Appia Antica-en

VIA APPIA ANTICA

FOLLOWING THE TRACES OF THE ANCIENT ROMANS

During this tour we will leave the city center starting at ancient Circus Maximus and heading south to follow the path of the Via Appia Antica - the Ancient Appian Way -, the oldest and most important of the many consular roads that were built across the empire, and today one of the best preserved. Both from a military and mercantile point of view, the road was so important for the city of Rome that it was soon nicknamed the "Regina Viarum" - the queen of the streets. But not only did it help the city to flourish - it soon became a popular place for sepulchres and sumptuous summer villas, of which the ruins can be seen on the sides of the road to this day. Tour duration: 4h Length of the route: ca. 17km/10.5miles Ascents: ca. 117m/380ft Descents: ca. 117m/380ft Difficulty: medium

OUR ROUTE

Circus Maximus

The largest Roman circus ever built, whose origins probably date back to the 6th century BC. It was one of the many places of entertainment, famous to this day for chariot racing. The Circus Maximus is the place where the starting point of the Appian Way was originally located.

Porta di San Sebastiano and Arco di Druso

The Porta di San Sebastiano (Gate of Saint Sebatian), in ancient Rome “Porta Appia”, is the gate located further south of the second Roman city wall. The Arch of Drusus, actually arch of a Roman aqueduct, was for long confused with the triumphal arch of an important General.

Aurelian Walls

The second Roman city wall, built in the III century by the emperor Aurelian. To date one of the best preserved ancient city walls in the world.

Church of the Domine Quo Vadis

Small church on the Appian Way erected on the site where, according to the “Acts of Peter”, the meeting between the Apostle Peter and Jesus took place.

Catacombs of San Callisto

One of the great Christian catacombs, built in the second century, containing the crypt of the Popes. A guided tour of the catacomb (not included in the tour price) with the duration of 30-45 minutes is possible.

Villa and Circus of Maxentius

A monumental complex in a state of ruin built in the fourth century by the will of Emperor Maxentius. The complex included a sumptuous villa, the mausoleum of the imperial family and a private circus, which today, even if in a state of ruin, is the best preserved Roman circus.

Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

One of the most sumptuous and best preserved funerary monuments along the Appian Way.

Original pavement

In long sections the ancient pavement is well preserved and practicable up to the present day. Until today this pavement is considered an engineering masterpiece. In fact, the layer of paving stones that we can still admire is only the last of many layers. Below, there are several layers of gravel, sand and pebbles for approx. a meter and a half. In this way an excellent drainage system in case of heavy rains was ensured and the road was so stable and robust that it was possible to be used by any means of transport.

Caffarella Park

Today, with its 190 hectares, the Caffarella Park is the largest public green area in Rome. In the past it was owned by the noble Caffarelli family from which it takes its name. But in many places you can still find much older ruins, a sign that this area was already used by the ancient Romans. Today, this vast green area serves the modern Romans for reasons of physical activity and leisure, in fact you can meet many people who go for a run, bike or groups of people picnicking. But thanks to its vast spaces, this park never gives the impression of being crowded, and it is a very relaxing place to enjoy after the noise and traffic of the city.

MEETING POINT

Historical Monuments

During the tour we will stop in proximity to the monuments listed on the route, giving visitors the opportunity to observe the innumerable peculiarities more closely, and offering the possibility to photograph the monument itself from the most characteristic points.

Easy to reach

We start at Circus Maximus, 300 meters from the Circo Massimo station of Metro B. The tour ends at Circus Maximus, 300 meters from the Circo Massimo station of Metro B.

Guided Tour

You will be accompanied throughout the tour by one of our guides who will tell you the history and curiosities of the monument at every stop. Being very small groups you will also have the opportunity to ask your more or less specific questions, or even just a simple personal curiosity, after all Rome has multiple curiosities that it would be a shame not to ask ...

Equipment

For this tour we provide visitors with a bicycle, helmet, a bottle of water and, upon request, a child seat.

Via Appia Antica

2 Persons +

€40/Person

Bicycle + Helmet
Guided Tour
Water Bottle

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Via Appia Antica Private

2 Persons +

€55/Person

Bicycle + Helmet
Personal Guide
Water Bottle