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Sometimes called the Eternal City, and indeed one of the world’s oldest cities, 2,776 years old and still, having survived the rise and fall of civilizations, Rome is a bucket list destination for millions of Americans traveling to Europe.
Unfortunately, no visit to Rome is exactly… stress-free.
From the long lines at the doors of the Vatican to the busy streets of Trastevere, to the fluctuating prices for most hotels, it requires (a lot of) patience, advance planning and, most importantly, a big budget.
Fortunately, Rome is not the only miracle that the Romans left behind after their demise: these four lesser-known gems were also part of the once glorious empire, and like their spiritual capital, they have their own ‘Colosseums’, pastel cityscapes and delectable cuisine.
Oh, did we mention there are too smaller crowds in the summer?
Verona, Italy
Verona is a charming city in Northern Italy, a short one-hour train ride from Venice, which is best associated with Romeo and Juliet: Although it is a work of fiction, visitors from all over the world come here to pose with the famous statue of Juliet and enjoy the melancholic, yet romantic atmosphere.
Apart from Shakespeare’s tragedies, Verona stands out as one of the best-maintained Roman settlements preserved in modern times: its arena, built in 30 AD, still accommodates guests for live performances, unlike the Colosseum, which has now become a museum.
From pop artists to opera artists, this arena is still in the heart of Verona’s entertainment scene, and it is a permanent reminder of the city’s great past, like the many basilicas scattered throughout the city, the fortified Scaliger Bridge, which spans the Adige River, and the numerous medieval squares.
Verona is by no means ‘undiscovered’ – as mentioned, it has been the favorite spot for ill-fated lovers since Romeo and Juliet was first presented over four centuries ago – but it is cheaper than Rome, with overnight stays in central hotels costs from $91and tourists spending $58 on meals per day.
Nimes, France
Nîmes, Rome’s most loyal daughter outside modern-day Italy, is located in the south of France, near the Mediterranean coast, and is known for its notoriously italic characterin stark contrast to the Northern European, Haussmannian aesthetic and balmy weather of Paris.
No wide, leafy boulevards, but narrow, car-free alleys, lined with narrow, ocher-colored buildings with Italy’s classic green shutters; certainly not an Eiffel Tower, but a Roman temple from the first century, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and ranks second only to Rome’s own Pantheon.
That’s the 2,000-year-old, white-limestone Maison Carrée we’re talking about, and it’s just one of many Roman remains that Nîmes proudly claims for itself: others include a functional two-level arena, the three-story Pont du Gard aqueduct and the beautiful Temple of Diana.
When visiting Nîmes and the wider historic region of Provence, tourists should expect to spend $44 per day on meals, $26 on local transportation, and between $50-72 per night in single rooms in modest hotels within walking distance of the arena.
Arles, France
We are not ready to leave Provence yet: believe it or not, just half an hour by train from Nîmes there is a well-preserved Roman settlement of more than two thousand years old, with a compact ‘mini-Colosseum’, historic abbeys and cobbled streets leading to summer flower gardens.
Arles is the best kept secret of the South of France and one Rome is similar most Americans have yet to discover it.
Naturally, the main attraction is the amphitheater, where, as in Nîmes and Verona, large-scale events take place to this day.
Besides visiting the amphitheater, tourists can also get lost in the maze-like Old Town, where they can taste traditional provencal eat in local brasseriesAdmire the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, designated a Heritage Monument by UNESCO, and visit a farmers’ market.
Except that it is incredibly beautiful and essential a miniature Romethis legendary French city is surprisingly affordable to visit, with private rooms in central hotels and guesthouses from $56 in July, despite Olympic Games-induced price increases elsewhere in France.
Pula, Croatia
Our final pick for this list of equally stunning Roman dupes is Pula, a coastal town on Croatia’s overlooked Istrian Peninsula: it offers access to the sea, more competitive prices, moderate crowds and a architectural wealth that competes with that of Rome.
Pula has a protected harbour, which has remained virtually untouched since ancient times. It is littered with ruins, such as the landmark Pula Arena, an amphitheater built in the 1st century, and one of the world’s best-known ports. six largest still standingand it is highly sought after for its pristine beaches.
Within driving distance of the capital are numerous smaller coastal villages, bordered by sandy and pebble beaches and the turquoise Adriatic Sea, except that this part of the Croatian coast has far fewer tourists compared to the much more popular Split or Dubrovnik. .
Needless to say, the ‘Rome on the Adriatic Sea‘ is incredibly affordable, with many family restaurants serving house-made seafood pasta for $12-15, generous double ice cream scoops for a negligible $4, and inns as cheap as $54.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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