Ancient Ostia Tour

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While many of Italy’s iconic sites are well-known, Ostia Antica stands out as a hidden gem that deserves a visit. Once the main seaport of Ancient Rome, this remarkably preserved archaeological site offers an unparalleled glimpse into daily life during Roman times. Located at the mouth of the Tiber River, just 20 km (30 minutes) from Rome, Ostia is easily accessible by car or train. For added convenience, we can arrange private transportation from your accommodation in Rome upon request.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ostia was abandoned, and the Tiber’s course shifted. Over time, the port was buried under silt, protecting it from the ravages of time and stone scavengers. This preservation allows Ostia to provide a richer and more comprehensive view of Roman life than Pompeii, as it was a bustling commercial hub with merchants, diverse workers, and production facilities, compared to Pompeii’s primarily residential nature.

The tour begins at the Ancient Necropolis along the Via Ostiense, a fascinating "city of the dead" featuring family burial chambers and urns arranged like miniature neighborhoods. Passing through the city walls and East Gate, you’ll encounter warehouses and trading facilities along the riverbank. Fires were a frequent danger in the ancient city, necessitating firefighters' barracks, which are adorned with intricate mosaics. Nearby, the ancient aqueduct with its original lead pipes is a remarkable feature, once supplying water to fountains and thermal baths.

Among the highlights are two of Ostia’s famous spas, the Baths of Neptune and the Forum Baths, showcasing intricate marble mosaics and remnants of advanced heating systems. The journey continues to the Theatre, the city’s entertainment hub, which seated 4,000 spectators and remains a venue for performances today. Behind the theater, you’ll find Ostia’s commercial district, adorned with mosaics illustrating Mediterranean harbors and trade activities.

Ostia Antica also reveals the daily lives of its inhabitants through preserved dining establishments, such as the Thermopolium, an ancient tavern complete with a counter, storage jars, and frescoes. The visit proceeds to the Forum, the central square dominated by the Temple of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, before concluding at the museum, which houses exquisite statues and reliefs discovered among the ruins.

With its remarkable preservation and captivating history, Ostia Antica offers a deeply immersive experience that vividly brings Ancient Roman culture to life. Let us guide you through this extraordinary journey and transform your understanding of Rome’s history forever.

What is included

Important information

Meeting point

Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica

Viale dei Romagnoli, 717, 00119 Roma RM

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