Via Appia Antica & Catacombs

The Via Appia Antica (312 BC) was the "Queen of Roads" — the most important connection between Rome and southern Italy. Today, it is one of the most atmospheric roads in the world: ancient cobblestones, flanked by pines, cypresses, ruins of Roman tombs, and the entrances to the Christian catacombs. Riding a bike along the Appia on a sunny Sunday (when the road is car-free) is one of the most beautiful experiences in Rome.

Catacombs

Under the Via Appia stretch kilometers of underground burial sites — the catacombs, where early Christians buried their dead from the 2nd century onwards. Three catacombs are open to visitors:

• San Callisto: The largest catacombs (20 km of passages on 5 levels, 500,000 burials). Here lie 16 popes and Saint Cecilia. The most impressive and best organized. Admission: 8€ (guided tours only, 30 min.).
• San Sebastiano: Under the basilica of the same name. Smaller, but with well-preserved frescoes and graffiti from the 3rd century. Admission: 8€.
• Domitilla: The oldest and most atmospheric — with an underground basilica and frescoes that are among the earliest Christian artworks. Admission: 10€.

Other Highlights on the Via Appia

• Tomb of Caecilia Metella: A massive round building (1st century BC), converted into a fortress in the Middle Ages. Admission: 6€.
• Villa dei Quintili: A huge senatorial villa (2nd century), so luxurious that Emperor Commodus had the owners murdered and seized the villa.
• Circo di Massenzio: The best-preserved ancient racetrack (4th century) — 500 meters long, on the edge of the Via Appia.

Getting There

Bus 118 from Piramide (Metro B) directly to the Via Appia Antica. On Sunday, the road is car-free — perfect for cycling (bike rental at the start of the road, from 15€/day). During the week: Be cautious, the road is narrow and traffic is reckless.