Ostia Antica
Located 30 kilometres west of Rome, Ostia Antica was one of the most thriving Roman cities thanks to its status as a major port and commercial centre.
When poverty and disease ravaged the city, it was abandoned and remained buried under the sand for centuries, leading to a decent state of preservation.
What happened to Ostia Antica?
Main street of Ostia Antica
One of the largest baths in Ostia Antica
The Mosaic and Marble Floors of Ostia Antica
Theatre at Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica was the main commercial port of Rome during the Republican era. In the fourth century, with trade on the decline, hard times fell upon the port.
The situation was compounded by a malaria epidemic that swept over the city, and the inhabitants who survived fled to save their lives. Thus, although in the past the city’s population reached over 100,000, it turned into a forgotten ghost town and remained buried under the sand for centuries.
The city is relatively well preserved, but not as well as Pompeii or Herculaneum, where the processes that led to the disappearance of the population were much faster.
What to see in Ostia Antica
In Ostia Antica you can see the remains of most of the buildings that made up the city before it was buried by sand.
The main road, Decumanus Maximus, goes through the whole city. On either side, porticos of buildings display the remains of the shops that they once housed. There are taverns, stores, and even a restored theatre in which performances are still held during the summer months.
Details that are proof of the cosmopolitan character that Ostia Antica had during its heyday are the remains of 18 temples dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, a Jewish synagogue and a Christian basilica.
Bittersweet
As an isolated visit, Ostia Antica can be said to be relatively well preserved and you can get an idea of what the city was like. However, when compared to Pompeii or Herculaneum, it is a boring and poorly preserved.
If you go during the summer, it’s advisable to carry water and something to protect you from the sun, since there is very little shade in the city.
Directions from Rome
Unless you have car or wish to take a guided tour, Ostia Antica is very close to Rome and is easily reached by public transport.
To get there using public transportation, take line B of the Metro to the Piramide stop, and then take the Roma Lido commuter train to Ostia Antica. Once at the station, follow the crowd. It will take you about 10 minutes to reach the ruins.
The regional train’s ticket price is the same as a one-way ticket. Because you'll have to make several trips, it may be worthwhile to buy a day pass.
Location
30 kilometres west of Rome.
Hours
Tuesday through Sunday: 8.30am to 5pm.
Admission
Adult: €6.50.
UE citizens (18-24): €3.25.
UE citizens (<18 and 65+): free entrance.
Map
Closest attractions
Rome Fiumicino Airport (3.46 miles)Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (11.93 miles)
Trastevere (12.69 miles)
Janiculum Hill (12.85 miles)
Santa Maria in Trastevere (13.07 miles)
Hotels nearby
Rome Marriott Park Hotel
(7.07 miles)
Ibis Roma Fiera
(7.07 miles)
Sheraton Golf Parco De' Medici Hotel & Resort
(7.33 miles)
Casa Santa Rosa
(8.92 miles)
