiences or hidden gems you all might know of.

11 replies in this topic

ChernaKotka

Joined:
25.03.2021
Posts: 868

22.02.2025 19:00

You definitely have to check out Volubilis in Morocco. It's a bit of a trek, but the mosaics are absolutely stunning and you'll have half the crowds of Pompeii.

Aleks_K

Joined:
28.11.2024
Posts: 997

11.03.2025 09:13

In reply to a previous post

I second the Volubilis recommendation! It's one of my favorite places I've ever visited, and the setting in the hills is just gorgeous.

Krasen_K

Joined:
31.05.2021
Posts: 328

27.03.2025 00:40

If you are in France, don't skip Arles. It has a beautiful arena and theater that are still used today, plus the town itself is lovely.

Niko_N

Joined:
31.05.2024
Posts: 2401

28.03.2025 02:28

In reply to a previous post

Ephesus is amazing, but honestly, it is not what I would call 'not overrun by tourists.' It gets packed with cruise ship crowds by mid-morning.

Stefan_W

Joined:
01.09.2024
Posts: 617

29.04.2025 00:04

Try Jerash in Jordan. It is arguably one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world and it feels like you've walked back in time.

redoven

Joined:
11.08.2021
Posts: 395

20.05.2025 17:44

In reply to a previous post

Wait, is Jordan considered 'outside of Italy' enough for you? It's spectacular regardless.

vesko_55

Joined:
28.11.2024
Posts: 1471

29.05.2025 06:19

Check out Timgad in Algeria if you can manage the travel logistics. It's a perfect grid city and incredibly well-preserved.

Maya_L

Joined:
12.05.2021
Posts: 890

31.05.2025 09:22

In reply to a previous post

That's a great suggestion! Timgad is often overlooked because of the travel difficulty, but it's totally worth it for the history.

Poli_H

Joined:
15.09.2021
Posts: 985

09.06.2025 06:56

I really enjoyed Merida in Spain. The theater there is still used for performances and the museum is world-class.

Zuzi_P

Joined:
10.02.2021
Posts: 2147

27.08.2025 07:28

In reply to a previous post

I visited Nîmes last summer and loved the Maison Carrée. It's so well-preserved it almost looks fake!

Oliviya_T

Joined:
23.11.2024
Posts: 1095

20.01.2026 23:46

Honestly, just pick any of the sites in Tunisia. Dougga is breathtaking and usually very quiet compared to European sites.

Planning a trip: Best Roman ruins outside of Italy?

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