Do you know the idiom: “All roads lead to Rome (or “Omnes viae Romam ducunt” in ancient Latin)”? If yes, you will certainly know some of their names, right? Appia, Tiburtina, Flaminia sound familiar? If no, let’s dive into this post to discover the Ancient Appian Way.

Brief History

The idiom originates from the efficient road system of ancient Rome. In fact, most of the Consular roads started from Rome and of course “led to Rome” if taken in the opposite direction.

These roads were the main arteries on which goods and people transited. The main consular roads, named after the consul who willed their construction or their purpose.

Nowadays, many of these roads are still in use such as Casilina or Tiburtina while others have fallen into disuse. Some of them, such as via Appia, still maintain the original pavement. Not only, depending on the natural context in which they are immersed, they really make you think you are in ancient Rome.

The Ancient Appian way is the best example of this. Built between IV-III sec BC, the road connected Rome to Capua and then extended to Brindisi. Its construction started in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus and its considered one of the greatest civil engineering works of the ancient world.

Things to do

The Appian Way is now part of the big Appia Antica regional park, a truly green lung on the edge of Rome. It’s a 4580-hectare park that includes several zones such as Valle della Caffarella, Via Latina and the waterworks, tenuta di Tormarancia.

I think it’s a must do experience when you’re in Rome. In one shot you can enjoy the beautiful Roman countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the architectural beauty this route has to offer.

The path is about 16 km long, from Piazzale Numa Pompilio (Porta Capena) to Frattocchie/Santa Maria delle Mole and it’s usually divided into three section:

• from Porta Capena to Cecilia Metella tomb (4 km, about 1h on foot)
• Cecilia Metella tomb to Casal Rotondo mausoleum (4,7 km, about 1,10h on foot)
• Casal Rotondo mausoleum to Frattocchie/Santa Maria delle Mole (7,5 km, 1,30-40h on foot)

How much of the route you want to walk is up to you. Personally, I started my route from Mausoleo di Casal Rotondo near Capannelle hippodrome. Consider more time to walk the various sections, you will definitely stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Along the path you can see the ruins of ancient Roman buildings such as villas and mausoleums. Note that you don’t have to pay a ticket to enter the park. Although some attractions require to buy a ticket, most of them are free.

The road can be traveled either by bicycle or on foot. However, by bicycle it can be uncomfortable in some sections due to the presence of cobblestones.

When to go

Ancient Appian Way is accessible all year round. During summer it can be very hot, like all places in Rome so, in my opinion, spring and autumn or early summer are the best periods to go.

Where to eat

There are several refreshment points along the route where you can buy food stuff. However, i always recommend to bring with you water and some snacks.

How to get there

There are several points where you can start you journey. In this table i summarized the main ones and how to reach them. Obviously you can reach them by car if you have one.

Starting point	By bus	By metro
Porta Capena	118, 628, 671, 714	Metro B, Stop at Circo Massimo
Intersection Via Appia Antica/ Via Cecilia Metella (near Cecilia Metella tomb)	660	–
Porta San Sebastiano (Via di Porta San Sebastiano, 18)	118, 218	–
Intersection Via Erode Attico/ via di Tor Carbone (Casal Rotondo Mausoleum)	765 (stop Tor Carbone/ appia antica or Erode attico/ appia antica)	–
Intersection Fioranello/via dell’aeroscalo	720 (Stop Fioranello/Appia)	–
Santa Maria delle Mole/Frattocchie	Bus Cotral Roma-Velletri, Roma-Nettuno  from Anagnina station to Palaghiaccio-Santa Maria delle Mole	–

Porta Capena is easily accessible by subway. You can start from there and then return by bus. I don’t recommend the last two options unless you have enough time. Hence, From Porta Capena to Casal Rotondo is a valid choice.

You can find other information here: https://www.parcoappiaantica.it/itinerari/la-via-appia/

Conclusion

Walking the ancient Appian Way offers a unique perspective into Rome’s history and natural beauty. If you’re interested in Rome’s history this is a must place to visit.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments and save this for your next trip to Rome.

Check my previous article here: https://www.gooutforaride.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=101&action=edit

See you!