Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy - a view of a city from across the river
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Via Appia Antica

4.6
·491k reviews·Roma, Italy

Walk or cycle on the 'Queen of Roads,' an ancient Roman marvel lined with tombs, ruins, and scenic countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sundays

Fewer cars, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
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Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy - a view of a city from across the river

Via Appia Antica

Best Time

Sundays

Fewer cars, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk or cycle on the 'Queen of Roads,' an ancient Roman marvel lined with tombs, ruins, and scenic countryside.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's a remarkable and superb ancient road that you really ought to check out if you're in Rome. TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Rent a Bike!

E-bikes are ideal for covering the long route and enjoying the scenery.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient cobblestones.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Roman Road

Ancient Roman Road

Via Appia Antica

Walk or cycle on the 'Queen of Roads,' a marvel of Roman engineering lined with ancient tombs and ruins.

TikTok
Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

Via Appia Antica

A striking cylindrical tomb, one of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments on the Appian Way.

Reddit
Villa of the Quintilii

Villa of the Quintilii

Via Appia Antica

Explore the vast ruins of a luxurious Roman villa, offering a glimpse into ancient aristocratic life.

TikTok
Catacombs of San Callisto

Catacombs of San Callisto

Via Appia Antica

Descend into these ancient underground burial chambers, a significant site in early Christian history.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Appian Way

Visit on Sundays for fewer cars and a more relaxed atmosphere, as many sections are closed to motor vehicles. Weekdays can have more traffic, especially on the initial stretches. Consider renting bikes to cover more ground and enjoy the ancient road's full length. Reddit

Getting There & Getting Around

The 118 bus from Circus Maximus is a popular and convenient way to reach the Appian Way, stopping near key sites like San Sebastiano. Renting e-bikes is highly recommended for exploring the extensive route, especially the more rural sections. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Sundays
Why
Fewer cars, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less traffic, quieter
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, good light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The #ViaAppia or #AppianWay in #Rome #Italy is a remarkable #construction feat of the #RomanRepublic. It was once 400 miles long. #allroadsleadtorome #goats #rural #countryside #Spartacus #crucifixion...
@expatalessandro
45.5K likes • 407.2K views

🚲 Rent a Bike!

E-bikes are ideal for covering the long route and enjoying the scenery. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient cobblestones. Reddit

En las iglesias de Roma se esconden cosas muy interesantes🏛️ #roma #italia #viajar
@federicosambati
8.9K likes • 115K views
INFO Y TIPS ⬇️⬇️👇🏼👇🏼 🇮🇹📍Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, Via Appia Antica; Roma ⛪️➡️ Esta pequeña Iglesia toma su nombre y su ubicación de una tradición católica: Cuando el apóstol San Pedro escapaba de...
viajamosconcarrinha
26 likes • 403 views

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Especially important during warmer months, as there's limited shade. Reddit

🚌 Use the 118 Bus

A convenient way to reach the Appian Way from central Rome. Reddit

INFO Y TIPS ⬇️⬇️👇🏼👇🏼 🇮🇹📍Basilica di San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, Via Appia Antica; Roma ⛪️➡️ Iglesia construida donde según la tradición cristiana, se guardaron temporalmente en tiempos de persecuc...
viajamosconcarrinha
24 likes • 259 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Rent a Bike!

E-bikes are ideal for covering the long route and enjoying the scenery. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient cobblestones. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Especially important during warmer months, as there's limited shade. Reddit

🚌 Use the 118 Bus

A convenient way to reach the Appian Way from central Rome. Reddit

🐐 Watch for Goats!

You might encounter them crossing the road, adding a unique touch. Reddit

🗺️ Consider a Guide

For deeper historical context, a local guide can enhance your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Via Appia Antica for its historical significance and the unique experience of walking or cycling on an ancient Roman road. Many recommend renting bikes and visiting on Sundays for a more relaxed atmosphere. Some find the initial sections can be busy with traffic, and suggest venturing further out for the best experience.

What People Like

Walking on ancient road
Cycling experience
Historical ruins

What People Dislike

Weekday traffic
Long distances

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended way is to take the 118 bus from near Circus Maximus, which will take you to stops like San Sebastiano, a good starting point. Reddit Alternatively, you can take the metro to a station and then catch a connecting bus. Reddit

The Appian Way is quite long. Renting bicycles, especially e-bikes, is highly recommended to cover more ground and enjoy the experience fully. Reddit Walking is also an option, but be prepared for a significant distance. Reddit

While some vehicles are allowed, especially on weekdays, it's best to avoid driving if possible. Sundays offer a more pedestrian-friendly experience as many sections are closed to traffic. Reddit

Many visitors start near Porta San Sebastiano, which houses the Museum of the Via Appia Antica, or at the San Sebastiano stop for the 118 bus. Reddit Renting bikes is often done a few blocks from the Colosseum before heading out. Reddit

Yes, the 118 bus is a direct public transport link from central Rome to key points along the Via Appia Antica, making it accessible for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Via Appia Antica itself is an ancient road and generally free to access. However, specific sites along the way, like the Catacombs or Villa of the Quintilii, require separate tickets for entry. Instagram

The road is generally accessible throughout the day. However, specific monuments and catacombs have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check individual site times before your visit. Instagram

Accessing the road itself is free. Fees typically apply to enter specific archaeological sites like the mausoleums, villas, and catacombs located along the route. Instagram

Tickets for specific sites like the Catacombs or Villa of the Quintilii can usually be purchased at the entrance to those sites. It's advisable to check online in advance for any booking requirements or potential discounts. Instagram

On Sundays, many sections of the Via Appia Antica are closed to motor vehicles, making it ideal for walking and cycling. Reddit However, the road itself remains accessible. Specific monuments may have their own closing days. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Many visitors find cycling or walking the most immersive way to experience the ancient road and its surroundings. Reddit Consider renting bikes to cover more distance and see multiple sites. TikTok

Yes, it's generally considered very safe during the day, with plenty of other visitors, especially on Sundays. Reddit+1

The road is partly paved with original Roman cobblestones and partly on dirt paths. Comfortable footwear is essential for walking or cycling. Reddit

Yes, guided tours, including bike tours, are available and can provide valuable historical context and insights into the ancient sites. Reddit

Key highlights include the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Villa of the Quintilii, and various catacombs like San Callisto or San Sebastiano. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the ancient cobblestones, Roman ruins, mausoleums, and the scenic countryside. The light in the late afternoon can be particularly beautiful. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the atmosphere of this historic site. Reddit

Photography is typically not allowed inside the Catacombs to preserve the delicate environment and for security reasons. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive ruins and landscapes. A sturdy pair of shoes is also recommended for navigating the terrain. Reddit

Generally, photography is permitted along the open road and exterior of monuments. However, always check for specific signage at individual sites. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Via Appia Antica offers a unique outdoor adventure for families. Renting bikes is a fun way for kids to experience the ancient road, and Sundays are ideal with fewer cars. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be spread out. Reddit

Consider visiting sites like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella or exploring the open fields around the aqueducts in the nearby Parco degli Acquedotti for space to run around. Reddit The Catacombs might be a bit intense for very young children, so gauge their interest and tolerance for enclosed spaces. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers

The Via Appia Antica is a safe and rewarding destination for solo travelers. It's a popular spot for walks, especially on Sundays, meaning you'll encounter other people. Reddit+1 The atmosphere is generally relaxed and welcoming.

Consider joining a guided bike tour for added company and historical insights, or rent a bike and explore at your own pace. Reddit Bringing a fully charged phone and perhaps a portable charger is always a good idea for navigation and photos. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Via Appia Antica is a dream destination. This ancient Roman road, once a vital artery, is a living museum. TikTok Focus on exploring the numerous mausoleums, tombs, and villas that line its path, each with its own story. Instagram

Consider hiring a local guide or doing thorough research beforehand to fully appreciate the historical context of sites like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the Quintilii. Reddit Visiting the Catacombs offers a unique perspective on early Christian history and burial practices. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Cycling the Appian Way

Renting a bicycle, particularly an e-bike, is a highly recommended way to explore the extensive Via Appia Antica. Reddit This allows you to cover more ground and visit multiple ancient sites scattered along the route. Many visitors opt to rent bikes from shops located near the city center before heading out to the Appian Way. Reddit

While the initial parts of the road might have some traffic, especially on weekdays, the experience becomes much more serene as you venture further out. Sundays are particularly popular as many sections are closed to motor vehicles, creating a more relaxed and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Reddit Be prepared for a mix of original Roman cobblestones and dirt paths, so comfortable cycling attire is a must. Reddit

Cycling offers a unique perspective, allowing you to feel the history beneath your wheels and stop at your leisure to explore ruins like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella or the Villa of the Quintilii. Instagram It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman landscape. TikTok

Exploring the Ancient Tombs and Ruins

The Via Appia Antica is famously lined with ancient Roman tombs, mausoleums, and villas, offering a tangible connection to the past. TikTok The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is one of the most imposing and well-preserved structures, a cylindrical tomb that dominates the landscape. Reddit

Further along, the Villa of the Quintilii presents the sprawling ruins of what was once a luxurious aristocratic estate, giving visitors a sense of the scale and grandeur of Roman villas. Instagram Exploring these sites provides a vivid glimpse into the lives and burial customs of ancient Romans. TikTok

Many of these sites, such as the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano, require separate tickets and guided tours to fully appreciate their historical and religious significance. Instagram Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain and ancient cobblestones. Reddit

The Role of the 118 Bus

For visitors relying on public transport, the 118 bus is a crucial link to the Via Appia Antica. Reddit This bus route conveniently departs from central Rome, often near Circus Maximus, and makes stops at key points along the Appian Way, such as the Basilica di San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura. Instagram

Using the 118 bus allows you to bypass the need for a car and easily access the starting points for walking or cycling tours. It's a practical option for those who prefer not to navigate driving in Rome or are looking for a straightforward way to reach the archaeological park. Reddit

When planning your journey, check the bus schedule in advance, as timings can vary. It's a reliable method to get you to the heart of the ancient Appian Way, ready to explore its historical treasures. Reddit

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