Lonely PlanetJul 17, 2026
How to explore the Appian Way, Rome's ancient highway
Follow the Via Appia Antica, an ancient road in Rome, with this guide.
19 things in this story
- Via Appia AnticaTrailAncient Roman highway, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Parco Archeologico dell'Appia AnticaPlaceArchaeological park containing the best-preserved stretch of the Appian Way.
- Catacombe di San CallistoAttractionRome's largest and most visited catacomb complex.
- Catacombe di San SebastianoAttractionCatacombs extending beneath a 4th-century basilica.
- Catacombe di Santa DomitillaMuseumFeatures remains of a 4th-century church and wall art.
- Villa di MassenzioSightRuins of a 4th-century palace and chariot racetrack.
- Circo di MassenzioAttractionWell-preserved ruins of a 10,000-seat chariot racetrack.
- Mausoleo di RomoloMuseumCircular mausoleum built for Emperor Maxentius's son.
- Capo di BoveAttractionRemains of an aristocratic 2nd-century villa.
- Villa dei QuintiliSightLavish aristocratic 2nd-century villa with towering ruins.
- Mausoleo di Cecilia MetellaAttractionCrenelated drum-shaped tower, originally a tomb, later a fort.
- Casal RotondoSightRuins of a 1st-century BCE tomb.
- Caffarella valleyNeighborhoodAdjacent to the Appian Way, offers longer bike rides.
- Appia Antica CaffèRestaurantTree-shaded garden cafe on the main Via.
- Il Giardino di Giulia e FratelliRestaurantFamily-run garden cafe near Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella.
- Ristorante L'ArcheologiaRestaurantL’Archeologia è un’esperienza unica che unisce la buona cucina all’amore per la storia di Roma.
- Centro Servizi Appia AnticaPlaceProvides local info and maps of the area.
- Rome's gladiator schoolPlace
- Eco Bike RomaPlace
