All Roads Still Lead to Rome - The Appian Way
What is It - Any traveler who enjoys hikes or history should spend half a day at the Via Appian Way located just outside of Rome’s center city. The Appian Way is a ten mile segment of one of the Roman empire’s original roads that was built in 312 BC from Rome to the important port of Brindisi some 330 miles away. Today, this stone road serves as the centerpiece of an archaeological and nature park with 54 attractions known as the Parco Regionale dell’ Appia Antica. It provides a relaxing contrast to the pace of the modern city and better known ruins like the Coliseum.
Most people start out at the Visitor Information Center where you can rent a bicycle or pick up maps and information on sites to see in the park. I have found that walking along the tree lined road enhances the experience particularly if you can go on a Sunday when the entire route is restricted to pedestrians and bikes. The Appian Way is surprisingly never crowded and can be enjoyed in two or three hours on your own using the Visitor’s guide.
A Walk Through History
When walking along the Appian Way, you can feel the history all around you and contemplate it in a peaceful setting. For almost a thousand years, the armies of Rome, local farmers and legendary historical figures passed along this toll-free public road which was marked with milestones and directions, and featured post stations for supplies and horses. History records that several thousand of Spartacus’ captured gladiators and slaves were crucified on this route, and the New Testament describes several inspirational experiences of the apostles which occurred on the road.
The road also has a wide assortment of monuments and Roman ruins along it including a chariot racing stadium known as the Circus of Maxentius, the opulent Villa of the Quintilii, and numerous tombs and monuments to various Senators, generals and dignitaries.
After spending a morning on the Appian Way, you can understand the ancient phrase “All roads lead to Rome.”
Interesting Facts - The Via Appia runs by the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, a cemetery for early Christians and some martyrs that extends four stories underneath the road and surrounding fields for several miles. Unlike the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris, there are no piles of bones here.
How to Get Here - There is bus service out to the Park from the Termini bus station, but the schedule is intermittent. Taxi service is available from most hotels to the site but be sure to plan your trip so you have a clear drop off point in mind such as the Visitor Information Centre on the Via Appia Antica and a termination point at an establishment such as one of the several decent restaurants located along the first mile or two of the road. Parts of the walk lack facilities of any kind. .
When to Go - Rome can have cold and rainy winters and the heat can be excessive during the middle of the summer for long hikes, so late spring and early fall are the ideal times to enjoy this hike.