Appian Way and Aurelian Walls (Via Appia Antica e Mure Aureliane)

Named for architect Appius Claudius Caecus, the Appian Way was one of Rome’s main highways for centuries. As the empire began its decline in the third century and Rome experienced barbarian attacks, the Aurelian Walls (Mure Aureliane) were erected around the city’s seven hills for protection. These defensive walls had a number of gates, including Porta Appia (or Porta San Sebastiano), which today contains a museum about the Aurelian Walls.

A guided walking or bike tour down the Appian Way from the Aurelian Walls through the Ancient Appian Way Regional Park and Caffarella Park is the perfect way to explore this historic road and the ancient sites along its route through the Roman countryside. Appian Way tours include stops at sites like the thermal baths of Caracalla, the early Christian San Callisto Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius, the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and the ancient Roman aqueducts. You can also join a guided small-group bus tour to explore the ancient road from central Rome.