Ostia Antica is the port city of ancient Rome, which is now one of the largest archaeological reserves with well-preserved sites: streets and buildings, magnificent frescoes and mosaics.
The main harbour of the Roman Empire is located about 25km southwest of the modern Italian capital and is its thirty-fifth district.
It’s hard to believe, but Ostia was once washed by the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which gradually receded by 3km, leading to the decline of the coastal city.
There is still controversy about when the settlement near Rome was founded. According to one version, more like a legend, Ancient Ostia appeared in the 7th century B.C. and was founded by the fourth Roman king, Ancus Marcius, under whom Rome’s possessions expanded to the mouth of the Tiber. This ruler is considered the founder of the harbour of Ostia and the salt mines nearby.
Grain from Sardinia and Sicily, and later from Egypt, was the main commodity brought to the capital of the empire.
The number of ships bringing wheat to the port of Ostia was measured in hundreds. The strategically important product was a tool in the hands of the emperors and determined the state policy governing the so-called bread laws.
Here you can stop for lunch and savour the local cuisine.
If you wish, you can add additional places from our list above to the tour. The programme is agreed in advance.
All days except 25 December, 1 May, 1 January
