Campania
The ancient town of Baia was the area preferred by roman emperors who
used to spend most of their holidays in this amazing city. The remains
of a thermal bath complex is still well preserved and worth a visit.
The ancient town of Cuma, the oldest greek colony in the west, still
stands on a hill close to the sea in a very beautiful scenic position.
Temples, buildings and the interesting Sybil's Cave are still visible.
Ancient Pompei
One of the most fascinating and famous ancient city is Pompeii which
was buried under some pyroclastic material during the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ancient city is well preserved and many
bildings, temples, public baths, mosaics, frescoes and other
decorations are still well preserved and worth a visit.
Ancient Herculaneum
The ancient town of Herculaneum is one of the most spectacular and well
preserved ancient towns. It was buried under 25 meters of volcanic
material during the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in the year 79 AD
and it disappeared completely. Most of its buildings, villas, shops,
public baths and temples are still well preserved. Herculaneum is the
only buried city where it is still possible to see carbonized wood,
doors, windows, shelves and many other artifacts which are still in
good condtions.
Paestum
The greek town of Paestum, known as Poseidonia, is well known for its
astonishing doric greek temples which are still well preserved. The
remains of the city are also interesting and the nearby
archaeological museum is one of the most important of the area.
The archaeological museum of Naples
It is considered to be one of the most important archaeological museums
in the world as it hosts most of the artifacts which were found from
the ancient cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii, Stabiae and others which
were buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The museums hosts
also a very impressive Egyptian collection and the famous Farnese
collection, one of the largest arts collection in the world.
Lazio
Ostia Antica
Close to the bustled city of Rome, there is the ancient town of
Ostia which was built during the 4th century b. C. as a Roman colony.
It became the port of Rome during the second century. Due to the river
Tiberius which changed its course, the area was completely buried under
layers of mud and the city was lost for centuries. The archaeological
site is worth a visit for its amazing well preserved mosaics, its
beautiful frescoes, the amphiteater and the museum.
Villa Adriana, Tivoli
Just outside Rome there is a huge villa which belonged to Emperor
Hadrian. The dwelling is considerd to be one of the largest residences
of the roman time as it covered an area of almost 300 acres. The large
villa includes many buildings and gardens, temples, large swimming
pools, bath complexes and many beautiful marble statues. Hadrian wanted
to represent here many of the places he had visited travelling around
the world.
Tarquinia and the Monterozzi necropolis
Close to the town of Tarquinia there is the famous necropolis which
contains tombs dating back to the etruscan time, late 6th century. Many
of the tombs are decorated with frescoes which are still in good
conditions and they represent lavish banquet scenes showing people
enjoying food and wine while listening to the melodies of flutes and
singers. Many etruscan artifacts are kept in the Archaeological museum
hosted at Palazzo Vitelleschi.
Cerveteri
The ancient town of Cerveteri is another of those etruscan sites where
many tumuli-circular mounds form spectacular tombs cut into the ground.
Many of them are still decorated with stucco reliefs and frescoes.
Colosseum and Foro romano in Rome
Known as the Flavian amphitheatre, the Colosseum was built in the year
70 after Christ as the venue for ancient roman games. Decorated with
travertine marble, the circular arena was surrounded by a four storey
auditorium which contained almost 70.000 seats.
The Roman Forum, which is close to the Colosseum, was created during
the 7th century before Christ to host the most important monuments
where religious and political gatherings, as well as commercial
activities, took place.
The Pantheon
Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 before Christ, the building was
destroyed twice and rebuilt by emperors Domitian and Hadrian. It
is 43 meters high and it has a dome which is considered to be the
largest unreinforced concrete cupola in the world.
Sicily
Archaeological park of Siracusa
The ancient city of Archimedes, is still well preserved. It is possible
to visit the greek theatre which is considered to be among the largest
ones in the world. It was built around 500 b. C. by greek people, it
could host 15.000 spectators and it was used for classical plays as
well as for gladiatorial games. The roman amphitheatre is also very
impressive and worth a visit. The archaeological museum contains many
artifacts found in the area.
Morgantina
Built during the 5th century b. C. the remains of the town include the
temple dedicated to Demetra and Kore, the Agorà, the public market
area, and the theatre. Many private homes are still decorated with
beautiful mosaics among which the best known is the Venus from
Morgantina which is kept at the nearby Aidone museum.
Villa romana of Piazza Armerina
One of the most beautiful villas of the roman time, the Casale villa is
well known all over the world for its marvellous well preserved mosaics
which decorate the floors of the rooms of this huge dwelling.
Taormina and its theatre
This splendid city is well known fot the remains of its ancient theater
which could contain 10.000 spectators. The view from the archaeological
area is one of the most spectacular sceneries in the world. The
nearby archaeological museum, hosting many artifacts, is also worth a
visit.
Tuscany
The bay of Baratti and Populonia
The ancient etruscan city of Populonia (Piombino) is famous for its
remains and for one of the most noteworthy necropolis of the etruscan
times. The area around Barati bay is well known for the industrial area
which was created by the etruscans who, in ancient times, here worked
the iron extracted by the nearby Elba island. Remains of tombs, a
massive fortress and the city wall are still well preserved. Many
etruscan artifacts are kept in the Etruscan Museum hosted at villa
Gasparri.
Vetulonia
The ancient city was built by the etruscans around 600 b. C. Nowadays
remains of the city wall made of massive limestone and thousands of
tombs of its necropolis are visible. The archaeological museum hosts
many of the artifacts which were found from the area.
The archaeological musem of Florence
Hosted in the famous Palazzo Crocetta, the archaeological musem is
worth a visit for the numerous artifacts of the Etruscan and Roman
time. Noteworthy are the collection belonging to the Medici family and
the egyptian section.