{"id":7816,"date":"2023-09-18T14:37:13","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T13:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=7816"},"modified":"2026-04-17T09:34:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T08:34:05","slug":"best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way","title":{"rendered":"The Appian Way: Uncovering One of the Best Attractions in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that Rome boasts the enduring legacy of one of Europe&#8217;s earliest superhighways, still in existence today? Behold The Appian Way, known in Italian as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Via Appia<\/span><\/i> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antica<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arguably <strong>the world&#8217;s oldest surviving road<\/strong>, The Appian Way was ancient Rome&#8217;s vital lifeline, serving as both a military and economic artery. <\/span>It\u2019s also believed to have played a role in inspiring the famous saying <strong>\u201cAll roads lead to Rome.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#UNESCO_World_Heritage_Status\" >UNESCO World Heritage Status<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#What_Is_the_Appian_Way\" >What Is the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Who_Built_the_Appian_Way\" >Who Built the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Where_Does_the_Appian_Way_Start_and_End\" >Where Does the Appian Way Start and End?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#How_Long_Is_the_Appian_Way\" >How Long Is the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Where_Is_the_Appian_Way\" >Where Is the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#How_to_Get_to_the_Appian_Way\" >How to Get to the Appian Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#When_to_Visit_Practical_Tips\" >When to Visit &amp; Practical Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#What_is_there_to_see_on_the_Appian_Way\" >What is there to see on the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_The_Appian_Way\" >FAQs &#8211; The Appian Way<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Can_you_stay_along_the_Appian_Way\" >Can you stay along the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Do_you_need_a_ticket_to_visit_the_Appian_Way\" >Do you need a ticket to visit the Appian Way?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/best-attractions-in-rome-appian-way\/#Is_it_better_to_explore_the_Appian_Way_on_foot_or_by_bike\" >Is it better to explore the Appian Way on foot or by bike?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"iwdw5s\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"34\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNESCO_World_Heritage_Status\"><\/span>UNESCO World Heritage Status<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"675\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In 2024, the Appian Way was officially inscribed as a <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">UNESCO<\/span><\/span> World Heritage Site, recognizing its extraordinary historical, cultural, and engineering significance. This prestigious status highlights the road as one of the greatest achievements of ancient Roman infrastructure, as well as a vital link connecting cities, cultures, and trade routes across the empire.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"675\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For modern travelers, its UNESCO designation not only underscores its global importance but also makes it a must-visit heritage site\u2014offering a unique opportunity to experience a living piece of history that has endured for over two millennia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Come with us as we explore the fascinating Appian Way and discover why it&#8217;s a must-visit in your Rome itinerary.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20432\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20432\" class=\"wp-image-20432 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/14902404537_1aef2f22b5_kres.jpg\" alt=\"The Appian Way near Rome\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/14902404537_1aef2f22b5_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/14902404537_1aef2f22b5_kres-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20432\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Appian Way is certainly worth a visit. Photo credit: Atilla2008<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1g5cpa0\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"29\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>What Is the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"544\">The Appian Way was one of the most important roads of the Roman Empire, connecting Rome to some of its most distant territories. Known as the \u201cQueen of Roads,\u201d it played a crucial role in trade, communication, and military movement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"544\">Today, it remains one of the best-preserved ancient roads, made of large, flat stones worn smooth by thousands of years of footsteps, wheels, and weather\u2014meaning when you walk it, you\u2019re quite literally following in the footsteps of emperors, merchants, saints, and even St. Peter.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1uijgqm\" data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"577\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Built_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>Who Built the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"1051\">The road was originally built in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, and initially connected Rome to Capua near Naples. It was constructed primarily for military purposes, allowing troops to move quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"1051\">Over time, it became a key route for travelers of all kinds, Julius Caesar is said to have walked it, early Christian converts were buried along its edges, and the rebel leader Spartacus was famously crucified along the Via Appia in 71 BC.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"1051\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even compared to many of the other best attractions in Rome, The Appian Way is incredibly well-preserved. It\u2019s made of large, flat stones, which have been firmly set in place by thousands of years of rain, wheels, and feet passing over them. When you touch them, you are walking in the footsteps of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-list-of-craziest-ancient-roman-emperors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roman emperors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, merchants, saints and maybe even St. Peter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"80x058\" data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Does_the_Appian_Way_Start_and_End\"><\/span>Where Does the Appian Way Start and End?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1100\" data-end=\"1415\">The Appian Way begins in Rome and was eventually extended all the way to Brindisi in Puglia, on the Adriatic coast. At the time, this made it one of the longest and most important roads ever built, stretching across the Italian peninsula and serving as a vital link between Rome and the eastern parts of the empire.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"uudcmg\" data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1450\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Is_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>How Long Is the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1869\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The Appian Way stretches for more than 300 miles (around 480 km). The most famous and scenic section lies just outside Rome, where the first ten miles have been preserved as part of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parcoappiaantica.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parco dell\u2019Appia Antica<\/span><\/a>. This protected park safeguards not only the road itself but also the many ancient monuments, tombs, and ruins that line its route, making it one of the most fascinating places to explore Roman history today.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20428\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20428\" class=\"wp-image-20428 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52879608268_e611f83b59_kres.jpg\" alt=\"Large wall aqueduct structure in a park in Rome\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52879608268_e611f83b59_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52879608268_e611f83b59_kres-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20428\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Parco degli Acquedotti, an integral part of the larger Appian Way Regional Park. Photo credit: Paul VanDerWerf<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"uudcmg\" data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1450\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Is_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>Where Is the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it\u2019s one of the best attractions in Rome, much of the Appian way sits outside the city. So, you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consider it as a fun addition to the list of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/alternative-things-to-do-rome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unusual things to do in Rome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The road begins at the southeastern edge of Rome and extends southward, passing through the countryside of the Roman Campagna.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It goes through to Albano Laziale, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Rome&#8217;s city center, and continues south, linking towns and archaeological sites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t stress about it not being right in the city center. With a bit of planning and some patience for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/public-transportation-rome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome&#8217;s public transportation system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can easily find your way to The Appian Way.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20427\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20427\" class=\"wp-image-20427 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12225605415_713587d8de_kres.jpg\" alt=\"The Appian Way in Rome\" width=\"1200\" height=\"791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12225605415_713587d8de_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12225605415_713587d8de_kres-768x506.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20427\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Appian Way is believed to have sparked the famous saying &#8220;All roads lead to Rome.&#8221; Photo credit: Trish Hartmann<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"pouskx\" data-start=\"115\" data-end=\"149\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_to_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>How to Get to the Appian Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"351\">The easiest ways to reach the Appian Way are by public transport or taxi (including ride-hailing apps). While it\u2019s not directly served by the metro, it\u2019s still very accessible with a short connection.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"379\"><strong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"377\">Metro &amp; bus options:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"738\">\n<li data-section-id=\"d2n30n\" data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"527\"><strong data-start=\"382\" data-end=\"395\">Option 1:<\/strong> Take the metro to Circo Massimo, then hop on bus 118, which runs directly along parts of the Appian Way and stops near key sites.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qk4yrm\" data-start=\"528\" data-end=\"738\"><strong data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"543\">Option 2:<\/strong> Take the metro to San Giovanni, then connect to buses 118 or 218, both of which serve the Appian Way area. (Routes like 660 or 663 may run nearby but are less commonly used for direct access.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"927\">Bus stops may vary slightly depending on your route, but all will leave you within walking distance of the park entrances, just check with the driver or use a map app to confirm your stop.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"1208\"><strong data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"938\">Taxi:<\/strong><br data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"941\" \/>Taxis or ride-hailing services are a convenient, direct option, especially if you\u2019re short on time. For the return journey, it\u2019s best to <strong data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1106\">book a taxi or use an app<\/strong>, as unofficial cars in the area may overcharge. Avoid accepting rides without a meter or agreed fare.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"rje8k3\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Visit_Practical_Tips\"><\/span>When to Visit &amp; Practical Tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"521\">Weekends, especially Sundays\u2014are one of the best times to experience the Appian Way.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"521\"><strong>As of 2026, expanded pedestrian-only hours mean large sections, particularly within the Parco dell\u2019Appia Antica, are closed to most vehicle traffic<\/strong>. This creates a peaceful, open-air atmosphere that\u2019s ideal for walking, cycling, and soaking up the history without the noise of cars. You\u2019ll often find locals out picnicking and biking alongside visitors exploring ancient tombs, catacombs, and ruins.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"785\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">If you\u2019re planning to rent a bike, weekends are especially rewarding, offering a safer and more enjoyable ride along this historic road. Just keep in mind that public transport runs less frequently on Sundays, so it\u2019s wise to plan your return journey in advance.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20433\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20433\" class=\"wp-image-20433 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52665838512_22186accec_kres.jpg\" alt=\"The Appian Way, a reflection of a man on a horse\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52665838512_22186accec_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52665838512_22186accec_kres-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20433\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">When in Rome! Walk in the footsteps of the emperors, or why not ride on horseback! Photo credit: Dario De Medici<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"uudcmg\" data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1450\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_there_to_see_on_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>What is there to see on the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Via Appia<\/span><\/i> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antica <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starts at the Porta San Sebastiano, just two miles south of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/the-colosseum-symbol-of-rome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Colosseum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From Porta San Sebastiano, head down the road to the 9th century Domine Quo Vadis Church. Legend has it that this is the spot where Peter saw a vision of Christ when he was fleeing Nero\u2019s persecution in 64 AD. He asked Christ, \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domine, quo vadis?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d or \u201cLord, where are you going?\u201d Jesus responded that he was going to Rome to be crucified anew, prompting Peter to accept his fate and return to Rome to become a martyr. Inside the church is the stone that supposedly has the footprints of Jesus. There\u2019s also a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/renaissance-frescoes-in-italy-beyond-michelangelo-sistine-chapel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fresco<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Peter on the left wall and one of Jesus on the right. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider tip: Discover more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\">best churches in Rome!<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two major Christian <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/spookiest-catacombs-capuchin-crypt-torture-cells-italy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catacombs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are located directly after the church: The Catacombs of San Sebastiano and the slightly larger Catacombs of San Callisto. They\u2019re the burial sites for many of the early popes and some of the best attractions in Rome in their own right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nearby there\u2019s also the enormous tomb of Cecilia Metella, the daughter-in-law of Rome\u2019s richest man. Although this tomb doesn\u2019t show up on many normal tours, it\u2019s definitely one of the best attractions in Rome (or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">just <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outside of it).\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A little ways past Cecilia\u2019s mausoleum is the Circus Maxentius, one of the best-preserved Roman imperial circuses. It\u2019s a large arena where chariot races were once held, right next to the remains of Emperor Maxentius\u2019 large villa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From here you can walk or bike for miles along the ancient Roman highway, passing gorgeous fields strewn with historic tombs and ancient Roman ruins, all nearly unchanged since the 4th century.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though eventually about 30 other roads fanned out from Rome (truly giving meaning to the saying \u201call roads lead to Rome\u201d) the Ancient Appian Way was the first and greatest, another surviving testament to the mighty Roman Empire.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20435\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20435\" class=\"wp-image-20435 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52888626610_76bffcfe15_kres.jpg\" alt=\"Animals along The Appian Way\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52888626610_76bffcfe15_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/52888626610_76bffcfe15_kres-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20435\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">While visiting The Appian Way, you might encounter some local wildlife. Photo credit: Kent Wang<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_The_Appian_Way\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; The Appian Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_stay_along_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>Can you stay along the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, there are a handful of charming places to stay along the Appian Way, including countryside villas, agriturismos, and small B&amp;Bs just outside Rome. Staying nearby offers a unique opportunity to experience the peaceful Roman countryside, especially in the early morning or evening when day-trippers have left. It\u2019s a great option if you want to explore the area at a slower pace or combine your visit with cycling and nature.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_need_a_ticket_to_visit_the_Appian_Way\"><\/span>Do you need a ticket to visit the Appian Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, access to the Appian Way itself is completely free. However, some of the sites along the route, such as catacombs, tombs, and archaeological complexes, require an fee or guided tour to enter. It\u2019s worth planning ahead if there are specific landmarks you want to visit, as opening hours can vary.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_better_to_explore_the_Appian_Way_on_foot_or_by_bike\"><\/span>Is it better to explore the Appian Way on foot or by bike?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Both are great options, but it depends on how much you want to see. Walking is ideal for shorter visits and allows you to take in details at a slower pace. However, renting a bike is highly recommended if you want to cover more ground and reach some of the more remote ruins and countryside stretches. The relatively flat terrain makes cycling accessible for most visitors.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7826\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7826\" class=\"wp-image-7826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/5918786905_c979fa502e_z.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7826\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Appian Way is a great cycle route!<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"324\"><strong>Step beyond the surface of Rome and uncover its hidden layers with our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/catacombs-colosseum-tour\/\"> Catacombs, Appian Way &amp; Colosseum Tour.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"324\">This unforgettable experience takes you deep underground to explore Rome\u2019s fascinating catacombs with an expert guide. Then they will bring you back into the light along the legendary Appian Way.\u00a0As you walk this ancient route, lined with tombs and ruins, you\u2019ll discover how it helped shape the expansion of the Roman Empire. Highlights include the impressive Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the mighty Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.\u00a0With skip-the-line access, seamless transport, and a knowledgeable guide tying it all together, this tour offers a deeper, more immersive way to experience Rome\u2019s past.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"739\" data-end=\"992\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/catacombs-colosseum-tour\/\">Book your spot now<\/a> and walk in the footsteps of history, both above and below ground.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that Rome boasts the enduring legacy of one of Europe&#8217;s earliest superhighways, still in existence today? Behold The Appian Way, known in Italian as Via Appia Antica.\u00a0 Arguably the world&#8217;s oldest surviving road, The Appian Way was ancient Rome&#8217;s vital lifeline, serving as both a military and economic artery. It\u2019s also believed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":20431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[20,65,61,18],"ppma_author":[161],"class_list":["post-7816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-attractions","tag-act-like-a-local","tag-off-the-beaten-path","tag-rome"],"authors":[{"term_id":161,"user_id":40,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ginamussio","display_name":"Gina Mussio","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9497ce1b0417babd82886ad23b18998?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Mussio","first_name":"Gina","job_title":"","description":"Gina is a Midwesterner living in Lombardy, Italy where she writes about Italian culture, travel and food. She is a bilingual primary school teacher by day, forever interested in developing cross-culture communication skills across languages. Gina loves touring Italy's beautiful and tiny borghi with her family and exploring Italy's culture through its culinary history."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7816"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7816"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25215,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7816\/revisions\/25215"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7816"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=7816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}