Add These 13 Epic Ancient Ruins to Your European Adventure
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Europe has a long and exciting history, and you can still see parts of it in the old ruins found all over the continent. These amazing places have been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. They give us a peek into what life was like long ago and remind us of how much has changed. If you like history, you’ll definitely want to check these out.
1. Stonehenge, England
Erected in the late Neolithic period (2500 B.C.), Stonehenge is located in the hills of the Salisbury Plain. There are two types of stones that you’ll find: sarsens and smaller bluestones coupled with massive ones lining the outer perimeter.
There are many theories about why the place was built 5000 years ago. Some say it was an astronomical observatory, others believe it to be a healing site, and some even claim it was a burial ground. Whatever the origin story, this historical landmark is accessible via cars and buses, or you can opt for a guided tour with a detailed history of the place.
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2. Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland
This medieval castle is an hour’s drive from Belfast and is a must-visit. Dunluce Castle has become a popular tourist destination because of the popular TV show Games of Thrones filmed there.
However, the most enigmatic thing about the place is the story behind it. It is said that back in 1588, a Spanish Armada ship crashed into the rocks at Lacada Point. The castle was modified with canons from that wreckage, and funding was restored by selling the salvaged parts.
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3. The Colosseum, Italy
The Colosseum in Rome has been awarded the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with tons of tourists flocking to see the gorgeous fortification. Initially, the entire site served as an amphitheater where people would come and watch fighting animals and gladiator battles.
The place is huge and can seat up to a whopping 50,000 people. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Pius VIII started to preserve this stunning piece of architecture.
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4. Roman Theatre of Orange, France
Initially built by soldiers during Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul in 40 B.C., the Roman Theatre of Orange is so well-kept that it’s still used to host drama festivals.
The Romans wanted to spread their culture while keeping civilian minds away from the political unrest. The first row was reserved for knights and equites, while the rest was open to the public. Visit between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm and enjoy the theatrical performances here during the summer.
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5. Pont Du Gard, France
When the Roman Empire flourished and expanded, many fortifications were built, and Pont Du Gard was one of them. This architectural masterpiece is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, elevating the entire experience.
It was used to transport water from a nearby spring to the Roman colony of Nemausus. With massive archways, this bridge is an engineering marvel that deserves a visit.
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6. Delphi, Greece
If you’ve read all the Greek mythology novels, then Delphi will be a dream come true. The place originated as a religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and served as a home to the Oracle of Delphi, known to predict the future in the form of prophecies in Greek literature.
Whether you go on a tour or by yourself, you’ll witness a gymnasium, theater, and an informative museum with a magnificent view of the undulating plains nearby. Delphi is an easy day trip from Athens.
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7. Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii used to be a lively city until the eruption of the Mount Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D. caused the town and its people to disappear. It wasn’t until 1748 that the forgotten city was rediscovered through excavations.
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Despite the site’s morbid past, you’ll be able to see shops, streets, and homes preserved to this day. Don’t miss out on the trek to the dormant volcano because the view will leave your mouth hanging.
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8. Basilica Cistern, Turkey
Built in 532 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the Basilica Cistern was made to store water. Many cisterns were erected for this purpose, but Basilica is one of the largest.
This marvelous architecture had to be built with the most robust material to handle the water pressure, so it still exists in pristine condition. In recent years, the place has been lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and a theater for concerts.
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9. Megalithic Structures, Malta
The Megalithic Structures are ancient temples known to be one of the oldest historical landmarks in the world. Constructed back in 3600 BC, these massive fortifications have a distinct design with oval chambers and semi-circular recesses.
Some of these structures show early signs of astronomy knowledge, with the designs made for summer and winter solstices. These temples, coupled with sandy beaches, make the island of Malta an excellent destination for a vacation.
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10. Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena is a magnificent city with some of the most stunning places and rich history. Visiting this divine city will lead you to the Punic Wall built for protection during the Punic Wars, Plaza de Toros, a Roman theater discovered in 1987, La Casa de Fortuna, the home of an old Roman merchant, and many more ancient adventures.
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11. Ogrodzieniec Castle, Poland
Dating back to the 14th century, Ogrodzieniec Castle stands tall on a gorgeous hill in Silesian Voivodeship. These ruins attract hordes of tourists worldwide and are a must-visit.
The Włodkowie Sulimczycy family built the place, and it held immense importance in Poland’s history, with countless conflicts and hard-fought battles. This medieval castle is an hour from Krakow, so check it out.
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12. Arch of Constantine, Italy
The Arch of Constantine is integral to Roman history as it was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Constantine against the tyrant Maxentius on 28th October 312 CE in the hard-fought battle of Milvian Bridge. The senate made this massive structure to show gratitude and win his favor.
To reach the destination, you’ll find several subway stations nearby, which makes traveling there much more accessible.
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13. Temple of Poseidon, Greece
Perched on the cliffs of Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon offers breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea. The ancient wonder pays tribute to the god of the sea and is linked to several mythology stories—the most important one being that Aegeus jumped into the sea from there when he thought that his son, Theseus, had died.
But there is more to this Greek landmark than its ancient history. It is about 43 miles from Athens and amidst gorgeous beaches and traditional taverns, making it a great day trip.
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