Sculptural detail from statues at Ostia Antica, near Rome.

Exploring the past in Italy

Italy is understandably dominated by its rich Roman past. But there is so much more for lovers of history, both before and after the Roman era. Prehistoric Italy goes back a few hundred thousand years into the Palaeolithic. And following the fall of Rome different regions of what we know of as Italy today were significant in political developments in both eastern and western Europe. If it is prehistoric rock carvings or Etruscan tombs, Greek temples or Roman amphitheatres and theatres, Norman castles or Byzantine churches that interests you, Italy has all this and more.

IN THE NEWS

Mausoleum of Augustus Finally Open

After many decades of neglect, a programme of restoration costing over €10 million euros, the monument that was the final resting place of the Emperor Augustus has finally opened to the public. Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, said at the opening, “We have given back this jewel of mankind’s cultural heritage after so many years of closure.” Timed entry tickets can now be purchased online.

The mausoleum of Augustus before reconstruction.

Bronze Horses of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

The four near life-size bronze horses of St Mark’s Basilica are said by many to be among Europe’s finest creations. They really are exquisite artefacts, made all the more fascinating by their biography. This is a story that has been shaped by some of Europe’s significant historical events, from soon after they were made … Continue Reading >>

Penny Sadler & Thomas Dowson

Adventures of a Carry on & Archaeology Travel

One of two arches of the Roman Pont Flavian in Provence.

So You Want to See a Mithraeum in Rome?

Of all the underground Roman structures that made Rome the city it was in ancient times, it is the temples dedicated to the Indo-Iranian god Mithras that are perhaps amongst the most enigmatic. As spectacular as the subterranean catacombs or the sewer tunnels are, we know much less about what went on in the ancient eternal city’s estimated 35 mithraea … Continue Reading >>

Sarah Smith

Charwell Proof Plus

Browse more Italy Travel Tips & Suggestions >>

Multiday Tours of Italy Via GetYourGuide

Find the best archaeology and history sites in Italy

Regions of Italy

For a list of archaeology and history sites and museums, with details for visiting these, either click on the region on the map, or click on the links below:

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For a list of archaeology and history sites and museums, with details for visiting these, either click on the region on the map, or click on the links below:

Abruzzo
Aosta Valley
Basilicata
Calabria
Campania
Emilia-Romagna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Lazio
Liguria
Lombardia
Marche
Molise
Piedmont
Puglia
Sardegna
Sicilia
Trentino-Alto Adige
Tuscany
Umbria
Veneto

Abruzzo
Aosta Valley
Basilicata
Calabria
Campania
Emilia-Romagna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Lazio
Liguria
Lombardia

Marche
Molise
Piedmont
Puglia
Sardegna
Sicilia
Trentino-Alto Adige
Tuscany
Umbria
Veneto

Archaeological Sites & Museums in Rome

When it comes to archaeology in Italy, there really is no place like Rome, also called the Eternal City. If you are looking to ease yourself into the best and most popular sights in Rome, have a look at the suggested top ten sites to visit. Once you have been there and done all those, then move on and explore the history of the city further with a more complete list of archaeological sites and museums in Rome. For more tips and suggestions for your trip, see our Rome Travel Guide >>