Appia Antica Regional Park Rome
Step back in time on the ancient 'Queen of Roads,' exploring Roman tombs, villas, and aqueducts in a vast, scenic park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads closed to traffic
Appia Antica Regional Park Rome
Best Time
Roads closed to traffic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on the ancient 'Queen of Roads,' exploring Roman tombs, villas, and aqueducts in a vast, scenic park.
"It's a remarkable and superb experience, something you really ought to check out if you're in Rome."
🚲 Rent a Bike for More Ground
E-bikes are available for rent, making it easier to explore the vast park and cover more distance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are a Must
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven terrain, so prioritize comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Via Appia Antica
The ancient Roman road itself
Walk or cycle along this historic 'Queen of Roads,' lined with ancient tombs and ruins.
Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
Along the Via Appia Antica
A striking cylindrical tomb, one of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments on the Appian Way.
Villa of the Quintilii
Along the Via Appia Antica
Explore the vast ruins of a luxurious ancient Roman villa, offering panoramic views.
Parco degli Acquedotti
Adjacent to Appia Antica
Marvel at the colossal ancient Roman aqueduct ruins stretching across open fields.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on the Appian Way
Prepare for an Ancient Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike for More Ground
E-bikes are available for rent, making it easier to explore the vast park and cover more distance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are a Must
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven terrain, so prioritize comfort.
Advice For Visiting the Appian Way
💧 Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months.
🚌 Use Public Transport
Take the 118 bus from Circus Maximus to reach the main entrance near San Sebastiano.
Via Appia Antica
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike for More Ground
E-bikes are available for rent, making it easier to explore the vast park and cover more distance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are a Must
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven terrain, so prioritize comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months.
🚌 Use Public Transport
Take the 118 bus from Circus Maximus to reach the main entrance near San Sebastiano.
🐐 Watch for Goat Crossings!
You might need to pause for a herd of goats crossing the road – a unique Appian Way experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Appian Way as a unique and immersive historical experience, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The chance to walk or cycle along an ancient Roman road lined with ruins is a major draw, with many recommending it as an essential Rome activity. However, some find the park's vastness challenging without a bike, and amenities can be spread out.
"It's in the city but you don't see, hear or feel the city. Its wild, pure nature surrounding you is absolutely incredible. In summer months be prepared to take extra water as it might be a bit hot and for sure you would not want to miss all the views and the hike here.
P.S. - you can find a trail here that leads you to pipes residence Castel Gandolfo it's only 18km from that park."
Patryk Konieczny
"Great for a break from the city bustle. It's quaint, it's almost rural, and definitely has the "antique" vibe. If one has time and resources, there are some museum&sights that can be visited along the Parc, but even without visits to those, the road itself is a beautiful place."
layyla victoria
"The bike ride took me all day as I wanted to stop off at every site along the map and see everything. So if your like me, plan for an entire day, bring lots of drinks and snacks. It’s definitely worth the trip, so much to see and do along the way. And if you make it to then end they give you a pin. It’s a long bike ride and it’s a little bumpy but lots of fun, I’ve done with people and solo. I would highly recommend taking a nice bike ride along the way. Or walk if you like but you won’t see nearly as much."
Pong Lenis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to take the 118 bus from near Circus Maximus. Get off at the San Sebastiano stop, which is a primary access point to the park and offers bike rentals.
Yes, the 118 bus is a convenient option. Some Redditors also suggest taking the metro to a certain point and then transferring to a bus.
While possible, driving can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. Sundays are best as many sections are closed to cars, making it ideal for walking and cycling.
Many suggest starting near Porta San Sebastiano or the San Sebastiano Museum, which is close to the 118 bus stop and bike rental facilities. +1
The closest metro stations are not directly adjacent to the main historical sections. It's generally more efficient to use the bus system or a taxi/ride-share to reach the park's entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is generally free to enter and explore. However, specific sites within the park, like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella or the Villa of the Quintilii, may have separate admission fees.
The park is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. Individual monuments within the park may have their own specific opening hours and days. It's best to check in advance for any particular sites you wish to visit.
Access to the ancient road itself is free. Fees usually apply only to specific archaeological sites or museums located along the route.
Yes, Sundays are highly recommended as many sections of the Via Appia Antica are closed to motor vehicles, creating a more pedestrian-friendly and enjoyable experience. +1
Yes, many local guides offer tours, which can provide deeper historical context and help you navigate the extensive park. Some visitors have found guided tours very valuable.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can walk or cycle along the ancient Roman road, explore numerous tombs and ruins like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and Villa of the Quintilii, and visit the nearby Parco degli Acquedotti with its impressive aqueducts.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for walks, especially on Sundays. Be prepared for uneven ancient cobblestones and a lot of walking if you don't rent a bike. +1
Yes, it is considered very safe during the day, with plenty of other visitors around, especially on Sundays. You might encounter other solo travelers or groups.
Many find the outer sections more scenic, starting from areas like Vicolo di Tor Carbone or Via di Tor Carbone. The section near the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is also a highlight.
To truly experience it, especially if cycling, allocate at least half a day. If you plan to visit specific sites within the park, you might need more time.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient Roman road itself, the imposing Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the vast ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii, and the dramatic aqueduct arches in Parco degli Acquedotti are all prime photo spots.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Sundays can be crowded, impacting candid shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in archaeological parks to protect the sites and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check specific park regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both the grand scale of the ruins and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the aqueducts and expansive landscapes.
The area around the Villa of the Quintilii offers elevated views. The open fields of Parco degli Acquedotti provide unobstructed vistas of the aqueduct structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Queen of Roads
When cycling, be mindful of the road surface, which consists of original Roman basalt blocks in many sections. This can be bumpy, so a bike with good suspension or wider tires is ideal. The park is extensive, so planning your route beforehand can help you make the most of your time. Consider cycling towards the Parco degli Acquedotti to witness the magnificent Roman aqueducts, a truly breathtaking sight.
Exploring Ancient Roman Tombs and Villas
Beyond these prominent sites, the road is dotted with countless other tombs, some well-preserved and others in ruins, each telling a story of Roman history and society. Many of these are free to access and explore as you walk or cycle along the Via Appia. The sheer density of these ancient structures underscores the importance of this road in Roman times.
The Majesty of Roman Aqueducts
The park offers a different, more open and pastoral, feel compared to the more enclosed tomb-lined sections of the Appian Way. It's a fantastic spot for photography, with the dramatic arches creating stunning visual lines against the sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit