If you want to undertake a trekking route without straying too far from the capital, the Appia Antica Park is the place for you. The regional park is 4580 hectares large: it starts from the heart of Rome up to the Castelli Romani following, in part, the ancient route of the Via Appia. Characterized by the nature of the Agro Romano and by archaeological evidence, walk through the Appia Antica Park it is ideal for a trip out of town.
Trekking route along the Via Appia Antica
One of the main routes that can be done even within a day is that of Regina Viarum, or the Appia Antica, the first Roman road that connected Rome to Brindisi. The current route is approx 16 kilometers and starts from Piazzale Numa Pompilio, near the Baths of Caracalla, to end in Frattocchie/Santa Maria delle Mole.
One of the main characteristics is the presence of the “baslated”, i.e. the road surface made of volcanic stone. The route can also start in the middle, as the Appia Antica also intersects with roads where car circulation is permitted; therefore, it will be possible choose whether to do just a stretch or cover all 16 kilometres.
How to get to the start of the route?
There are different ways to start the journey along the Appia Antica. You can also choose to travel in both directions and, possibly, return by public transport.
- From Rome: Piazzale Numa Pompilio is located behind the Baths of Caracalla and the Circus Maximus. You can reach the area thanks to the metro B stop “Circo Massimo”, the metro A stop “San Giovanni” or bus lines such as 118, 628, 714 and 792.
- From Santa Maria delle Mole: you can start the route starting from the train station of the same name, or using one of the regional buses that stop here.
What to see inside the Appia Antica Park
Inside the Appia Antica Park, you will find yourself in front of a real open-air museum. The park houses an extraordinary collection of archaeological finds and historical monuments that narrate the greatness of ancient Rome. In particular:
- Mausoleum of Cecilia Metellaa funerary construction that stands majestically along the consular road.
- Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastianoalso these burial places.
- Park of the Aqueductswhere you can admire the imposing structures that once brought water to ancient Rome.
- Caffarella Parkan urban park where you can relax and do physical activity.
- Circus of Maxentiusone of the best preserved chariot racing circuses.
Naturally, along the route you will also find many epigraphs and inscriptions, as well as remains of ancient monuments to stop at.
The places crossed by the Appia Antica Park
The Appia Antica Park is a real green corridor that crosses various neighborhoods and towns, offering a variety of landscapes. You can start from the heart of the capital to reach the first locations of the Castelli Romani. In particular, you will go through:
- Some of neighborhoods of Rome such as Appio Latino, Appio Pignatelli and Capannelle.
- Ciampinowhere the park extends with green areas and important archaeological sites.
- Santa Maria delle Moleone of the final points of the Via Appia Antica.
- Marinea town in the Castelli Romani characterized by its view of Lake Albano.
Living in Rome
Rome is a place to be admired at all hours and in all seasons. Its temperate climate and historical wonders make it the perfect place to decide to move or spend your holidays. With idealista you will be able to discover the best neighborhoods to live in Rome and choose the house that best suits your interests:
