When I first arrived in Rome, it felt as if I had lived there in a past life. Have you ever experienced that sensation?
I still adore “her” immensely and wish I could visit more frequently. Therefore, I’ve decided to dedicate my Friday posts to exploring Rome through Film, Roman Cuisine, and Roman Ruins. You get the gist—everything Rome!
As the saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome.”
The first road I want to highlight is not only significant but also evokes a personal connection for me. It begins just a short distance from the city’s center, and walking along the first few miles is a delightful way to spend a day—particularly a Sunday.
Even better, let’s include it in your “Rome In One Day” highlights tour!
1. Via Appia Antica
The Appian Way, known in Latin as “Regina Viarum” or “Queen of Roads,” truly deserves this majestic title.
This remarkable ancient road spans over 300 miles, linking Rome to Apulia, Brindisi, and Campania—its impressive reach is one of the most captivating features of the Via Appia.
Constructed in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus, the Via Appia holds the distinction of being the most significant road in ancient Rome, surpassing even the Via Flaminia.
As you stroll down the Via Appia, you will be awed by its massive size. The route is lined with grand arches, aqueducts, and bridges, all leading to magnificent destinations.
Along the way, you’ll encounter funerary monuments of notable ancient Romans, towering marble columns, intricately designed altars, elegant archways, splendid amphitheaters, and perhaps even some wandering sheep and modern cyclists. These massive flagstones stretch straight toward Naples before turning east towards the tip of Puglia, serving as a powerful reminder of Rome’s historical prestige.
The vistas along the Via Appia are breathtaking, showcasing the rustic beauty of Italy’s ancient countryside. Rolling hills, lush valleys, and shady olive groves create a picturesque landscape that still retains the charm of bygone greatness. As you walk, the gentle sound of water from the streams nearby adds an invigorating sense of life to the entire experience. Most notably, the wealth of history that this route embodies is captivating.
Over the centuries, this grand ancient highway has witnessed numerous pivotal events in Roman history. Here are just a few significant occurrences along the Via Appia:
- In 321 BC, early Romans marched down the Via Appia with their armies, leading to the conquest of the Samnite people.
- In 255 BC, Roman legions traveled this road to cross the Alps and engage the Gauls.
- In 217 BC, Hannibal marched down the Via Appia to launch an attack on Rome.
- In 31 BC, Roman legions traveled this route to confront Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium.
- In 70 AD, Titus and his legions marched down the Via Appia to suppress the Jewish uprising known as the Great Revolt.
