I'm taking my parents through Italy and wanted to know opinions on Ostia. I was watching a History Channel show on the city but had to cut it off as I had to go to work. With the schedule with don't have the time to go to Pompeii or Herculaneum but that seems a reasonable distance from Rome. I'd really just like to know if it's worth a day trip.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
959 posts
To really appreciate Ostia Antica, do lots of reading on the site before going. Google is your friend. Ostia WAS the first port that serviced Rome, then another deep water port was built on the north side of the river, and then yet another much larger port complex, Portus, was built around a huge artificial five sided lake that can still be seen when you fly in. Ostia became a residential area after these newer ports were built. Unlike Pompeii, which was frozen in time, Ostia Antica is as old and layered as Rome it self.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you mean Ostia Antica then, yes, it's worth the day trip. It's the old sea port to Rome. It was abandoned over the years so is still in pretty good shape. It's about half an hour by train outside the city and very easy to get to. You take the metro to the pyramide stop then change to the Ostia Lido line. Get off at the Ostia Scavi stop. Cross the bridge and continue straight to the ruins. Donna
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
You could spend a day there but I would plan a half day, from opening until lunchtime, so you don't wear your parents out. It's pretty flat for walking but not much shade in the area and could get hot on a summer afternoon.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If you follow the suggestions in the FAQ, you can search this site for lots of input about Ostia Antica. When will you be in Italy? That could have an influence on whether you want to go. (BTW, we loved Ostia Antica.)
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Ostia Antica is great to visit - especially if you so not want to travel all the way to Pompeii! We often take a lunch and a bottle of wine. But as mentioned, there is little shade. They do have a cafe, a gelateria, and a gift shop. This link may help you **** http://tinyurl.com/orvieto-daytrip ****
Posted by
Santa Clara, CA
252 posts
I actually enjoyed Ostia Antica more than Pompeii. Less crowds, more freedom to explore
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
959 posts
The tray type buffet is surprisingly good and inexpensive for "museum food." Before you go, definitely look up where you can find the Mithra grotto. Ask if you can't find it or if its available to enter. We totally missed that, because we didn't know about it.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
I've been to Pompeii twice and Ostia once. While Pompeii is more spectacular Ostia is more intimate and wonderful to roam around in. Easy, quick and inexpensive too. Love it! Try www.ostia-antica.org.