Ostia Antica near Rome

How about taking some fresh air away from the capital’s hustle and bustle? Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Rome, the archaeological site of Ostia Antica (Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica) offers visitors a chance to step back in time and discover one of the most prosperous cities of ancient Rome.

Follow the guide! the guide!

Pro Tip: To explore Ostia Antica without the logistical hassle, Captain Ulysse highly recommends this excursion from Rome.

A Brief History of Ostia Antica

The Origins of Ostia Antica

While some sources date the founding of Ostia Antica around 620 BC, the oldest traces uncovered by archaeologists date back to around 335 BC.

One thing is certain: the city gets its name from its location at the mouth of the Tiber River, with Ostia meaning “river mouth” in Latin.

The city initially thrived on its salt marshes before being conquered by Rome.
It soon became a naval base and commercial port, growing in importance as Rome expanded its influence across the Mediterranean.

The Rise of Ostia Antica

Though the city grew significantly under the Roman Republic (509 BC – 27 BC), it truly reached its peak during the Empire, particularly in the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries AD. Emperors Trajan and Hadrian initiated major construction projects to accommodate the city’s population, which swelled to between 27,000 and 60,000 inhabitants.

The Decline of Ostia Antica

But prosperity didn’t last forever. Starting in the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, Ostia Antica began to decline. Several factors contributed to this downturn: the coastline receded due to the silting of the Tiber—Ostia Antica is now 4 kilometers from the sea—a slowdown in trade, and possibly natural disasters and diseases like malaria.

The city was gradually abandoned, buried by sand over the centuries, which helped preserve it, despite being pillaged for building materials, as with many ancient sites.

Archaeological Excavations

Excavations began in the 18^th century and continue today.

Exploring the Archaeological Site of Ostia Antica

The archaeological site of Ostia Antica spans roughly 100 hectares/250 acres. Most of the ruins and monuments (shops, taverns, temples, baths…) are scattered along the main street, the Decumanus Maximus.

Key highlights of the site include:

The Theater: Built in the 1^st century AD and later rebuilt in the 2^nd century, the theater could hold up to 4,000 spectators—impressive, though far less than the Colosseum (50,000 spectators) or the Circus Maximus (100,000 spectators).

The Baths of Neptune: Dating back to the 2^nd century AD, these baths were constructed under the reigns of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. They are famous for their stunning black-and-white mosaics, the most famous of which depicts the Roman god Neptune.

The Forum Baths: These are best known for their incredibly well-preserved latrines! You’ll find about twenty marble seats where the residents of Ostia once sat in comfort to attend to their business!

Practical Information

Getting to Ostia Antica

Getting to Ostia Antica Good news: it’s easy to get to Ostia Antica from central Rome. Take metro line B to Piramide station before taking the train towards Ostia Lido. Get off at the Ostia Antica station. The archaeological site is located a ten-minute walk from the train station (follow the signs).

The train fare is the same as a regular metro ticket, just €1.50.

If you prefer to avoid public transportation, you can also opt for an organized excursion from central Rome (in English).

Opening Hours of Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica Archaeological Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday:

• From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from October 25 to the last day of February
• From 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM from March 1 to March 31^.
• From 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM from April 1 to September 30^.
• From 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM from October 1 to October 24^.

The ticket office closes one hour before the site.

Admission to Ostia Antica

Entry tickets are priced at €12 for adults, and €2 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. Entry is free for children under 18.

Guided Tours

Want to dive deeper into Ostia Antica’s fascinating history? Consider joining a guided tour.

Captain Ulysses recommends two great options:

• Guided tour without transport (in English): the most budget-friendly option.
• Guided tour with transport from Rome (in English): ideal if you want to avoid public transport. You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation.

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

Credits

F.Tronchin | F.Tronchin | F.Tronchin