Located outside of the Roman city center — an easy bus or taxi ride away — the Appian Way or Via Appia Antica is one of the oldest roads of the Roman Republic era. Built in 312 BC as a road for Roman soldiers, over time it evolved into the main artery connecting the towns of the Roman Republic. Today it is lined with ancient ruins, secluded villas, and sweeping pastures. With the majority of the path closed to through traffic, you can take a ride back in history by exploring ancient Appian Way on a bicycle.
GRAB YOUR BICYCLE
Located near the beginning of the Appian Way, Appia Antica is a great place to rent your bicycle and grab a snack. We simply hired an Uber driver to take us there from our Airbnb apartment in central Rome. The trip took about 15-20 minutes.
Appia Antica charges by the hour and has an extensive selection of bicycles to choose from. They will provide you with a fold out map outlining the highlights of the ride and historical information on the ruins you will pass along the way. The ride from there to the aqueduct, your destination, is approximately 6 kilometers. Only the first two kilometers or so are open to auto traffic. Once beyond, the road is only open to locals who live in villas in the area, or the occasional cow that is being moved to new pastures.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Appian Way was made up of thousands of basalt stone slabs, worn smooth by armies, animals, and artisans over its 2300 year history. It is a little over 4 meters wide, which allowed two carriages going in opposite directs to pass one another. You can still see the wagon wheel grooves in the old stones from centuries of wear and tear. Your imagination can run wild here, envisioning throngs of travelers in their togas and sandals, going to and from the eternal city. Some say the Apostle Paul even traversed this ancient stone highway.
Over the years, some of the large original stones have been replaced with smaller cobblestones. What they lack in history they make up for in making a more comfortable ride. Some of the older stones are so hard to navigate on a bicycle that a well-worn path has been organically created alongside it.
During the first kilometer, you will find quite a bit of traffic including large tour buses. They are all heading toward the ancient Catacombs. Dating from the third century, they cover over 12,000 meters and house the tombs of popes and martyrs.
There are numerous ruins along the way, several have been excavated and are open during select hours for tours. Informative signs provide a little history lesson of these sites and help you to imagine the scale and splendor these ruins once represented. Others are simply exposed to the elements, perhaps with a partial carving or inscription, letting the passerby try to figure out their place in history.
Nestled behind manicured hedges and large stone walls you can glimpse expansive and luxurious villas. You can’t help but wonder about these modern day residents who enjoy living along one of Rome’s most famous and historically prestigious addresses.
After about 6 kilometers you will see the ancient aqueduct in the distance on your left. This marks the “end” of the Appian Way and it is time to head back to return your bicycle.
The ride along the Appian Way is a perfect way to spend a few peaceful hours on a sunny afternoon. A mildly sore backside is a small price to pay for the unforgettable trip through history and spectacular scenery you will enjoy along the Via Appia Antica!
HELPFUL TIPS
– There aren’t any restrooms along the way. Use the facilities before you begin your bicycle ride adventure.
– Food options are limited, there are a couple of small restaurants around the 2-kilometer mark of the ride. Stop here before or after for a bite to eat and a cool drink.
-You will cross two major roadways while biking along the Appian Way. Be very careful. The motorists are known to ignore the stop signs.
– Some nice person created a Google map page with points of interest marked along the road. You can find it here.
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