We will be in Rome in early December. We will have only two full days for sightseeing. We have been to Rome a few times previously, but we have never visited Hadrian's Villa or Ostia Antica. Given our limited time, I'm thinking that it could be too much to do day trips to both of these places in such a short visit.
Given that we should probably choose just one, which of these two places would you choose to visit?
Thanks.
Correct about not doing both in the same day. After that it is an apple to banana comparison. Both totally different. Personally I would do OA simply because it is much easier to get to from Rome and it is very interesting but HV's is also interesting.
I've been to both, Hadrian's villa just last month. I enjoyed both, and I'm having trouble coming up with a clear reason to visit one or the other. HV might take less time, though both have lots to see.
We used public buses to get to/from Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa. It did take time and effort. A train to Ostia Antica (and a taxi ride to the Rome airport, as we were leaving early the next morning) were easier, although did cost more, overall.
Those were on separate trips. Ostia Antica was pretty flat, but the Villa grounds required lots of climbing from the entrance, so was more of a workout. Getting back uphill to the bus stop was also a rigorous climb.
Personally I would do OA simply because it is much easier to get to from Rome...
Agree with Frank about the ease of getting there and back. Start out by 9 a.m. and you should be back by 4 p.m.
I have not been to Ostia, but have been to HV, Villa d'Este (which is not Roman), and Pompeii. I suspect that HV is more of a landmark of architecture than is Ostia. HV is a long way from Rome, so I would mention the grueling idea of doing both Tivoli attractions in one day. Weather and temperature should be considered. Long ago, we had trouble finding real food near HV, but Villa d'Este is much more "downtown."
I am not bad-mouthing Ostia, but it's worth considering IF you have seen or will see Pompeii, which is unquestionably a superior visit. Despite the size and good condition, there is a certain subtlety to HV that requires research and thought.
Just to clarify, my plan was to do each, but on separate days. Don't know if that would change your opinions much.
Thanks
Hank, if you’ve got the time, and aren’t cutting out any higher priorities (museum, other ancient Roman sights closer to downtown Rome, must-go-to restaurant or cooking class, etc.), then definitely go to both! Ostia was a town, with boulevards and lots of public spaces, magnificent mosaics, remans of businesses, and a multi-holer toilet that you have to see in person to believe.
Hadrian’s palatial grounds include a private theater, an intimate great fish pond, buildings with unique, sometimes delicate design, and (at least now) some wide-open spaces. It was late September when we went; I think there may be shuttles to some of the higher-elevation locations at sometimes, but we didn’t see or use any. One modern building has a model showing what it all looked like when it was Hadrian’s getaway.
If you have been to Pompeii then definitely Hadrian's Villa. I'd probably choose it as well if I had to choose one or the other -- but one is the ruins of an estate of a Roman emperor and the other a typical Roman town -- take a look at a few pictures on line and decide which one would interest you both. Both excellent.
Personally, I have never understood the comparison between OA and Pompeii other than two old cities. And, IMO, the similarity ends as both are very different. OA was never buried as Pompeii was.
Given that we should probably choose just one, which of these two places would you choose to visit?
And then this
Just to clarify, my plan was to do each, but on separate days. Don't know if that would change your opinions much.
OK, I admit I am confused.
One a day is fine
Frank. both are old Roman cities and contain much the same in the way of houses, businesses, public toilets and the like. Pompeii is much better preserved due to the volcano and so you also have frescoes as well as casts of the lingerers who got caught in town for the final debacle. Ostia Antica has been open to weather and so you don't have painted rooms and such but otherwise it is an old Roman town similar to Pompeii. If you can't get to Pompeii, OA is the next best thing. If you have seen Pompeii then OA is lesser and probably not worth the trip especially if the alternative is the Hadrian's Villa ruin. Parts of the ruin are quite wonderful including the pools.
Epilogue: We're opting for Ostia Antica only on this visit. HV gives us an excuse to return. Better throw another coin in the Fontana di Trevi.
Thanks to all for your input.
