Rome is not only famous tourist centre and city with ancient history. The capital of Italy is a true heritage of human civilization. So much is connected with this city that listing all the significant historical facts, dates and places will take more than one hour. The mere fact that many of the sights of Rome, its entire magnificent historical center, as well as the monuments of the sacred stronghold of Catholicism - - are carefully guarded, precious world heritage UNESCO speaks volumes.

Rome is not just the capital of one of the states of the Mediterranean. This is the capital of the once mighty Roman Empire, which has survived to this day, and not many cities in the world can boast of such a grandiose “legacy”. Moreover, many buildings of Ancient Rome have survived almost undestroyed (or carefully restored by grateful descendants) to the present, and the Appian Way is one of such peculiar “structures”, which was created back in the distant 312 BC and exists to this day. . What is it?

History of the Appian Way

Story Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) in Rome is very old and glorious. It was laid before the birth of Christ during the censorship, twice consul and Roman dictator Appius Claudius Caecus (that's why it is called "Appian"). It was, in fact, built on his orders. In those days, the Appian Way was of great transport importance for Rome and was the largest public road; at first it connected the capital of the Roman Empire with Capua, later it was extended to Brundusia.

The Old Appian Way, its oldest part, was built in the 4th century BC. e. Its length was approximately 195 modern kilometers. The reason for the founding of this path was the military actions of the Romans against the Samnites, the most ancient tribal people of Italy. The Appian Way was paved with large cobblestones. This contributed to the rapid movement of the Roman cavalry and infantry. For many years of existence, the thick stones of the Appian Way were
polished with Roman chariot wheels and legionary sandals. Until now, along its entire length, you can see the gaps that the horses of the Romans left 2 thousand years ago.

In the III-II centuries BC. e. the road was recognized as one of the most important means of communication and continued to be completed. The most important merit of Appius Claudius Caecus was precisely the fact that he not only began its construction, but also set it in the right direction. A few decades later, the Appian Way in Rome became the main artery of the country, through which the trade route with the East passed. They traded in everything, from luxurious oriental fabrics to the most important "goods" of antiquity - slaves, who were brought in huge numbers from "barbarian" territories.

The Romans themselves called the Appian Way "the queen of the roads", it was so highly valued in antiquity. In this vein, Publius Papinius Statius, a famous ancient Roman poet, even mentions it in his work. Yes, even in the 19th century. e. it was sung in his work by the Italian composer O. Respighi.

Interestingly, many noble Romans built monumental tombs and magnificent monuments along the Appian Way. For many Roman families (such as the Scipios) it was a matter of honor and high prestige to "surpass a neighbor" in terms of luxury decoration. The Appian Way is also infamous for the fact that it was along it that in 71 BC. e. 6 thousand slaves were crucified, who were captured by Roman soldiers after the suppression of the uprising of Spartacus. In the Middle Ages, it began to attract crowds of pilgrims who sought to visit the ancient burial places of Christian martyrs - the catacombs.

Description of the Appian Way

The main part of the road, thanks to the skill of its builders, has been perfectly preserved to this day. It is a path two Roman carts wide (about 4 meters), paved with large hewn stones, which the roadlayers very tightly fitted to each other. This was done on the basis that numerous Roman hordes had to pass along the road and pass great amount chariots and wagons with cargo. On both sides of this stone path, gutters were built to drain excess rainwater and pedestrian elevations, reminiscent of modern sidewalks.

At sunset, the Appian Way, along with all the tombs and other majestic structures that rise almost

Yeski throughout its length, makes a grandiose impression. Most of the day it is quite deserted. Travelers come across from time to time. You can also meet a car, but this is more an exception than a rule: travel on the Appian Way is prohibited.

Main Attractions that you can visit while walking along the Appian Way:

Tomb of Caecilia Metella
Huge, in the form of a tower, the tomb of the noble Roman matron Caecilia Metella. Cecillia was the daughter of a consul, one of the wealthiest citizens of Rome. The majestic tomb was built in the form of a rounded tower with a diameter of 11 meters. The height of the building is about 7 meters. Now the tomb is half destroyed, but it is still one of the unique relics of the Appian Way, because it is the brightest example of Roman tombs.

The construction of the tower was carried out without the use of a connecting mortar - only stone blocks, carefully fitted to each other, were used. The upper part of the tomb is elaborately decorated with marble - an expensive material that only rich people could afford - and decorated with images of animals. The remains of Caecilia were placed in a sarcophagus, which was located in the central part of the tomb, and was later transferred to the Palazzo Farnese. The tomb is decorated with an inscription that says that it was built for his beloved daughter and wife.

The famous Catacombs of Domitilla
During the Roman Empire, they were used as the first Christian temples and chapels. This is one of the largest Roman catacombs. They were founded on the site of the family tomb of the Flavian family. There is a version that this land belonged to the granddaughter of Vespician (emperor) Domitilla. She was one of the first Christians, for which she was persecuted and tortured to death. Over time, the underground gallery of the tomb was significantly enlarged and became a huge Christian burial place, which is also of artistic value, as it is decorated with beautiful frescoes from different historical periods.

Remains of the Villa Quintilii
Now this beautiful building is almost destroyed, and once it was such a luxurious estate of two brothers that the emperor Commodus himself envied them. The tyrant executed the Quintilii and appropriated their villa for himself. But even now it makes an amazing impression against the backdrop of the surrounding nature.

Tomb of the Scipios

The tomb of one of the noblest Roman families - the Scipios. One of the most ancient ancestral tombs of the Appian Way. It occupies a significant territory and contains more than 30 graves, including the grave of the famous poet Rome Quintus Ennius (although he did not belong to the Scipio family). The first burials in this vast burial complex were made in the 3rd century BC. BC e. The latter correlate approximately with the 1st century. n. e. The tomb is a historical and cultural value as one of the outstanding examples of Roman burials of that era.

How to get to the Appian Way

Address of this attraction Rome: Via Appia Antica, 60, Rome, Italy (zip code 00179).

  • How to get to the Appian Way by bus No. 118. A ticket worth 1.5 euros must be purchased in advance in the city at the metro station, in a newspaper or tobacco shop, since the drivers of these buses do not have tickets.
  • On weekends you can drive to the Appian Way on a special tourist bus. Travel within 3 days will cost 25 euros. The number of this bus is 110 and you need to go on it from Termini metro station.

Appian Way on the map of Rome:

Trish Hartmann / flickr.com Stefano Costantini / flickr.com Stefano Costantini / flickr.com Mitch Barrie / flickr.com Carole Raddato / flickr.com Larry / flickr.com Patrick Morgan / flickr.com Stefano Costantini / flickr.com Roger W / flickr.com faungg's photos / flickr.com Domine Quo Vadis Church (Darold Massaro / flickr.com)

Very ancient, from the Middle Ages, the statement says: all roads lead to Rome. If we talk about Rome, these are truly truthful words.

After all, the location of its roads was planned in such a way that the Romans could easily reach any point of the Apennine ace; its strong, closely packed stones can withstand more than one truck. Patrician of the Appen Peninsula and beyond. And the Appian Way is the exact proof of this.

The history of the Appian Way, well preserved to our time, began at the end of the 4th BC. e. It connected Rome with South Italy, and the port of Brindisi opened the sea route to such significant countries as Greece, Asia Minor and North Africa.

Appian Way in Rome (Larry / flickr.com)

If we trace the direction of the road in more detail, then at the beginning of its operation it connected Capua and Benevent, and during half a century of construction it was possible to reach Brindisi along the road. Here the Romans erected two impressive marble columns, marking the end of the Appian Way.

Until now, only one column has remained at this place. However, the second column did not completely disappear from the face of the Earth. In the 17th century, it was presented as a gift to the city of Lecce, which had survived a terrible plague. And in order to perpetuate the end of this deadly disease, a column with the figure of the patron saint of the city, Saint Orontes, was installed in the very center of the city. And now this building is called the Plague Pillar.

Carole Raddato/flickr.com

The Roman censor Appius Claudius Caecus is considered to be the founder of this state-important object. However, there are older sources that already contain information about the road. It is known for certain that it was Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 BC. e. ordered to pave this road for the unhindered movement of the Roman legions and trade caravans from Rome and back.

The Appian Way played a fundamental role in achieving the military and trade and economic goals of Ancient Rome. The construction of the road was important event in Rome that detailed description found in the manuscripts of the historian Titus Livius.

According to the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, the construction of the road was going on thoroughly, Appius approached his creation quite seriously. He ordered to fill up all the pits and ravines, as well as demolish the hills in order to level the road surface as much as possible.

In order to increase its area and length without bending the road, he ordered to get rid of all swampy areas. The construction of the Appian Way was not cheap, and cost the treasury a pretty tidy sum.

The Secret of Longevity

The Appian Way is an ancient fundamental object of Rome, which has come down to us in an almost pristine appearance. It functioned until the VI century. n. e., and even now its strong, tightly packed stones can withstand more than one truck.

Patrician Appius Claudius understood the importance of the existence of this path and did everything in his power to successfully complete the construction of the Appian Way.

Great Road of Ancient Rome (Stefano Costantini / flickr.com)

What is the secret of the longevity of the Appian Way? It's all about the structure of the road surface, which has a flooring in several layers of stones up to one meter thick. The top cladding consists of smooth and neatly fitted basalt slabs and cobblestones. Even hundreds of years later, their integrity was not destroyed by external cataclysms.

There is information that Appius Claudius, testing the quality of the road deck, tried to insert a sharp dagger blade into the stone joints. If he managed to cut a gap, this section of the road was immediately sorted out and laid again.

The road has an almost perfectly flat surface, which served as a good crossing for chariots and foot carts.

The Appian Way has another unique feature - the middle hill, because of which water in any quantity did not linger on pavement and the road always remained clean and dry.

Appian Way and surrounding areas

The Appian Way is very well designed. Mileposts are installed at equal intervals along the sides of the road, indicating to their travelers the mileage they have traveled. There are also resting places and many other objects that are important for people who have traveled a decent distance.

Cars driving down the Appian Way (Mitch Barrie / flickr.com)

The cities through which the Appian Way passed were equipped with churches, visiting courtyards and eateries. Some of its places are equipped with footpaths.

The width of the road, which is 4 meters, allowed two chariots to pass, and today two cars.

During its existence, the Appian Way was both a warpath, and the largest trade and economic link, and a pilgrimage route. Now, the status of a walking, walking, tourist and sports route has been added to its already rich past.

On Olympic Games 1960, it served as a platform for the competition of marathon athletes.

Tombs of the Appian Way

In Rome, legislation forbade the burial of the dead within the city. For this, the areas of major roads beyond Rome, including the Appian Way, were used. The section from Rome to Benevent was used more often for these purposes.

Even then, land for burial had a price: the closer the site to the city, the higher its cost. Accordingly, the closer the burial was to the city limits, the more respected and richer the owner of the site was.

There are a lot of burials, the most prestigious and large-scale of them:

  • catacombs of st. Sebastian and St. Callista;
  • the catacombs of the respected Scipio family, where the ashes of family members are in stone sarcophagi;
  • columbarium Pomponia Gila - a family that, judging by the rich decoration of the tomb, got rich after getting free;
  • The columbarium of the freedmen of Libya is striking in its size; several thousand urns could fit here.

Some burials look like temples and even entire pyramids. At the VI mile from the city, separate parts of burial buildings, monuments and churches are kept, shrouded in greenery.

There have been many violent events in the history of the Appian Way. After the suppression of the uprising of Spartacus, pillars were erected along the side of the road, on which more than 6 thousand prisoners who took part in the riot took a terrible death.

Church of Domine Quo Vadis - Where are you going, Lord?

In addition to the tombs, the Appian Way is known for country villas. Attention is drawn to the palaces of the Quintilians, the philosopher Seneca, Emperor Maxentius, Clodius Pulchra.

Domine Quo Vadis Church (Darold Massaro / flickr.com)

The main stopping point for most tours is the Domine Quo Vadis Church. So Old Slavonic name church means: "Where are you going, Lord?".

The reason for the emergence of such a sacred name was the legend of the Apostle Peter: the apostle escaped from captivity and met Jesus Christ on the way, asking the above question, in response he heard: “There, where I will be crucified again.” These words startled the apostle, and he confessed his feebleness. After some time, he returned to Rome, surrendered to the authorities and was martyred.

A special property of this holy place is a stone, where footprints are clearly visible, belonging, according to some sources, to Jesus Christ.

Speaking of the sights of the Appian Way, it is necessary to recall the ruins medieval fortresses and fortifications, the circus of Maxentius, the columns of Hercules and Pius IX - these and many dozens of other ancient structures form a "golden" row all the way from Rome to Brindisi.

Many buildings have not survived to this day. But even now, the legacy of Rome unceremoniously speaks of former greatness and power of the ancient ancient state.

The Appian Way had such great importance V Ancient Rome that she was called the "Queen of the Roads": she led to major ports, helping to establish trade with Greece, Egypt and Asia Minor, in addition, it was also an important military highway.

How to get there

Part ancient road now located right within the boundaries of Rome and is called the Old Appian Way (Via Appia Antica). It starts at the San Sebastian gate, which you can reach by bus nos. 118 and 218.

The basalt blocks covering the road were laid out convexly so that water would not accumulate on the road after rain.

In 71 BC, when the Spartacus Rebellion was put down, the Roman government crucified 6,000 captive slaves along the entire road from Rome to Capua as a warning. How it could look like, the creators of the Game of Thrones series recently illustrated to us.

The richest Romans built villas, monuments and tombs next to the road. The land here was expensive, and only wealthy citizens could afford even a simple grave with a tombstone. The Scipio family, for example, built a whole crypt near the road. The fact is that cemeteries inside the city were banned, and the Appian Way became the most prestigious burial place.


Photo: Appian Way, © Marco Polimeni

The length of the road is more than 570 meters, this distance was overcome in an average of 15 days.

Appian Way in modern Italy

In the Middle Ages, the road became less used for trade and more for pilgrimages. Even now people come here to see the catacombs in which Christian saints and martyrs are buried.

It is now a public road, closed to traffic on weekends. Some parts of the road have been preserved in their original form, while others have been asphalted.

Along the Appian Way there are catacombs, churches, basilicas, mausoleums, villas. Here you can stop by the Caffarella Park and look at the picturesque area with meadows, sheep and an old farm selling delicious homemade cheese- ricotta.

A walk along the Appian Way is a journey into the past. Along the way, you will see many ancient sights surrounded by magnificent views.

Catacombs of Saint Callistus

There is another option. Without entering the park, immediately turn to the catacombs of San Callisto. These are the largest Christian catacombs in Rome, which were used for burials in the II-IV centuries.

Catacombs of San Callisto (Catacombe di San Callisto) stretched for many kilometers along the Appian Way. In ancient times, it was forbidden to bury the dead in Rome. The townspeople took the bodies of the deceased outside the city and buried them in the ground, walling them up in multi-tiered dungeons.

In the "city of the dead" it is cool and gloomy. Narrow stone corridors between walled niches. The staircase of Pope Damasius leads down to the papal crypt, where 9 pontiffs rested, and to the tomb of St. Cecilia. If you stand in the far corner of Caecilia's cubicle, you can see several frescoes on the walls. These valuable paintings date back to the 8th-9th centuries.

5 cubes of the Holy Mysteries in the catacombs of St. Callistus were intended for the burial of members of one family. Their walls are decorated with 3rd-century frescoes depicting the sacraments of baptism, the Eucharist and the common resurrection.

Behind the cubicles begins the Staircase of the Martyrs (II century), along which funeral processions with the bodies of murdered popes descended into the catacombs.

The section of St. Miltiades (II century) adjoins the cubes of the Sacraments. It connects the crypts of the Popes and St. Cecilia with the crypt of Lucina, in which Pope Cornelius was buried.

In the catacombs of St. Callistus, you will discover many valuable historical and practical information about the types of burial niches in the catacombs; about the culture of underground burials adopted by pagans, Christians and Jews.

After visiting the dungeon, I want to take a break from gloomy impressions and in silence to escape from thoughts “about the eternal”. Near the catacombs there is a cozy shady park where you can just sit and listen to the birds singing.

Opening hours of the catacombs of St. Callistus

Tue-Sun 09:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.
Mon - day off.

The dungeons are entered only with a guide. Tickets are sold at the box office nearby.

Tickets

Full ticket - €8;
children (7-15 years old) - €5.

Read about other catacombs of Rome.

Appia Antica (Old Appian Way) was once one of the most important and famous roads world, as it led from Rome to the farthest ends of the Roman Empire. The Appian Way was built in 312 BC, being the brainchild of Appius Claudius Caecus. The Roman military leader was known for organizing mass public works, thanks to which it was possible to bring the life of the Romans to a completely new level. It was the Appian Way that became the most famous project statesman, connecting Rome with the port city of Brindisi.

Construction history

The road began to be built with the laying of clay, on which rubble and small stones were then laid. Then the whole thing was covered with a final layer of gravel, and a final laying of stone tiles, providing a flat surface for comfortable driving on the road. Historians say that the stones fit together so well that even a knife blade could not be inserted between them. On both sides of the road, ditches were dug to drain the water, supported by retaining walls.


The Appian Way with a total length of 560 kilometers began at the Circus Maximus, passing along the Baths of Caracalla and the Aurelian Wall. Tombs were built along the road near Rome prominent people. Leaving the city, the road passed through an affluent suburb, passing through the Appian Mountains and the Marshes of Pontius to Terracina, a coastal town 56 kilometers south of Rome. From there the Way of Appia followed along west coast, ending in Capua. The total length of the road at this point was 210 km. This road served its purpose well, helping the Roman army to quickly move military supplies. This contributed to several outstanding victories for the army.


In 295 BC. the road was extended to Benevento, and over the next 5 years to Venosa and Taranto. Ultimately, the Appian Way ran to the port city of Brindisi on the southern coast of Italy. Its total length from Rome was 560 kilometers.

Monuments along the Appian Way

Since it was forbidden to bury the dead within the city, many were buried along the roads leading from Rome. important people built tombs along the roads for themselves and their entire family. Sometimes these graves were so large that they reached the size of a house. Their forms ranged from hills or pyramids to small temples. Numerous such monuments were erected along the Appian Way, and many of them are still visible today.


The most outstanding of the tombs is considered to be the well-preserved tomb of Caecilia Metellus, the wife of one of the generals of Julius Caesar. The tomb is more like a well-defended fortress. Other outstanding monuments include the tomb of Mark Servilius, the Roman general Sextus Pompeius, the philosopher Seneca and many others. Special attention It is worth paying attention to the tomb of the family of Pompeius Sextus, the inscription on which speaks of the grief of a parent who is forced to bury his young children. Emperor Gallienus, who was killed in 268, is also buried along the Appian Way.

Other attractions

Apart from the numerous graves along the road, there are some other monuments along the Appian Way. Highlights include the Temple of Hercules, the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (where the Apostle Peter is said to have met Christ), and the remains of the Gothic church of San Nicola. Villy Quintili with its ancient baths, beautiful fencing and sculptures is located in Nuova next to the road. Nearby is the tomb of Romulus and the Circus Maxentius, a large arena for carriage races. Next to the circus was built a palace created by Emperor Maxentius. The circus was the second largest in the Empire, second only to the Circus Maximus. It is also the best preserved of all Roman circuses.


The Appian Way is famous for the monuments and tombs of ancient Roman families, but many find it more interesting to find what is hidden under the road. Beneath it lies a network of ancient tunnels known as the Roman Catacombs. The early Christians buried their dead underground and held secret church services when necessary. Several catacombs are open to the public, and local priests and monks guide tours. Visitors can see ancient burial niches and some examples of early Christian art.


Excursions along the Appian Way

Today, the Appian Way is a popular attraction in Rome and starts at the Aurelian Wall and the Gate of St. Sebastian. The first part of the road is quite inconvenient for walking. It leads along the church of Quo Vadis, the catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano to the imposing tomb of Cecillia Metella. From here, the road is paved with authentic Roman stones that have survived to this day. The tour covers many kilometers, covering the remains of numerous historical graves and other monuments.