Is the Appian Way free to visit?

Walking the road itself is free and open to the public. However, major sites along the route, such as the Catacombs, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, and the Villa dei Quintili, require paid admission tickets.

What is the best time to walk the Via Appia Antica?

Sunday is the best day to visit because the road is closed to private car traffic, creating a peaceful park-like atmosphere. It is best to start early in the morning (around 9:00 AM) to avoid the heat and finish before the sites close in the afternoon.

Can I do a walking tour Rome style on the Appian Way with a stroller?

It is very difficult. The ancient Roman stones are extremely uneven and bumpy. While some side paths are dirt, they can be muddy or narrow, making it a very challenging route for strollers or wheelchairs.

Are there places to eat along the Via Appia?

There are a few restaurants and cafes located near the start of the route and near the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. However, they can be spread out, so it is wise to bring snacks and plenty of water.

How do I get back to central Rome from the end of the walk?

From Villa dei Quintili, you can take Bus 118 which goes back toward the Coliseum and Piazza Venezia. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to the Colli Albani Metro station (Line A) to return to the city center.

Is it safe to walk the Appian Way alone?

Yes, it is generally safe for solo travelers, especially during the day when other walkers and cyclists are present. Be cautious of traffic on the narrow sections of the road where cars are permitted.

Are the catacombs worth seeing?

Absolutely, they are a highlight of the route. The Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano provide a unique look at early Christian history and Roman burial customs that you won't see in the city center.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time along the Via Appia Antica, famously known as the Regina Viarum or the Queen of Roads. This self-guided walk offers a rare escape from the bustling center of Rome, leading you through a breathtaking landscape where ancient history meets the quiet beauty of the Roman countryside. Constructed in 312 BC, this road was once the vital artery connecting Rome to the distant port of Brindisi. Today, it serves as an open-air museum, lined with towering cypress trees, crumbling tombs, and the very same basalt paving stones that felt the march of Roman legions and early Christian pilgrims. On this walking route, you will experience the layered history of the Appian Way. You begin at the site of a legendary divine encounter before venturing underground into the vast, silent networks of the catacombs. As you continue your neighborhood stroll, the landscape opens up to reveal the massive ruins of imperial villas and the best-preserved chariot racing circuit in the Roman world. The route is more than just a history lesson; it is a physical journey through the evolution of Rome, from its pagan glory to its early Christian foundations. Exploring independently allows you to truly feel the atmosphere of this historic path. You can pause to admire the intricate masonry of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella or wander through the sprawling remains of the Villa dei Quintili at your own speed. This is not a typical walking tour Rome experience; it is a challenging but rewarding trek through a park that feels miles away from the modern city. Whether you are interested in archaeology, religious history, or simply looking for a peaceful nature walk among ruins, the Via Appia Antica delivers an unforgettable glimpse into the eternal soul of the city. While many visitors stick to the Colosseum, this audio walk takes you off the beaten path to where the true scale of Roman ambition is still visible in the stones beneath your feet.

Highlights

Walk on original 2,300-year-old Roman basalt paving stones

Explore the massive underground networks of the Catacombs of San Callisto

See the best-preserved Roman chariot racing track at the Circus of Maxentius

Admire the iconic fortress-tomb of Cecilia Metella

Wander the sprawling ruins of the opulent Villa dei Quintili

Experience the peaceful Roman countryside lined with ancient cypress trees

Tour Stops (6)

Church of Domine Quo Vadis

Our self-guided walk begins at this small but significant church, officially known as Santa Maria in Palmis. It stands at the spot where, according to tradition, Saint Peter met Jesus while fleeing Rome to escape Nero’s persecution. Peter asked, 'Domine, quo vadis?' or 'Lord, where are you going?' Jesus replied that he was going to Rome to be crucified again, prompting Peter to return and face his martyrdom. Inside, you can see a copy of a marble slab featuring two footprints, traditionally believed to be those of Jesus. This site marks the transition from the city’s immediate outskirts into the sacred and funerary landscape of the Appian Way.

Catacombe di San Callisto

Venturing further, we reach the most famous of Rome’s underground cemeteries. The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus are a vast honeycomb of tunnels stretching nearly 20 kilometers across four levels. This was the official cemetery of the Church of Rome in the 3rd century, serving as the final resting place for dozens of martyrs and 16 early popes. The 'Crypt of the Popes' is often called 'the little Vatican' because of its historical importance. As you walk through the silent, cool galleries, you will see early Christian symbols like the fish and the anchor carved into the tufa rock, offering a poignant look at the faith of the early Roman community.

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Just a short distance away lies another vital subterranean site. The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian were one of the few that remained accessible throughout the Middle Ages, which is why the term 'catacomb'—originally a local place name for this specific area—came to describe all such underground burials. Above the tunnels sits a beautiful basilica dedicated to the martyr Sebastian. This site is particularly famous for housing the remains of Saints Peter and Paul for a period during the 3rd century to protect them from desecration. The mix of pagan mausoleums and Christian tombs here illustrates the complex religious transition of the Roman Empire.

Circus of Maxentius

As we continue our neighborhood stroll, the landscape opens into a massive archaeological complex. This is the Circus of Maxentius, the best-preserved Roman circus in existence. Built in the early 4th century by Emperor Maxentius, it was designed for chariot racing, much like the Circus Maximus, but on a more intimate imperial scale. You can still clearly see the 'spina'—the central barrier—and the towers where the starting gates once stood. It is a hauntingly beautiful site, often much quieter than the ruins in the city center, allowing you to imagine the roar of the crowds and the thunder of horse hooves against the backdrop of the Roman hills.

Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

Towering over the road is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Appian Way. This massive cylindrical tomb was built during the reign of Augustus for Cecilia Metella, the daughter of a Roman Consul and daughter-in-law of the wealthy Marcus Licinius Crassus. Its sheer size and the quality of its travertine facing speak to the immense wealth of the Roman aristocracy. In the 14th century, the Caetani family transformed the tomb into a fortified tower for their castle, which explains the battlements you see at the top. The structure effectively became a toll gate, controlling traffic along this vital route for centuries.

Villa dei Quintili - Archaeological Park of Appia Antica

Our walking route concludes at the sprawling ruins of the Villa dei Quintili. This estate was so magnificent that Emperor Commodus had the original owners, the Quintili brothers, executed just so he could seize the property for himself. The site once featured private thermal baths, a theater, and lavishly decorated halls overlooking the countryside. Today, walking through the skeletal remains of the brickwork and the remnants of marble floors gives you a sense of the staggering luxury enjoyed by Rome’s elite. It is the perfect place to reflect on the rise and fall of the empire before heading back toward the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk from Domine Quo Vadis to Villa dei Quintili is approximately 5 to 6 kilometers (3.5 to 4 miles). Depending on how long you spend inside the catacombs and ruins, it typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.