Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica was the port of ancient Rome, at the mouth of the Tiber. Today it is a vast archaeological park where you walk along the streets of a real Roman town: houses, shops, baths, warehouses, temples and a theatre that is still used in summer. Many visitors find it more moving than Pompeii, because it is less crowded and you can explore at your own pace, among the pine trees.

What to see

• The Decumanus, the paved main street running through the whole town.
• The Theatre, whose tiers give a view over the excavations.
• The Square of the Guilds (Piazzale delle Corporazioni), where black-and-white mosaics show the trades of the shipping companies.
• The Baths of Neptune, with a large mosaic of the sea god visible from above.
• The Capitolium and the Forum, the religious and political heart of the town.
• The Thermopolium, a real Roman “bar” with its counter and shelves.
• The Ostia Museum, inside the site, with statues and everyday objects.

Getting there

• By train: from Ostia’s stations take the Metromare (Roma–Lido) train towards Rome and get off at Ostia Antica, two stops from Lido Centro. From the station cross the footbridge and in a few minutes’ walk you are at the entrance.
• By car: the entrance is at Viale dei Romagnoli 717, with parking nearby.
• By bike: a pleasant ride from Ostia Lido for keen cyclists.

Opening hours and tickets

• The excavations are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.; closed on Mondays. Closing time changes with the seasons (earlier in winter).
• Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month.
• Tickets are sold at the ticket office or online on the official ticketing website.

Hours and prices may change: check the official website of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park before your visit.

Tips for your visit

• How long: at least 3 hours; archaeology lovers can easily spend the whole day.
• When to go: spring and autumn are ideal. In summer go early in the morning: there is little shade and the sun is strong.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes (the ancient streets are uneven), water, a hat.
• The village: next to the excavations is the small village of Ostia Antica with the Castle of Julius II, a Renaissance fortress, and a few trattorias for lunch. Our tip is Arianna al Borghetto (Via del Forno 11), home-style Roman cooking next to the castle: perfect after visiting the excavations. Check opening days before you go.

Sea and culture in one day

The perfect combination: morning at the excavations, lunch in the village, afternoon at the beach and sunset on the Ostia promenade. The train takes you back to the sea in a few minutes.