Many ancient structures have stood the test of time, serving communities for centuries. Unlike modern buildings that require constant upkeep, these ancient building – built from stone, wood, and reinforced concrete – have survived wars, natural disasters, and changing civilizations but are still in use today.
From theaters and temples to fortresses and lighthouses, these historic sites remain functional today. Some still host performances, others provide shelter, and a few continue their original purpose. Here’s a look at 10 ancient structures that prove great architecture endures.
The Greeks perfected theater architecture long before the Romans, as seen in the Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, this amphitheater was part of a sanctuary dedicated to the healing god Asclepius.
Some believed that watching plays had therapeutic benefits. Rediscovered in 1881, the theater remains in use today, admired for its exceptional acoustics—where even a whisper from the stage can be heard clearly in the back rows.
The theater hosts the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, one of Europe’s oldest performing arts festivals, featuring both classical and avant-garde productions.
The Romans left behind countless architectural wonders, including the Arles Amphitheatre in France. Completed in 90 AD, it could seat 20,000 spectators and hosted gladiator battles, animal fights, and theatrical performances. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the arena was repurposed as a fortress.
Over time, homes and churches were built within its walls. Restoration efforts in 1826 helped return it to its original form. Today, it hosts concerts, plays, and even bullfights, blending history with modern entertainment.
Once the largest theater in ancient Rome, the Theatre of Marcellus was built in 13 BC and could hold nearly 20,000 people. After the empire’s decline, parts of the structure were dismantled for new construction, including the Cestius Bridge.
By the Middle Ages, it became a fortress and later a noble residence. Today, the historic theater serves as private apartments, demonstrating how ancient buildings can adapt to modern needs.
Emperor Diocletian, the only Roman ruler to voluntarily retire, built a grand palace in what is now Split, Croatia, in 305 AD. Originally a retreat, it also housed a military garrison. In the 7th century, local residents sought refuge within its walls, eventually forming a town. Today, the palace remains the heart of Split, filled with homes, shops, and historic sites.
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome was later transformed into a fortress, a prison, and now a museum. Its strategic location by the Tiber River made it a key defensive structure during medieval times. Today, it houses artifacts from Roman and Christian history.
While many mid-20th-century dams show signs of decay, one structure in Spain has stood strong for nearly 2,000 years. Built in the second century AD, the Proserpina Dam once supplied water to Augusta Emerita, now Mérida.
Standing 12 meters high and over 400 meters long, the dam was constructed with soil covered in bricks and reinforced with buttresses. Though no longer a source of drinking water, local farmers still rely on it for irrigation – just as the Romans intended.
On Spain’s northern coast, the Tower of Hercules has guided ships for nearly 2,000 years. Built in the 2nd century AD and later expanded, it is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. A Latin inscription credits its architect, Gaius Sevius Lupus, and dedicates the tower to Mars. Today, it remains a working beacon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 AD on the southern slopes of the Acropolis of Athens, combines both Greek and Roman architectural styles. It was initially constructed as a concert hall, named after its benefactor, Herodes Atticus. Today, it continues to host performances, including theater and music events, and remains a key part of Athens’ cultural life.
Wooden buildings rarely survive centuries, yet Horyu-ji, a Buddhist temple in Japan, remains intact. Its central wooden pillar, dated to 594 AD, has withstood fires, wars, and earthquakes. The temple still functions as a religious site and a symbol of early Buddhist architecture in Japan.
For over 3,000 years, the caves of Maymand, Iran, have served as homes. Carved into the hillsides, these single-room dwellings provide insulation from extreme weather. Archaeological evidence suggests human activity in the area for more than 10,000 years. Today, about 300 caves remain in use, continuing an ancient way of life.
These ancient structures stand as testaments to human ingenuity. Despite wars, natural disasters, and changing civilizations, they continue to serve their communities in ways their builders may never have imagined. From guiding ships to housing modern residents, these relics prove that great architecture truly lasts.
