Via Appia and the Aurelian Wall
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Monument - Historical,
Street / Avenue
The Appian Way (Via Appia), an important Imperial Roman road dating from the 4th century BC, was built to quickly move supplies and Roman soldiers to strategic points of the Roman Empire. The Appian Way was the first and most important Roman road, stretching from Rome to Brindisi on the southeast coast of Italy.
It was the work of architect Appius Claudius Caecus (hence the road's name). You can still walk the long straight cobblestone road, and along the way are catacombs and churches.
As the Roman Empire began its terminal decline, Rome was the focus of attacks and invasions by barbarians. In the 3rd century AD the Aurelian Wall was built around the city's seven hills for protection. The Aurelian Wall had many gates, one of them being the Porta San Sebastiano (which still stands today). It was once called the Porta Appia because it marks the point where the Appian Way begins. The gate now contains a museum about the wall and Rome's ancient gates.
Latest Reviews
Review by Hans W, Denmark, April 2013
Doing what: Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Roman Countryside Bike Tour
This trip with Simone as our guide was definitely one of the highlights of the 1 week long trip. We have been to Rome many times, but have never done a bike trip in Rome and Simone managed to make the trip very fun and interesting. He is knowledgeable and at the same time has a great sense of humor and succeeded in making everyone feel comfortable even though it was slowed down with having our two children and my parents of 75 and 78 on the trip and it was raining part of the day. SUPER!!! This is a MUST-DO kind of thing. The only thing we may suggest is that Viator should probably make it clear that this is a very streneous trip and should not be advised for children below 12 and elderly folks who are not in good shape and used to biking. before getting to Via Appia and biking home you do get into some pretty heavy traffic areas and this is too dangerous for younger children and the length of the trip is long (we were on the 6 hour one, which due to weather ended up being 7½ hours). Simone, however, was fabulous!! Hans W, Denmark
Review by Rachel D, April 2013
Doing what: Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator
Gladiator school was everything my three sons hoped for and more. Their lanestra (gladiator instructor) was engaging and had them captivated from the get-go. It also didn't hurt that they had him all to themselves, as there was no one else booked at that time. We rented bikes and cycled the Appian Way for an hour and had a glass of cold beer before heading back to the school for the last hour to watch the boys, now trained warriors, bash each others' brains out with Roman weaponry. As the lanestra said: "Sometimes the best blood spilled is the blood between brothers."
Review by Dennis H, April 2013
Doing what: Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Roman Countryside Bike Tour
Simone was a wonderful guide! Our tour of the Appian way was incredible, and our whole family of six enjoyed it very much. We would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who loves the outdoors, and a wonderful view of the outskirts of Rome.
Practical Info
One of the best places to begin exploring the Via Appia is at the Parco Regionale Dell'Appia Antica. Metro line A has a stop at Parco Appia Antica.
