The Traveling Vet Girl

My plan originally for the cloudy March day was to hop on a train to Naples to visit the famed archeological site of Pompeii. But two days after landing in Rome, my jetlagged body just couldn’t fathom the idea of waking up at 6am and traveling all day. So I chose my backup plan instead, Via Appia Antica, and it was a great decision! Located just outside the center of Rome, this nature and ecological park along one of the oldest roads in Rome makes for a splendid day of exploring!

Via Appia Antica (also known as the Appian Way) is one of the oldest roads in Rome. First built around 312 BC, it was originally an important military road. Nowadays, it is a popular but somewhat off the beaten track stretch of road that has great ruins, catacombs, and monuments to visit.

How To Get To Via Appia Antica

From Rome Termini Station, take the MEB1 line to the Colosseum. The #118 bus just outside the station will take you directly to the Appia Antica Visitor Center.

Although it stretches for miles, the most popular section is between the Visitor Center and the Cecilia Metella tomb.   The #118 bus will easily pick you back up near the tomb and return you to the Colosseum.

A few cool ruins are further from the tomb but still within walking distance. We elected to continue walking (and see more cool ruins), and then backtracked to the bus stop.

What To Do on Via Appia Antica

Grab a map at the Visitor Center first. All the sights are listed with a little history about them as well.

There are bikes available to rent at the visitor center, but be warned, parts of the road are very difficult to navigate a bike. We decided to walk, and it was very pleasant. There are a few restaurants along the main section. Restrooms are scarce, so when you see one – use it!

After the visitor center, follow the signs for the Catacombs of San Callisto. I recommend following this path as it is very scenic, and you avoid the traffic on the first part of the road. However, on Sundays the road is closed to traffic, so it is a little safer.

What To See on Via Appia Antica

Catacombs

A little history: in ancient times, burial inside the walls of Rome was banned, so early Christians had to look elsewhere to bury their loved ones. The catacombs along the Appia Antica are where the first Christians were laid to rest. The tunnels stretch for miles underground.

The Catacombs of San Callisto are the biggest and most popular. We visited the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, which are slightly smaller, but still impressive. There is a small charge for a guided tour deep underground. It was amazing to imagine people were buried there 2000 years ago. If you are religious at all, it was surreal to have walked somewhere the contemporaries of Jesus may have walked. Regardless, they are a must-see for any history buff.

Villa di Massenzio

This open-air museum is free to visit, and contains the ruins of an ancient palace, circus, and mausoleum. It may well be my favorite part of the Appia Antica, since it’s lush vegetation made me feel like I was in the Secret Garden! It was so beautiful and serene.

Various Monuments

I had the most fun finding the many statues, tombs, and monuments scattered along the road. Check them out below!

Have you been to Via Appia Antica? What was your favorite part? Tell me below in the comments!