# Appian Way, Rome

> The Appian Way is the oldest of Rome's great roads, begun in 312 BC. Its first miles outside the city form a park of ancient paving, umbrella pines, tombs and catacombs, listed by UNESCO in 2024. Walking it is free; a bike is the best way to cover 6–8 km with stops in 3–4 hours.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/appian-way

- City: [Rome](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome), Italy
- YesGo score: 49/100 (Yes, if nearby)
- Time on site: 3 h
- Opening hours: Road open at all times; monuments and catacombs keep their own hours, many closing on Mondays or Wednesdays
- With kids: Fine with kids
- Entry: Free — the road and park
- Monuments: Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Villa of the Quintilii, catacombs — ticketed
- Car-free: Sundays and holidays on part of the road
- Bike hire: At Porta San Sebastiano and the park visitor centre
- Time needed: 3–4 hours for 6–8 km with stops
- Location: From Porta San Sebastiano; bus 118 or 660
- Coordinates: 41.84139, 12.53250
- Facts checked: 10.11.2026

## Key facts

- **312 BC** — censor Appius Claudius Caecus began the road (source: English Wikipedia)
- **≈ 540 km** — full length, to Brindisi in southern Italy (source: English Wikipedia)
- **Regina Viarum** — 'queen of roads', as the poet Statius called it (source: English Wikipedia)
- **2024** — the Appian Way joined the UNESCO World Heritage list (source: UNESCO)
- **≈ 4 m** — wide — enough for two chariots to pass (source: English Wikipedia)
- **1st century BC** — the Tomb of Caecilia Metella was built (source: English Wikipedia)

## 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.

> **Traffic on the first stretch** Between Porta San Sebastiano and the catacombs there's barely a pavement and cars move fast between high walls. Take care, especially with children — or ride bus 118 to the catacombs and start walking from there.

## How to get to the Appian Way

1. Bus **118** from Circo Massimo or Piramide metro stations to the catacombs and Caecilia Metella.
2. Bus **660** from Colli Albani on Metro A to the quieter, most scenic southern stretch.
3. Walk from the [Baths of Caracalla](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/baths-of-caracalla) to Porta San Sebastiano in about 20 minutes.
4. Hop-on buses and guided tours run from the centre with catacomb stops.

## 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](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/rome-catacombs) on the way. Short on time? Take bus 118 to the Catacombs of St Callixtus and Caecilia Metella — about two hours.

## Before you go

Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser.

- [ ] Pick a Sunday for the car-free stretch
- [ ] Book a bike or e-bike
- [ ] Check catacomb closing days
- [ ] Bring water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes
- [ ] Download the Appia Antica park map

## Ancient Rome: compare and choose

Ancient sites in Rome rated by YesGo.

- [Pantheon](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/pantheon) — YesGo score 82/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · ≈ €5
- [Colosseum](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/colosseum) — YesGo score 73/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · ≈ €18
- [Roman Forum](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/roman-forum) — YesGo score 63/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · ≈ €18 with Colosseum
- [Circus Maximus](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/circus-maximus) — YesGo score 63/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · Free
- [Trajan's Column](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/trajans-column) — YesGo score 60/100 (Yes, go) · 15 min · Free
- [Capitoline Hill](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/capitoline-hill) — YesGo score 58/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · Free
- [Castel Sant'Angelo](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/castel-sant-angelo) — YesGo score 57/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · ≈ €15–20
- [Arch of Constantine](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/arch-of-constantine) — YesGo score 57/100 (Yes, go) · 15 min · Free
- [Palatine Hill](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/palatine-hill) — YesGo score 54/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · ≈ €18 with Colosseum
- [Mausoleum of Augustus](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/mausoleum-of-augustus) — YesGo score 53/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · ≈ €5, booking
- [Largo di Torre Argentina](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/largo-di-torre-argentina) — YesGo score 53/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · Free from street; walkways ≈ €5
- [Pyramid of Cestius](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/pyramid-of-cestius) — YesGo score 52/100 (Yes, go) · 20 min · Free outside
- [Appian Way](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/appian-way) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Free
- [Domus Aurea](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/domus-aurea) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ €18, with VR ≈ €26
- [Mouth of Truth](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/bocca-della-verita) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · Donation ≈ €2
- [Baths of Caracalla](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/baths-of-caracalla) — YesGo score 48/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ €8
- [Catacombs of Rome](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/rome-catacombs) — YesGo score 48/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · ≈ €10–12 with guide
- [Ara Pacis](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/ara-pacis) — YesGo score 47/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ €13–15
- [Theatre of Marcellus](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/theatre-of-marcellus) — YesGo score 47/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · Free
- [Vatican Museums](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/vatican-museums) — YesGo score 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · ≈ €25
- [Capitoline Museums](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/capitoline-museums) — YesGo score 43/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · ≈ €15–19.50
- [Baths of Diocletian](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/baths-of-diocletian) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Basilica free; museum ≈ €10–12
- [Basilica of San Clemente](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/san-clemente) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Upper free; excavations ≈ €10–12
- [Imperial Fora](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/imperial-fora) — YesGo score 38/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free from the street; museum ≈ €13–15
- [Testaccio](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/testaccio) — YesGo score 38/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Free
- [Palazzo Massimo](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/palazzo-massimo) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · ≈ €10–12 combined ticket
- [Ostia Antica](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/ostia-antica) — YesGo score 31/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · ≈ €12–18
- [Hadrian's Villa](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/hadrians-villa) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · ≈ €12–15

## Southern Rome in a day

The Baths of Caracalla in the morning, then along the Appian Way to the catacombs and the Tomb of Caecilia Metella.

1. [Baths of Caracalla](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/baths-of-caracalla) — YesGo score 48/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ €8
2. [Appian Way](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/appian-way) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Free
3. [Catacombs of Rome](https://yesgo.io/italy/rome/rome-catacombs) — YesGo score 48/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · ≈ €10–12 with guide

## Don't mix it up

The old Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) isn't Via Appia Nuova, an ordinary busy road running parallel to it — check your map before setting off.

## Tips

- 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

### Where does the Appian Way start?

At Porta San Sebastiano in the Aurelian Walls, south of the Baths of Caracalla.

### Is the Appian Way free?

Yes, the road and park are free; individual monuments and catacombs charge.

### Can you rent bikes on the Appian Way?

Yes, at Porta San Sebastiano and the park visitor centre at Via Appia Antica 58/60.

### How do I get to the Appian Way?

Bus 118 from Circo Massimo or Piramide metro, or bus 660 from Colli Albani.

### Is the Appian Way closed to cars on Sundays?

Part of it is closed to traffic on Sundays and public holidays.

### What is there to see?

Porta San Sebastiano, the Catacombs of St Callixtus and St Sebastian, the Circus of Maxentius, the Tomb of Caecilia Metella and the Villa of the Quintilii.

### How long is the Appian Way?

About 540 km to Brindisi; visitors explore the first 10–15 km from Rome.

### How long do you need?

3–4 hours for 6–8 km with stops; half a day with the catacombs.

## How we checked

History, length and UNESCO status from English Wikipedia and UNESCO. Monument hours, prices and the car-free schedule change and weren't confirmed at the time of checking — hence the 'checking' badge.

## Sources

- Appia Antica Regional Park (Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica)
- Appia Antica Archaeological Park (Parco archeologico dell'Appia Antica)
- UNESCO: Via Appia. Regina Viarum
- English Wikipedia, Appian Way

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