Appian Way

The Appian Way, or Via Appia in Italian, is one of the oldest and most famous roads in the world. It was built in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, to connect Rome to the southern regions of Italy. The road was a crucial part of the Roman Empire's transportation network and played a significant role in the expansion and military conquests of Rome.

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The Appian Way was originally 350 miles long, stretching from Rome to Brindisi on the southeastern coast of Italy. Today, much of the road has been lost to development, but several stretches of the original road remain, particularly in the countryside outside of Rome.

The Appian Way was built using a combination of concrete and large stone blocks, which were laid on a bed of gravel and sand. The road was typically 16 feet wide and lined with tombs, mausoleums, and other monuments that were meant to impress visitors and demonstrate the power and wealth of Rome.

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The Appian Way was an important route for the Roman military, as it allowed troops and supplies to be transported quickly and efficiently across Italy. The road played a key role in several military campaigns, including the Punic Wars and the conquest of Greece.

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The Appian Way was also an important religious route, as it connected Rome to several important pilgrimage sites, including the Temple of Jupiter Anxur in Terracina and the Temple of Apollo in Cumae. The road was also lined with tombs and mausoleums that were often decorated with religious symbols and motifs.

The Appian Way is home to several ancient roman catacombs, including the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. These underground burial chambers were used by early Christians to bury their dead and to hold secret religious services during times of persecution.

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• The Catacombs of San Sebastiano Guided Tour Tickets
• Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus

Today, the Appian Way is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the history and culture of ancient Rome. Visitors can walk along stretches of the original road, visit ancient ruins and monuments, and explore the catacombs that lie beneath the surface.

In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and preserve the Appian Way and its monuments. Several sections of the road have been repaved, and some of the tombs and mausoleums have been restored to their original grandeur.

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The Appian Way remains an important cultural and historical site, and efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote its legacy. Plans are currently underway to create a bike path along the road, which would allow visitors to experience the Appian Way in a new and unique way.