I'll be in Rome for about a week in April. I have a lot of things already in my plans of what to see, but I know I won't be able to fit it all in. Seeking advice on the following, as I may only be able to do one of these things that are farther down my list. (And yes, I know it all depends on what I'm interested in, but I'd be interested in all three!) Orvieto: might be a nice break from the city to see a different side of Italy, looks like about 1.5 hours by train, so a day (or most of day) trip, definitely interested in seeing the cathedral there Ostia Antica: I'm definitely interested in ancient ruins, but of course will spend time at Colosseum/Forum and other places in Rome proper, so for a week wondering if this would be overkill with other diverse sights out there Appian Way: I keep reading that it's closed to traffic on Sundays, but I'm confused. People don't drive on the actual ancient road, do they? (I feel like that's a really dumb question, but I can't tell from the RS book or anything I've seen online!) I won't be able to go on a Sunday, nor am I super interested in the catacombs or biking! But I do think that seeing the road itself would just be super-cool. Worth it? Thanks,
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We haven't done the Appian Way, so I can't address that, but you've got a pretty good idea of Orvieto and Ostia Antica. I do suggest that you factor in the weather once you arrive, and keep one or both of those as options. And, in case this helps, here are photos I took of our trip to Ostia Antica in May 2008 and photos from our two nights in Orvieto in May 2011. Ron In Rome has excellent information on how to do either of those as a daytrip from Rome. Happy travels.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
We did appia antica (the appian way) in 2008 - yes, people do drive on it! I think we were there on a Sat (can't rem exactly) and there really was not much traffic - there were some homes along the way (so just more seemed to be people who lived there on the road), but at a certain point, it is fields...we did the catacombs and Cecelia Matella ruins (pls excuse my spelling)...if you have the time, it is kinda cool - it is really nice to get out of the city for a few hours and just enjoy some peace...but the other 2 choices may be more exciting (didn't have time for either of those, but I know a lot of people recommend them)...I think if you aren't going to Pompeii/Herculaneum (we did Herc) that Ostia Antica would be a nice day trip...
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
16 posts
Thanks for the advice. These are both very helpful! Abby
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
893 posts
Orvieto is worth a visit just to see something of the hill country. The train takes you to the "new"town at the bottom of the hill - the "old" town is reached by funicular. I loved Ostia - its the one place near Rome where you can put everything together and walk through the streets of a real Roman city. Its easy to get to - take the metro to Pyramide and then the above ground train to Ostia. The site is a 10 minute walk from the station. Appian Way is a modern road following the old road. It is closed to traffic on Sunday but you can walk along it any time. There is a public transportation bus from Rome that will take you out there. We were there on a Monday and there wasn't that much traffic once you are past the catacombs but you cannot get into the Villa Marcellus - it is open the other days. I would have preferred to spend more time walking up the Way than visiting the Catacombs. Have a look on the web to find out what you might like to see along the road.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8159 posts
We stayed @ OliveTreeHill.com for E70 per night in April, and Zagarolo is 20 miles south of Rome on a main commuter train line. Zagarolo is where gladiators gymnasiums were located, and they made Roman soldier helmets. The suburbs have as much to see as Rome. The owner is available for personal tours, including his famous Midnight-6 a.m. Roman tour. His knowledge of Roman history is incredible. They also can cook for you. Orvieto is another fantastic hill town, and there are incredible sights 10-20 miles to the west.
Posted by
Key West, FL, United States
72 posts
I haven't been to the Appian Way yet but have been to both Orvieto and Ostia Antica. They are both great places to visit. We spent about 3 hours at Ostia Antica and wished we had a little longer to stay there. We stayed in Orvieto for 3 nights and loved the town (we did use one day to take a day trip to Assisi). There is certainly more to do in Orvieto but by the same token it might be too much to take in during one day if that is all the time you have. If I absolutely had to choose between the 2 and thought I would never make it back to Italy again I would choose Orvieto. The cathedral is amazing as are the Etruscan museum and the walk around the outside wall of the city. The food is great and the orvieto classico wine is one of the best white wines we have tasted in Italy.