
Isola Sacra Necropolis
Discover ancient Roman burial customs at Isola Sacra Necropolis, a quiet site with beautiful, intact mosaics offering a unique historical glimpse.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Isola Sacra Necropolis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Roman burial customs at Isola Sacra Necropolis, a quiet site with beautiful, intact mosaics offering a unique historical glimpse.
"This place is unknown and brilliant if you want hands on face to face with the remains of the Roman Empire burial site. "

🚗 Follow Google Maps
Navigating can be tough; follow the dirt track on Google Maps to find the entrance.
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
The site is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient burial grounds.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intact Roman Mosaics
Various tombs
Discover surprisingly well-preserved mosaics, offering a beautiful and colorful glimpse into ancient Roman artistry and beliefs.

Hands-On Burial Site
Throughout the necropolis
Experience Roman burial customs up close in this lesser-known, intimate necropolis, a truly unique historical encounter.

Quiet and Undisturbed Atmosphere
The entire site
Enjoy a peaceful exploration of this ancient burial ground, with few visitors allowing for a contemplative and personal experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Uncovering Ancient Roman Burials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Follow Google Maps
Navigating can be tough; follow the dirt track on Google Maps to find the entrance.
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
The site is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient burial grounds.
❓ Seek Information
Information on-site can be sparse; try to research beforehand to understand the history.
👍 Ask for Pascal
If you're looking for a great tour experience, ask for Pascal!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Follow Google Maps
Navigating can be tough; follow the dirt track on Google Maps to find the entrance.
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
The site is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient burial grounds.
❓ Seek Information
Information on-site can be sparse; try to research beforehand to understand the history.
👍 Ask for Pascal
If you're looking for a great tour experience, ask for Pascal!
💰 Free Entry!
Enjoy this fascinating historical site without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Isola Sacra Necropolis a very special and quiet place, offering a unique, hands-on encounter with Roman burial customs and beautiful mosaics. While some note it's not as well-preserved as other sites and can be hard to find, the free entry and intimate atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a less crowded historical experience.
"Very special place. A bit hard to get to when you have got no car. Still worth visiting.
Quiet place, not too many visitors. Very nice staff. And very nice accommodations. Free entry."
Ghostwriting Academy
"This was the best tour we did , push the button and ask for Pascal
This place is unknown and brilliant if you want hands on face to face with the remains of the Roman Empire burial site
Can seem hard to find ,but just follow the dirt track on google maps
We loved it."
Scott Boardman (Boardy)
"Necropoly is poorly preserved like most of the other ruins. Not much to see."
V Gin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Isola Sacra Necropolis without a car can be challenging. While public transport might be an option to nearby Ostia, you'll likely need to combine it with a taxi or a significant walk. Following Google Maps directions, especially the dirt track, is crucial for finding the entrance.
Yes, the entrance can be hard to find. Many visitors recommend following the dirt track indicated on Google Maps to locate it.
From Ostia Antica, you might consider a taxi or ride-sharing service as the most direct route. Public transport connections might be indirect and time-consuming.
While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, it's likely that some parking is available for visitors arriving by car, given its location. However, public transport is a significant consideration for many.
Walking from Ostia to the Necropolis is possible but can be a considerable distance, depending on your starting point. It's advisable to check the exact distance and route beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Isola Sacra Necropolis offers free entry, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully explore the site.
As entry is free, there's no need to book tickets in advance for Isola Sacra Necropolis.
While not always advertised, some visitors have had excellent experiences with guided tours, with one recommendation to ask for Pascal.
Reviews suggest it's not as well-maintained as some other larger necropolises, but it is still worth visiting for its unique insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see ancient Roman burial sites, including tombs with well-preserved mosaics, offering a fascinating insight into Roman funerary customs.
Most visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the site, allowing time to appreciate the tombs and mosaics.
The site offers a unique historical learning experience, but supervision is recommended due to the nature of the ruins.
Photography is generally permitted, allowing you to capture the unique mosaics and ancient structures. Be respectful of the historical site.
Information on the grounds can be limited, so it's beneficial to do some research beforehand to understand the history and significance of the burial sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The well-preserved mosaics are a highlight for photographers, offering vibrant colors and intricate designs. The ancient tombs themselves also provide compelling visual narratives.
Visiting during weekday mornings or afternoons can help you avoid crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots of the tombs and mosaics.
Morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient structures and mosaics. Avoid harsh midday sun if possible.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of the historical significance of the site and avoid intrusive photography. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the tombs, while a macro lens can highlight the details of the mosaics. A good camera with decent low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to emphasize the historical significance and the need for respectful exploration. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the site is spread out. Consider bringing water and snacks, as amenities might be limited. The free entry makes it a budget-friendly option for a historical outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main expense might be transportation, especially if you opt for taxis. Researching public transport routes in advance or being prepared for a walk can help keep costs down. Pack your own food and drinks to save money on dining out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Roman Burial Customs
Many of the tombs feature columbaria, which are structures with niches designed to hold cremation urns. You'll also find sarcophagi and other burial chambers. The presence of mosaics within some of these tombs is a particularly striking feature, depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, or symbols of the afterlife. These artistic remnants offer invaluable insights into the beliefs and aesthetics of the time.
While the preservation varies, the necropolis is considered a significant archaeological site. It's a place where you can truly feel the history beneath your feet and imagine the lives of those who were laid to rest here centuries ago. The quiet atmosphere enhances this immersive experience, allowing for contemplation and a deeper understanding of Roman society.
Navigating to Isola Sacra
One of the most frequently cited tips for finding the site is to follow the dirt track indicated on Google Maps. This unofficial-looking path is often the key to locating the entrance, which might otherwise be overlooked. The journey itself can be part of the adventure, leading you through less-traveled areas and building anticipation for the historical discovery.
Given the potential difficulty in reaching the site, planning your transportation in advance is highly recommended. Consider how you'll get there and back, especially if relying on public transport, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this fascinating Roman burial ground.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit