Travel Tips

Ancient Ruins in Unexpected Places

Locations in this article:  Rome, Italy

As Peter always says, it pays to be a contrarian traveler. And that even applies when talking about ancient ruins! The fact is, there are some exceptional collections of ancient Roman ruins…outside of Rome.

In fact, they’re not even necessarily in Italy.

These sites can be found all over Europe, in Africa, and even in the Middle East.

Roman influences are easy to see in Nimes, France, where a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre still stands.

In Tunisia—just outside the city of Tunis—is the famous Carthage, which still has remnants of Roman temples, theaters and baths.

The ruins of Leptis Magna can be found in the country of Libya.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to sit on an ancient marble toilet.

Ruins also exist in Amman, Jordan, including a theater complex and fountains.

And, as you may have guessed, Greek ruins aren’t limited to Greece.

The ruins, temples and aqueducts in Ephesus, Turkey, are also major attractions.

There are also Greek structures still standing in areas like Bergama in Western Turkey, and in the seaside resort town of Kusadasi.

Bottom line: sometimes the best sights are in places you may not think of first, so do some investigation before you go.

For more ideas, check out our Cultural Immersion section.

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