Stadiums Built Over Ancient Ruins and Historic Landmarks

Stadiums are often seen as the beating hearts of modern cities—echoing with cheers, adrenaline, and national pride. But beyond their bright lights and roaring crowds, some of these colossal structures are built on foundations far older and far more mysterious. We’ve expanded our list to 24 stadiums that do more than just host sports—they stand where history once thrived. From soccer arenas perched above Roman amphitheaters to colossal stadiums constructed over ancient temples, battlefields, and forgotten cities, these venues blur the line between the past and present. Whether by design or coincidence, these sites tell layered stories—where athletes now chase glory on grounds that once bore witness to empires, rituals, and revolutions. These 24 stadiums aren’t just places of play—they’re monuments to how civilization evolves, reminding us that even in our most modern expressions of culture, the past is never too far beneath our feet.

1. Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy

Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, home to Italian football giants AS Roma and Lazio, has a storied past—literally beneath its surface. The stadium, originally opened in 1937 and renovated for the 1960 Olympics, stands over what was once the Gardens of Nero, an ancient pleasure ground for the infamous emperor. Some areas also overlap with an ancient Roman necropolis, a burial ground dating back over 2,000 years. Archaeologists believe parts of the stadium complex rest atop forgotten graves and ruins from imperial Rome, making it a place where gladiatorial battles of the past meet the modern-day football wars between Roma and Lazio fans. Built Over: The Gardens of Nero & Roman Necropolis.