The Via Appia is an ancient road that dates back to 312 BC and connected Rome with the south of Italy. In its time, it was one of the most important thoroughfares of the Roman Empire and was nicknamed Regina Viarum - Queen of the Roads.

Original Roman stones still remain on some sections.

And that is perhaps what is most powerful about the Via Appia Antica.

You don't walk in the footsteps of history. You follow it directly.

Find a hotel in Rome by rating

What to expect?

It's good to know one thing in advance. Via Appia Antica is not one particular monument.

You're not expecting an entrance gate, one landmark building or a one-hour visit.

It is a several kilometres long area with various places of interest along the way.

Some people come here for the catacombs. Some people come for the bike ride. Someone for the ancient road itself.

What to see on Via Appia Antica

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

This is where I was.

I enjoyed the catacombs much more than I expected. I was surprised by their size. In photos one often expects a few underground passages, the reality looks much more monumental.

If you're planning just one stop on the Via Appia Antica, San Sebastiano is one I would definitely consider.

👉 For more details, see the separate article on the Roman catacombs.

Catacombs of San Callisto

The largest and most historically important catacombs in Rome.

If one chooses just one, most guidebooks recommend it.

The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

One of the most striking buildings in the whole area.

The massive circular tomb can be seen from afar and is one of the iconic sites along the Via Appia Antica.

Villa dei Quintili

The extensive remains of a luxurious Roman villa.

If you enjoy archaeology and ancient Rome off the main tourist routes, it's worth a stop.

The original Roman road

Perhaps the biggest attraction of all.

The most famous part of the Via Appia Antica is the original stone road.

After more than two thousand years. Still here.

Where is the best part of the Via Appia?

The street called "Via Appia Antica" is over 12 km long and not all parts look the same.

For me, the most beautiful and historic is definitely the approximately 2 km long stretch south of the San Sebastiano catacombs.

• Map of my walking route along Via Appia

Is Via Appia Antica worth it?

✅ Yes, if:

• you enjoy ancient Rome
• you want to get away from the biggest crowds for a while
• you like longer walks or bicycles

❌ More likely not, if:

• you only have 2-3 days in Rome
• you mainly want the iconic sights of the city centre

💡 Alternative:
Looking for other places without people? Check out my article How I enjoyed Rome without crowds.

Practical information

How much time to set aside

• minimum 2-3 hours
• ideally half a day

When to come here

• in the morning
• late afternoon

Toilets and refreshments

• especially at the bigger sights
• I would have taken more water

How to get there

The Via Appia can only be reached by bus.

I used the 118 line, which runs every 12 minutes directly from the Colosseum. It took me less than 30 minutes to get to the "Appia Pignatelli/Almone" stop.

From there, I still had to walk about 400 meters to Via Appia itself, which I walked in both directions.

Back from the catacombs of San Sebastian, I used line 660 to the metro A station "Arco ti Travertino", from where I continued to the centre. However, this combination was a bit longer and less comfortable.

I write more about how I travelled around the city and how I paid for my ticket in my article Transport in Rome.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Rome.