There are a number of very contradictory comments about visiting the Appian Way on this site and TripAdvisor. Some have said that there is no place for pedestrians except on the road itself and therefore it is both dangerous and unpleasant to visit except on Sundays when traffic is restricted. Others talk about nice pedestrian/bike paths. I think possibly the different opinions are related also to exactly which sections of the Appian Way are being visited. Therefore I would like to hear the opinions of those who have followed the recommended Rick Steve's walking tour on a day other than Sunday: is this a recommended day trip? Thanks in advance for your help.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
We only did it on Sunday so cannot directly speak to the rest of the week. However, the first two miles or so are the most important and it is basically a narrow canyon formed by high stone walls. There is no place for cars and pedestrians. It is bad enough ducking the tour buses on Sunday that I would not do it during the week. Beyond Casa Dell Appia Antica it opens up and there is room for both. Unfortunately the part you really want to see is the first few miles. If you had to, you could probably do it but it would not be that enjoyable. I would not do it.
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
It is a matter of where you go on Via Appia. We dont know about now, but enjoyed a wonderful walk along it in 2004. Our section was ,thankfully, free of cyclists and vehicles and perfect for pedestrians. We reached it by taking the route prescribed in either the ETBD or Italy guidebooks. The section we traversed begins at a place where the road diverges with right going to catacombs and left to VA
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
That is the Casa Dell Appia Antica point that I mentioned above. But unfortunately the more historical part is the right.