Ostia Antica archeological site is located 25 kilometers away from Rome and 3 kilometers away from Lido di Ostia, the main beach of Rome. The archeological area conserves the ruins of the Roman City of the VII century B.C., founded on the mouth of the Tevere river. At first it was a military camp. Later on it became a port and commercial hub. Ostia Antica extends for 150 hectars. Along with Pompei it is the biggest archeological site in the world. If you’re in Rome this is a can’t-miss spot if you have some extra time on your hands.

 Chances

Avoid the crowd. The archeological site is packed with people during the weekends. In 2014 it ranked 16th in the chart of the most visited spots in Italy with 332190 visitors. So, if you wish to avoid large crowds, tour Ostia Antica during weekdays when there’s less people..

Tour the decorated houses. However, access to the decorated houses is allowed only on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. The decorated houses are some of the most evocative buildings in the area such as the Diana’s house, l’Insula of Zeus and Ganimede, l’Insula delle Muse, l’Insula delle Pareti Gialle and l’Insula delle Ierodule. Access to the decorated houses is free but must be booked in advance by e-mail at the address [email protected]. The dedicated website says that “you’re allowed to book a Sunday of the current month or the next month for a maximum of 5 people. The subject of the e-mail must be “OPEN HOUSES DECORATED THE MORNING (dd / mm / yy)”. You must receive a confirmation by e-mail. This is because only 30 people at the times are allowed in. You can find futher info at Ostia Antica official website.

Giulio II’s Castle

First Sunday of each month. Access to the area is free on the first Sunday of every month.

Giulio II’s castle. Once you get to Ostia Antica, it’s worth to tour Giulio II’s castle along with the medieval village and Sant’Aurea’s Church, all located in piazza della Rocca. Access is free. There are guided tours on Thursdays at 11 and on Sundays at 11 and 12. The castle is closed on Mondays, the First of May and December 25th. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a facilitated route for disabled visitors. For further information call 06.56358013 and 06.56358028.

 Watch out!

Archeological area

Public Transportation. Theoretically getting to Ostia Antica is simple and fast. But public transportation to Ostia Antica unfortunately is not efficient at all. And in recent years it’s gotten worse. So take into account that getting to Ostia Antica by public transportation is quite time consuming..

A day out. Given the situation of public transportation you might as well turn the long trip into a nice day out and enjoy it. If you have some free time on your hands, you may always go to the beach for a walk o have an aperitivo on the lungomare.

Difficult route for disabled people. Unfortunately people with disabilities can’t freely enjoy the beauties of Ostia Antica. A warning on the website says that “Ostia Antica features an alternative route for disabled people. However this route stops mid-way at the food stand area”.

 Food

Packed lunch or nearby restaurants. If you want to avoid the line at the archeological area cafeteria, you can bring a sandwich or something to munch on. Otherwise you can stop by one of the restaurant near the archeological area.

  Shows

Roman theatre

Ostia Antica Roman theatre. Located in the archeological site, the roman theatre is used in the summertime for concerts, plays and stand up comedy.. If you happen to be in Rome in the summer, you have the chance to spend a romantic evening in a evocative context.

  In your backpack

Hat and water. Don’t forget a hat to block the sun and a bottle of water to obey your thirst during the long walk. And of course a camera or your cell phone for some photos..

Packed lunch. If you want to avoid the crowd at the cafeteria or at the nearby restaurants just brung a sandwich or pack your lunch to eat on the go.

  Opening Times

Opening and closing. Gates open at 8:30 am. Closing time varies between 4:30 pm and 7:15 pm depending on the time of the year.

  Fares

Tickets and discount. The ticket costs 8 euros. There’s a discounted ticket, 4 Euros, for youngsters between 18 and 25 and for teachers inside the European Union. Access is free of charge for people under 18, disabled people, journalists, school groups, students and teachers of archeology, history of art architecture, restoring of art pieces, academy of fine arts, science of formation, tourist guides, interpreters, Icom and Iccrom members.
Tickets:
Adults 18-25 years old Under 18
Entrance 8 € 4 € Free
First Sunday of the month Free Free Free
 

 How to get there

Car: If you’re coming from Rome you can take the Grande raccordo anulare (Gra) and get off at exit 28 and take Via del Mare or Via Ostiense up to Ostia Antica

Subway: At piramide subway station you can take the Rome-lido line train. Get off at Ostia Antica and walk for 5 minutes.

The reproduction of this content is authorized only upon including link to Romabbella website.