Rome's Ancient Port, Ostia Antica

Arrived safely in Rome! First stop: Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome.

Never heard of it? Ostia Antica is a true gem -- not exactly "hidden", as it would be difficult to hide such an enormous place, but definitely an off-the-beaten-path treasure, especially for anyone with any interest at all in what life - all aspects of it-- was like in Ancient Rome. Want to sit on an ancient Roman toilet? You can do that here.

For several hundred years, Ostia was the bustling port of republican and imperial Rome. It was originally sited on the south bank of the Tiber River where it enters the Mediterranean Sea, at a point where large cargo ships could sail upstream to unload. Over the centuries, the Tiber changed course, cutting off Ostia's access to the sea.  By the time of Emperor Constantine in the 400's, the port was in serious decline due to the deteriorating Roman economy and by the 9th century was essentially abandoned. During the Middle Ages and into the present, the town gradually succombed to layers of flood-borne silt which protected and helped preserve the roads, buildings, and artifacts left behind. 

Vatican map showing O.A. and Port of Claudius

Ostia Antica is like Pompeii, only better. There are no crowds; you'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. The site has been partially excavated, and what is revealed is astounding. Wandering the preserved roads, walking through and inside the many stores, apartment blocks, temples, public baths, taverns, and marketplaces, you can really get a sense of the opulence and grandeur of life in this ancient city. It's so big you could easily spend an entire day here, exploring the alleys and hidden passageways of this ancient city. Most people come on day-trips from Rome, and stay for a few hours. I lasted 4 hours, and wished I had worn more comfortable shoes...

Ostia Antica is located on the Tiber River just to the south of Rome's Fiumicino airport, an easy 15-minute taxi ride (while there are several options for getting from the airport to the center of Rome, there is no good public transportation between the airport and Ostia).

For more information, see the Official Ostia Antica website.

Next stop: The Eternal City