The Roman World beyond Italy

France, In Our Suitcases, Italy, Travel

Traveling has brought us to many corners of the world — and one group of people keep popping up: the Romans. At its height, the Roman Empire was the most extensive political and social structure in western civilization. Subscribe to our Big & Small Travel Youtube to watch our adventures in Rome and more.

 

They ended up leaving their mark in places well beyond modern Italy, including England, France, Croatia, Spain, and Germany. Before heading on our Roman photo journey, take a look at the Roman Empire’s domination in 117 AD:

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The Roman Empire in AD 117, at its greatest extent with its full kingdom in red and pink.

Here are our top 5 spots to find a slice of Ancient Rome outside Rome itself.

  1. Bath, England – Roman Baths

    Roman-Bath

    The Roman Baths complex is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing. The temple was constructed by the Romans in 60–70 AD and the bathing complex was gradually built up over the next 300 years.

2. Segovia, Spain – Roman Aqueduct

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The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain, is one of the best-preserved elevated Roman aqueducts. It dates from AD 81-96.

3. Split, Croatia – Palace of Diocletian

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Croatia was ruled by the Romans for over five centuries. Big and Small are pictured here at the Palace of Diocletian, an ancient Roman palace built between 295 and 305 in Split, Croatia, by the emperor Diocletian as his place of retirement (he renounced the imperial crown in 305). You can also find the sixth largest Roman amphitheater, and one of the best preserved, further north, in Pula, Croatia.

4. Lyon, France – Theatres Romains

Theatres Romains, built around 15 BC by the Romans

Lyon, France, has the Theatres Romains, built around 15 BC by the Romans. This theater held an audience of 10,000. The Romans also held poetry readings and musical recitals in the smaller, adjacent odeon.

5. Trier, Germany – Porta Nigra

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Porta Nigra, Latin for Black Gate, is a well-preserved Roman gate in Trier, Germany. The gate was built in grey sandstone after 170. It was originally constructed of large blocks of light sandstone, but the darkening of its appearance by the Middle Ages led to the name Porta Nigra (its original name is unknown). By the mid-second century AD, Trier – then known as the Roman city of Augusta Treverorum – was fortified by a vast defensive wall. Porta Nigra is thought to have been constructed in the latter half of the second century, perhaps completed in 200 AD. It would have been one of four city gates.

Have you been to any of these Roman ruins? What other ones have you seen outside of Italy? Let us know by commenting below. And don’t miss Big and Small Travel running around Rome in this video below:

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A Day Trip to the Artsy Tuscan Town of Pietrasanta, Italy

Europe, Italy, Travel

Big & Small took the train up from Lucca to the chic Tuscan town of Pietrasanta to enjoy an artisanal chocolate festival and the opening of the stunning Roberto Barni exhibition. The Italian sculptor’s works were scattered around the main square (Piazza del Duomo) and the former 14th-century church of Sant’Agostino. To be honest, our main mission of the day was to snatch up a whole lot of handmade chocolate, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover such a charming artistic enclave full of trendy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Here’s a look at our day and night (when the town really comes alive) in Pietrasanta.

Roberto Barni Exhibition in Sant'Agostino, December 2017

Roberto Barni Exhibition in Sant’Agostino, December 2017

Roberto Barni Exhibition in Sant'Agostino, December 2017

Roberto Barni Exhibition Outside Sant’Agostino, December 2017

Where's Big?

Where’s Big?

Balloon Lift Off

Balloon Lift Off

Yes, those are chocolate heels.

Yes, those are chocolate heels.

Cioccolato di Modica: Specialty chocolate from Sicily with an especially grainy texture that allows the cacao to bounce off every individual tastebud. Small highly recommends the 85% variety.

Cioccolato di Modica: Specialty chocolate from Sicily with an especially grainy texture that allows the cacao to bounce off every individual tastebud. Small highly recommends the 85% variety.

48 Hours in Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Dragons

Europe, Slovenia, Travel

Big & Small had a quick two-day trip through Slovenia. Play the video to find out the 5 things you should absolutely do when visiting this beautiful, peaceful European gem.

1. Explore the center of Ljubljana. This small and tidy capital is easy to walk and full of high-quality food at reasonable prices.

2. Visit the Ljubljana Dragon. The Ljubljana dragon is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the city. Symbolizing courage, grandeur, and power, the dragon appears on everything from car registration plates to buildings around town. The one you’ll want to see stands majestically on the Dragon Bridge.

3. Walk up to the Ljubljana Castle. The castle is a key landmark of the town. Originally a medieval fortress, it was constructed in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. The hike up is a nice little workout and totally worth every step.

4. Visit Lake Bled. Lake Bled is just 35 km (about a 1-hour bus ride) from Ljubljana, making it an ideal day trip. Located in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia, the lake is the sparkling center of the town of Bled.

5. Walk around Lake Bled. The perimeter of the lake is only about 6 km. Take your time winding around the lake, taking in the mountainous landscape and the adorable Bled Island, the only island in all of Slovenia.

Learn more about Slovenia in our video above!