Thanks for the advice earlier on getting to the sea! I'd like to go but wonder how much time we should allow for a trip to Ostia Antica. Also, has anyone rented bikes on the Appian Way? If so, do you recommend it and how much does it cost?
Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
The Ostia Antica ruins merit about three hours, IMHO.
A tip I read here that I wish I had known about in advance: The site is laid out along one long ancient road. When you first arrive, march yourself nonstop almost all the way to the end of the road, mentally registering what you're seeing and what looks interesting. Then turn around and work your way back, spending more time on the interesting parts.
Otherwise you're likely to make the same mistake we did. You spend too much time on the less interesting stuff near the entrance, not realizing that the much cooler stuff is farther in.
Posted by
OP
Columbus, IN, USA
15 posts
great tip, thanks. How long do you think we should allow to see the sites at Ostia Antica?
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
I agree with Michael three hours and working your way back. Good place for a simple picnic in a most romantic place. With transport five hours total
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
One of the coolest things about Ostia Antica is how much of the time you'll be alone or nearly alone, not surrounded by the crowds that are always at Pompeii. The grounds at Ostia are the same size at Pompeii, but maybe 1/10th the number of tourists.
Another fun thing was seeing the groups of schoolkids who were on a field trip, learning about ancient Rome. Same thing at the Forum in Rome. Can you imagine studying ancient Roman history and being able to hop into a schoolbus and go see the actual sites??!!