Explore Ancient Ostia Antica: Rome’s Hidden Roman City Ruins
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility; walking on uneven surfaces required
Overview
Discover Ostia Antica, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman city just outside Rome. Explore mosaics, theaters, and daily Roman life on a quiet, crowd-free tour unlike any other.
See Ancient Ostia: Our Roman Pompeii
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the enchanting ruins of Ostia Antica, a well-preserved ancient Roman city that offers a quieter alternative to Pompeii. With an expert guide, explore vibrant mosaics, bustling taverns, and a 2,000-year-old theater, immersing yourself in the daily life of Romans. This unforgettable tour reveals the heart of ancient civilization.
An Actual, Preserved Roman City!
Rates
Private Group
- Adults: Starting at €520
- Children (with a minimum of 1 adult booked) € 20 per each child
Duration
4 Hours
About
Everyone goes or at least tries to visit Pompeii, so we wondered, why not Ancient Ostia? It is so much closer, so well preserved, and even bigger than Pompeii. If you are in Rome and do not wish or cannot go to Pompeii, this is the experience for you! Ostia, meaning mouth in Latin, was the first colony of Rome, literally at the mouth of the River Tiber on the beach. Ostia soon became an important city and developed parallel to Rome.
Walking on the city's main road, you will first go through its necropolis (cemetery) and then the city gate. As Ostia unveils itself in front of your eyes, you will admire the Theatre, Forum (City Center), main temples, its first Christian church, Thermal Baths, laundries, public bathrooms, private mansions, apartment blocks, cafeteria, and a bakery... an actual Roman City - the way it looked and the way it lived! Once on the pier of Rome, this incredible site will give you a full understanding of how Roman cities truly looked and how the average Romans, not only the emperors, lived.
What to Bring
Please bring a photo ID and wear comfortable clothes accordingly to weather conditions.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
The site features uneven ancient stone roads; shoes with good support will keep you steady.
Bring sun protection
Open areas and sparse shade make sunscreen and a hat essential during the warmer months.
Stay hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle to keep refreshed while exploring the extensive ruins.
Plan for accessibility needs
Contact the tour operator in advance to tailor the itinerary for any mobility concerns.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mediterranean pine trees shelter birds like European goldfinches.
- Roman tortoises occasionally spotted near the ruins.
History
Ostia Antica served as Rome’s main seaport from the 4th century BCE until the 4th century CE, pivotal to the empire’s economy and trade.
Conservation
The site is carefully managed to preserve its extensive ruins, with limited visitor numbers helping protect delicate mosaics and frescoes.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating the uneven ancient stone pathways across the site.
Sun hat or cap
Provides protection from the strong midday sun during summer visits.
summer specific
Light jacket or layers
Useful for cooler mornings or changing weather in spring.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during the 3-4 hour walking tour.