Via Appia Antica Rome

The Via Appia Antica is one of the oldest roads in Rome and was an important access road to the city.

Originally, the Via Appia ran to Brundisium, today’s Brindisi in the heel of Italy starting, at the Circus Maximus.

The paved road was named after the consul Appius Claudius Caecus, who commissioned the construction of the road in 312 BC.

This video provides an overview about the first 6 miles: Here is the video.

Gladiator School

There you will learn all about the life and training of gladiators.

You can even take part in a training for gladiators. Click here for more information (Tripadvisor)*

You find the Gladiator School at Via Appia Antica 18, not far from the Colosseum.

At the website of the Gladiator School there are further information and prices to compare.

Picture: Carnutum

Catacombs and Cemeteries

Since it was forbidden to bury the dead within the city walls during Roman times, various cemeteries were set up along the arterial roads. We also find many of them along the Appian Way.

Most important are the Catacombs of Callixtus, most notable for containing the Crypt of the Popes, and the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.

Picture: The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

*) Affiliate: If you order anything on this link, I get a small commission on your purchase. You don’t pay one cent more. Thank you!

Best of Via Appia Antica with Audio Guide

There is a free audio guide from SmartGuide, with which you can explore the Appian way for about 25 km, if you want. Here is the link.

Because of the great distances a bike trip offers many advantages. You can book bikes here* for example (Tripadvisor*)

Picture: Via Appia Antica in Rome with a bike.