If you are very passionate about history, then visiting the Appian Way which is one of the oldest and most famous Roman roads is a great idea. It has become iconic due to being built in 312 BC and it connects Rome with the Southern part of Italy. It was also nicknamed the Queen of Roads for a very long time, and it has military and trade importance for the Roman Empire. But what can you see on it now?

The Catacombs

One of the cool things about the Appian Way is that it has multiple catacombs along the way. The San Callisto catacombs have popes buried there, there are frescoes, too. And then there are the San Sebastian catacombs too, where you can check out ancient tunnels and view Roman burial customs.

Circus of Maxentius

It has a beautifully preserved racing track, and you can see the ruins of the palace complex in here as well. Plus, when you visit this location, you can see the tomb of Romulus, which is a go-to for sure. On the Appian Way you can also find the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, with original Roman stonework, ancient inscriptions and a panoramic view of the way.

Villa of the Quintilii

Seeing these beautiful villa ruins is an exciting and surreal experience. You can check the ancient bath complex, the marble columns, beautiful courtyard, gardens, terraces and so on. And there is also an archeological museum on site, too.

The Original Roman Road

You can see basalt paving stones that were laid by the Romans, and deep wagon wheel grooves. Plus, there are also the original curbstones still there, along with the ancient drainage systems. It truly is a sight to behold, and certainly worth checking out.

Roman aqueducts

Along the Appian Way you can find multiple aqueducts from the Roman era. Some prime examples here are the Aqua Felix aqueduct, the Aqua Marcia remains and the Aqua Claudia arches. There are even scenic walking trails beneath the aqueducts, which is rather extraordinary.

Parco degli Acquedotti

Here you can see the beautiful aqueduct arches, wide open green fields, the water channels from the Roman times, along with historic farmhouses and sunset viewpoints.

Appian Way regional park

The park features ancient pine trees, historical farmhouses, multiple cycling and walking trails, a picnic area, not to mention wildlife as well. It’s rather interesting to explore and visit, and people will appreciate its unique and rather immersive style.

Best ways to explore the Appian Way

• Walking is a solid option for the smaller ruins, and you can stop at the hidden monuments, plus it makes for a more flexible itinerary.
• Cycling covers more distance, it offers easier access to major landmarks.
• The ideal option is a guided tour, because you have historical explanations and access to the lesser-known sites.
• Golf cart or e-bike can also be an option, too.

Speaking of that, a good rule of thumb is to visit Sundays, when the traffic is minimal. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection and start off early. And while there, we recommend allowing at least half a day to a day for the Appian Way experience. Reserve the catacomb tours in advance, because these can be pretty booked.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the Appian Way is a delightful place to visit, and it can be quite a bit of fun. But it does have its fair share of challenges, especially if you are new to it. The most important thing is to check it out for yourself, and book a tour for the catacombs. A guided tour is usually the best option, but you can also go cycling or opt for a solo walking adventure. Regardless of the situation, you are bound to have a great amount of fun as you explore the Appian Way, since it’s rich with amazing history!