The Appian Way in Rome and the tourist attractions along it
The Appian Way is one of the most important among the ancient Roman roads, together with the Via Flaminia, the Via Salaria and the Via Latina. It used to run from Rome, via Naples, all the way to Brindisi, in the heel of Italy’s boot.
Construction of the Via Appia was started in 312 b.C. during the reign of the emperor Appius (hence the name) Claudius Caecus. The road was of enormous economical importance, since it was used to transport people and goods from the Bay of Naples. This, and the beauty of the road itself, earned it the nickname “regina viarum” (queen of the roads).
Not until later was the Appian Way doorgetrokken naar Brindisium.
The Via Appia Antica starts at the former Porta Appia, now the Porta San Sebastiano, and runs through the Parco Appia Antica. On the left side of the road the first milestone can be found and a little bit further Horatius’ and Geta’s grafmonumenten.
In the church Domine Quo Vadis the footprint of Peter can be seen. According to legend Peter met Jesus here and asked where he was going. “I am going to Rome in order to be crucified again” was Jesus reply. Peter turned around and ended up being crucified – upside down – himself.
The Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano lie along the Via Appia Antica and further down the road several Roman monuments and tombs can be found as well as the Circus Maxentius, smaller than but similar to, the Circus Maximus, and far better preserved.
The Parco Appia Antica is also well worth visiting.
From the Bed and Breakfast Chaplin Hostel Rome you walk first to Termini and take the metro (line A) to San Giovanni (3 stops, but beware: Manzoni, the second stop from Rome Termini is closed at the moment). There you take bus 218 which goes all the way to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano.