Via Appia Map

Explore the Appian Way, Rome's ancient queen of roads, and its remarkable landmarks

Via Appia Antica Area Guide

The Via Appia Antica (Appian Way) is one of the oldest and most important roads of the ancient Roman Republic. Built in 312 BC by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus, it originally connected Rome to Brindisi in southeastern Italy, spanning over 560 kilometers. The Romans called it Regina Viarum — the Queen of Roads. Today, the stretch south of Rome is a protected regional park, where you can walk or cycle along original Roman basalt paving stones flanked by ancient tombs, catacombs, and crumbling ruins. Use our Via Appia map to plan your journey along this extraordinary ancient highway.

Points of Interest

Catacombs of San Callisto

The largest and most important catacombs in Rome, stretching over 20 kilometers of underground tunnels on four levels. Established in the 2nd century AD, they served as the official cemetery for the bishops of Rome and contain the Crypt of the Popes, where nine popes from the 3rd century were buried. Over 500,000 Christians were laid to rest here. Guided tours lead through narrow corridors past ancient frescoes and inscriptions.

Coordinates: 41.857300, 12.513100

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Among the first underground cemeteries to be called "catacombs," named after the martyr Saint Sebastian who was buried here. These catacombs extend over 12 kilometers and contain well-preserved pagan and Christian tombs dating from the 1st to the 4th century. The basilica above, one of Rome's seven pilgrim churches, was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.

Coordinates: 41.855800, 12.515200

Circus of Maxentius

The best-preserved ancient Roman circus in Italy, built by Emperor Maxentius around 309 AD. The chariot-racing arena could hold up to 10,000 spectators and stretches over 500 meters in length. The central spine and starting gates are still clearly visible. Adjacent to the circus are the ruins of the imperial palace and the Mausoleum of Romulus, Maxentius's young son.

Coordinates: 41.854800, 12.519200

Tomb of Cecilia Metella

A massive cylindrical tomb from the 1st century BC, one of the best-known landmarks along the Appian Way. Built for the daughter-in-law of Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of Rome's wealthiest men, the tomb was later fortified as a medieval castle by the Caetani family. The imposing travertine structure is crowned with a medieval battlement and marks the point where the original ancient paving of the Via Appia is best preserved.

Coordinates: 41.853700, 12.522800

Villa of the Quintilii

The sprawling ruins of a luxurious 2nd-century villa that was the largest private residence in the Roman suburbs. Originally owned by the wealthy Quintilii brothers, Emperor Commodus coveted it so much that he had the owners executed and seized the property as an imperial estate. The remains include a bath complex, hippodrome, nymphaeum, and aqueduct, all set amid beautiful countryside.

Coordinates: 41.838000, 12.546500

Porta San Sebastiano

The largest and best-preserved gate in the Aurelian Walls, marking the beginning of the Appian Way. Originally called Porta Appia, the imposing gate was rebuilt and fortified multiple times between the 3rd and 5th centuries. Today it houses the Museo delle Mura (Museum of the Walls), where you can walk along a stretch of the ancient defensive walls and enjoy views over the surrounding area.

Coordinates: 41.875200, 12.497600

Visiting the Via Appia Antica

Getting There

Cycling the Appian Way

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Via Appia Antica, especially on Sundays when the road is closed to motor traffic. Several rental shops near the beginning of the route offer bicycles for the day. The ancient basalt paving stones can be bumpy, so a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended. The flat terrain makes for an easy ride, and you can cover significantly more ground than on foot, reaching the Villa of the Quintilii and beyond.

The Queen of Roads: History

The Via Appia was the first long-distance road built by the Roman Republic, constructed in 312 BC to support military campaigns in southern Italy. It was considered the most important road in the empire — wide enough for two chariots to pass side by side, paved with interlocking volcanic basalt stones, and lined with tombs and monuments of Rome's wealthiest families. Roman law prohibited burials within the city walls, so the road became an outdoor necropolis. The road remained in use for centuries and parts of the original Roman paving survive to this day.

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