The Pantheon, Rome
Must-SeeFreeThe best-preserved Roman building — the unreinforced concrete dome (43m span) remains the largest in the world. Free entry. The oculus light beam at noon is mesmerising.
Pompeii
Must-SeeUNESCOA complete Roman city frozen by Vesuvius — streets, houses, frescoes, baths, amphitheatre. Plan 4-5 hours minimum. The House of the Vettii frescoes are extraordinary.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Must-SeeThe political heart of the ancient world. Combined ticket with Colosseum. Hire a guide or audio guide — without context it looks like a field of ruins. With context, it comes alive.
Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily
UNESCOHidden Gem3,500 square metres of Roman floor mosaics — the famous "bikini girls", hunting scenes, and mythological narratives. The best Roman mosaics in existence. Near Piazza Armerina.
National Roman Museum (Palazzo Massimo)
Must-SeeThe finest collection of Roman frescoes and sculpture — the garden paintings from Livia's Villa are breathtaking. Criminally uncrowded. Buy the combined 4-museum ticket.
Where to start
The Pantheon (free, no queue) is the perfect Roman starting point. Pompeii for immersion. Palazzo Massimo for the art. Villa del Casale for the mosaics.