Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica

Walking along the paved, pine-shaded alleyways of Ostia Antica, one of the largest and most fascinating sites of antiquity, means journeying through history to discover daily life in Roman times.

Standing at the mouth of the Tiber, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ostia (from ostium, mouth) was the first colony of Ancient Rome which still presents itself to visitors today as a small town with all amenities. 

Following the route of the ancient Via Ostiense, we first cross the necropolis and then some important places of exchange and trade, such as the Piazzale della Vittoria and the grand Piazzale delle Corporazioni. Those seeking entertainment would go to the Theatre, which still today, in summer, comes alive with shows and concerts, besides featuring inns, taverns and spas.

The side streets are full of shops and dwelling houses, which were divided into villas (domus) and apartment blocks (insulae), and convey us to the heart of the town, the Forum, the large square onto which face the large temple, known as the Capitolium, the Curia and the Basilica.

If you have time, be sure to visit Porta Marina where the Jewish quarter with its Synagogue is located.