The Appian Way in Rome

Looking for a breath of fresh air between visits to Rome’s historic center? The Via Appia Antica (Appian Way) is a must-see stop in the Roman capital.

It’s a perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City and explore the surrounding area.

Follow the guide!

Tip: To explore the Appian Way freely, Captain Ulysses recommends renting bikes (electric, mountain, or city bikes). If you prefer a guided tour, check out this electric bike tour.

Insider Tips

A Brief Bistory of the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

The Origins of the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

The Via Appia Antica was built in 312 BC under the supervision of Appius Claudius Caecus, the Roman censor from whom it takes its name.

Initially connecting Rome to Capua (in Campania), the Appian Way was gradually extended and eventually reached Brindisi in Apulia (in the “heel” of Italy).

The purpose of this ambitious project? To strengthen Rome’s influence in southern Italy and facilitate the movement of troops and goods.

Paved with large slabs, the Appian Way measures 4.1 meters / 13.1 ft wide, allowing two chariots to pass each other with ease. Pedestrians had their own dirt paths along the sides.

Tombs and Catacombs of the Appian Way

In ancient Rome, burials were forbidden within the city walls. Cemeteries, tombs, and catacombs had to be located “outside the walls.”
This is why the Appian Way is lined with funerary monuments and catacombs, many of which can still be visited today.

The Appian Way Through History

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Appian Way fell into disuse. During the Middle Ages, it was primarily used by pilgrims traveling to southern Italy en route to the Holy Land.

In the 18^th century, Pope Pius VI ordered its restoration, not least because many Christians—including several popes—had been buried along the Via Appia (in tombs or catacombs).

Today, the Appian Way is part of a protected national park covering 3,500 hectares just outside Rome. Bordered by pine and cypress trees, with historic monuments dotted along the way, the ancient Roman road offers a postcard-perfect landscape.

Visiting the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

What to see along the Via Appia Antica? Follow the guide as Captain Ulysses takes you on a tour of the main sites and points of interest along the Appian Way.

Porta San Sebastiano

Located within Rome and incorporated into the Aurelian Wall—a fortified wall built to protect the city in ancient times—Porta San Sebastiano (or Porta Appia) marks the start of the Appian Way.

The catacomb of Saint Callixtus

Further along the Via Appia, the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus are among the largest and most iconic in Rome.

Founded in the 2^nd century AD, they span 15 hectares over four levels (though only a small part is open to the public). Sixteen popes and many Christian martyrs are buried here.

Tours o the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus are guided only.

The Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls and the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

The catacombs were built in the 3^rd century AD, followed by the construction of the basilica in the 4^th century.

Saint Sebastian’s remains were interred here in 350 before being moved to the Vatican in the 9^th century to protect them from a Saracen raid.

Legend has it that the remains of Saint Peter and Saint Paul were also briefly kept here before being moved to their respective basilicas—St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s.

The basilica was completely rebuilt in the 17^th century by architects Flaminio Ponzio and Giovanni Vasanzio.

The Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls is one of the seven churches traditionally visited during the Jubilee pilgrimage.

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are accessible through the basilica.

️ Book Your Tickets ️

If you’re visiting during the high season (summer or school holidays), it’s best to book your visit in advance to avoid long lines: guided tour of the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.

The Circus of Maxentius

Built in the 4^th century AD by Emperor Maxentius, this large hippodrome was dedicated to chariot and horse races. Though smaller than the Circus Maximus, it still had a capacity of 10,000 spectators.

Though little remains today, the Circus of Maxentius was originally part of a vast complex that also included a palace and a funerary monument dedicated to the Emperor’s son, Romulus.

The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

Built in the 1^st century AD, this is perhaps the best-preserved funerary monument along the Appian Way.

It houses the remains of Cecilia Metella, daughter-in-law of Crassus (who formed the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Pompey).

The mausoleum is cylindrical in shape and impressive in its dimensions: almost 30 metres (100 ft) in diameter and 11 metres (36 ft) high. It was later transformed into a fortress during the Middle Ages.

The Villa of the Quintili

Further along the Appian Way lies the Villa of the Quintili, built in the 2^nd century AD by the Quintilius brothers. It was later confiscated by Emperor Commodus—who was assassinated there.

Practical Information

To visit the Appian Way, you have two options:

• – Join a guided tour
• – Explore it on your own (Captain Ulysses recommends renting bikes).

Guided tours of the Appian Way (on foot or by bike)

If you don’t want to miss any of the hidden gems along the Appian Way, there are many guided tours available. Captain Ulysses particularly recommends two:

• Electric bike tour of the Appian Way
• Guided tour of the catacombs, departing from central Rome (transport included, several languages available)

Exploring the Via Appia Antica on Your Own

Getting to the Appian Way

Unless you’re an avid walker, Captain Ulysses suggests taking the bus (lines 118 or 218 from near Piazza Venezia) to the San Callisto Catacombs. The first stretch of the Via Appia isn’t pedestrian-friendly and offers limited historical interest.

From there, you can rent a bike to explore the road freely.

Bike rental on the Appian Way

Want to cycle along the Via Appia Antica?
You can rent a bike here: Via Appia bike rental (electric bikes, mountain bikes, or city bikes).

Bonus: The staff speaks English as well as several other languages.

How Much Time to Plan for Your Visit of the Appian Way?

Captain Ulysses suggests planning at least half a day, if not a full day, to explore the Via Appia Antica properly.

Avoid long lines: book your tickets and tours for Rome!

Credits
Bert Kaufmann | Wikimedia | Wikimedia | Damian Entwistle | LisArt