Rome wasn’t built in a day, and despite the alleged best efforts of Nero to raze the Empire, it wasn’t ruined in a day, either.
Ancient Roman architecture still stands today as a literal testament to the skill of its architects. Famous buildings in Rome like the Colosseum and the Pantheon are renowned for more than their aesthetic design. The fact that the Roman style of architecture has endured whatever man and nature threw at it is astounding.
You don’t need to be an aficionado of Roman building styles to appreciate these impressive Rome buildings.
Marcellus Theater in Rome. Image Credit: Getty Images, jarcosa
Marcellus Theater
Closest station: Colosseo (Metro)
Commissioned by Julius Caesar and finished by Augustus, this riverside open-air theater is one of the last of its kind from Ancient Rome. Marcellus Theater featured concrete walling, barrel vaults, and was supported by clusters of wooden piles. It’s considered one of the most significant theaters of ancient Rome.
Mausoleum of Augustus
Closest station: Flamino
The Mausoleum of August is one of the largest circular tombs in the world with a diameter of 300-feet. Like the Colosseum and other famous buildings in Rome, the Mausoleum is covered in travertine.
Read also: top things to do and see in Vatican City
Arch of Constantine
Closest station: Colosseo (Metro)
Arrive at the Colosseum from its western side and you’ll see the Arch of Constantine. As one of the only three remaining ancient Roman triumphal arches in Rome, it’s a unique structure to set your sights on. It’s got a fantastic location between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill so take a minute to admire the designs that include eight Aurelian panels and a series of Hadrianic roundels.
Read also: Roman Holiday movie locations
Roman Forum during sunset in Rome. Image Credit: Getty Images, Nico De Pasquale Photography
Roman Forum
Closest station: Colosseo (Metro)
The Colosseum and the Pantheon are joined by the Roman Forum as the trifecta of famous buildings in Rome you must see on your first visit. The Forum isn’t one building but several structures that created the central hub of ancient Rome.
What is Roman architecture famous for?
Roman architecture is famous for its design, with “design” being but a single word encompassing a world of architectural wonder. The intersection of strength and shapes is astounding by even today’s standards: centuries-old arches, domes, and vaults still endure the tumultuous test of time. From an aesthetic view, Roman architecture is so captivating that today’s architects find inspiration in its intricate details — or just straight-up steal ideas from the ancient Romans when designing decorative columns, vaulted ceilings, and facades.
Read also: where to find Bernini sculptures, fountains, and architecture in Rome
What is the most famous architecture in Rome?
The most famous architecture in Rome is the Colosseum, with the Pantheon nearly tying it. The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the greatest structures of the ancient world, surviving everything from earthquakes to floods. It’s also the classic “postcard photo” representing Rome so even the rarely-traveled usually know exactly what and where this iconic site is.
Colosseum in Rome at dusk. Image Credit: Getty Images, lupengyu
What was Roman architectural style?
We tend to view most ancient Rome buildings in a catchall category of “Ancient Roman” but there’s much more significance to the similarities and differences found within this style. Much of the features draw inspiration from the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles developed in ancient Greece.
What makes them Roman and not “New Greek” is how the ancient Romans used these design elements to create new types of buildings. Look to both the Colosseum’s symmetry and the Pantheon’s unsupported dome for proof that these builders were among the best the world has seen.
Read also: interesting facts to know about Rome's Pantheon before you visit
What are the main features of Roman architecture?
Roman architecture is often concrete, as opposed to the marble structures that the ancient Greeks built. The Romans didn’t invent concrete but they did master its mixing and rely on it for more than just their important sites. Aesthetically, the main features of Roman architecture were proportional and symmetrical, as seen in its use of arches, vaults, and columns.
However, Rome was only the heart of Ancient Rome. With the Empire’s arms extending from Britain down to Egypt, their Roman style of architecture is still present throughout Europe and North Africa. You’ll find ancient Rome architecture at Maison Carrée in France, the Pula Arena and Palace of Diocletian in Croatia, the Teatro Romano de Mérida in Spain, and the Roman baths in Bath, England.
Whether you’re using Rome’s metro system to explore the famous buildings in Rome or are hopping a train out of Roma Termini to find Roman style architecture outside of the Eternal City, we’ll help keep your trip on track.
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Interior of the Pantheon's dome in Rome. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Stephen Knowles Photography
