Appian Way, Rome

Renting a bike on the Appian Way

A bike is the best way to see the road. In 3–4 hours you can ride from Porta San Sebastiano past the catacombs and Caecilia Metella to the Villa of the Quintilii and back. Rentals operate by the gate and at the park's visitor centre at Via Appia Antica 58/60, which also hands out maps; e-bikes help on the gentle climb.

The ancient basalt paving is bumpy, so choose wide tyres and expect to walk some stretches. On foot, 4–5 km out and back is realistic.

A short history

The Appian Way was the first of Rome's great highways, begun in 312 BC by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus to move troops south, and later extended to the port of Brindisi, almost 540 km away. Romans called it the Regina Viarum, the queen of roads.

Burials were banned inside the city, so wealthy families built tombs and mausoleums along the roads beyond the walls; the Appian Way has hundreds. Early Christians dug their catacombs here too. In 2024 the whole road was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see along the way

• Porta San Sebastiano — a gate in the Aurelian Walls, home to the Museum of the Walls.
• Domine Quo Vadis church — where legend says Peter met Christ while fleeing Rome.
• Catacombs of St Callixtus — the largest Christian catacombs, with the 3rd-century Crypt of the Popes.
• Catacombs of St Sebastian — with a basilica above and early tombs.
• Circus of Maxentius — a well-preserved 4th-century racetrack with its starting towers.
• Tomb of Caecilia Metella — a round 1st-century-BC mausoleum folded into a medieval castle.
• Villa of the Quintilii — ruins of a vast 2nd-century villa with baths.
• Original paving — beyond the 3rd kilometre, the road's most photogenic stretches.

The Appian Way today

The stretch nearest Rome is the Appia Antica Regional Park: a green valley of pines, cypresses and ruins. The first 2–3 km from Porta San Sebastiano run between high villa walls and still carry traffic. Past Caecilia Metella the road opens up, with basalt slabs worn by legionaries and fields of ruins either side.

On Sundays and public holidays part of the road closes to cars and fills with walkers and cyclists — the best time to come.

Best time to go

Sunday morning, when cars are banned on part of the road, and spring or autumn are ideal — summer sun is fierce on the open stretches. At sunset the pines and tombs turn to silhouettes. Remember the catacombs and monuments close before dusk and each has its own closing day.

Is the Appian Way worth it?

Yes, if you have half a day and want a break from the crowds. It's a different Rome — rural, quiet, ancient stones underfoot and the catacombs on the way. Short on time? Take bus 118 to the Catacombs of St Callixtus and Caecilia Metella — about two hours.

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How to do it right

• Sundays bring a car-free stretch.
• Wide tyres make the paving easier.
• Bus 118 skips the risky first stretch.
• There's little shade — go early in summer.

Questions