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Ostia Antica Archaeological Park

  • Rome, Lazio, Italy

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

Located where the River Tiber meets the sea, Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome, and is one of Italy’s best-preserved archaeological sites.

As a port, it was naturally cosmopolitan: Persian, Phrygian and Egyptian gods were all worshipped in its shrines. Beautiful mosaic pavements (notably in the Forum of the Corporations), warehouses, apartment buildings (insulae), merchant’s houses, taverns, baths and a theatre, recall Ostia’s old prosperity on silent streets under the parasol pines.

Logistics

Price from: £10
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Ostia is about a 45-minute metro/train journey from Rome. Take the metro (line B) to Piramide, and catch the Roma Lido commuter train to Ostia Antica (about 30 minutes). If you want to drive, take Via del Mare, running parallel to Via Ostiense, and follow the signs to scavi (ruins).

On Sundays (Sept-Oct & Mar-Jun), Cooperativa IL SOGNO runs a cruise to Ostia Antica. Boats depart at around 9.45am from Ponte Marconi and return at 3pm.

After visiting the ruins, hop back on the train and head for a dip at Lido di Ostia, the last stop on the train (P.Le Stazione Del Lido). Perfect to wash off the dust from those ruins.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, Tuesday through Sundays (closed Mondays). It’s generally less crowded after lunch. In the spring, it’s especially lovely and lush.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Rome

Escape to Ostia Antica and see why experts are calling it "The Better Pompeii". It is just a step away from Rome and you'll travel in a personalized small group with maximum 12 people! The perfect half day trip from Rome for those seeking to learn more about ancient Roman ruins but do not have time to travel to Pompeii.

Price €49

Min age 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [472 ratings]

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  • Rome

Discover the most important, ancient Roman city in Europe. Explore this once-busy port town with a small group led by an expert guide. Visit the awe-inspiring ancient theatre, baths, taverns, markets, and temples, to name a few. Admire ancient mosaics, statues, and artworks. Follow your passionate guide off the beaten path and explore places inaccessible to larger groups. Plus, a small group means you receive the guide's personal attention.

Price €79

Min age 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [177 ratings]

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  • Rome

Walk around the old structures, similar to shops, showers, eateries, houses, and the theater. Your guide will set aside you back in opportunity to the Roman period. This magnificent visit will invigorate your creative energy, taking the remains back to their sublime past. Strolling the fundamental roads and the concealed back streets, you'll be completely inundated on the grounds that the view hints at no the cutting edge town. Your guide will reveal to you captivating stories and tales about the Roman town, starting with the Decumanus Maximus, the primary road. Through the subtleties of the narratives, you will feel the excited vibe of living in a bustling port city. You will appreciate visiting the antiquated city and respecting its fundamental structures, for example, the theater, the House of Diana, the Forum, the Baths, the Thermopolium. The entire length of the visit is 3/4 hours, including the 35-minute ride to Ancient Ostia.

Price €369

Min age 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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