PORTHOLE ON THE PAST

About twenty-five kilometres west of the capital lies a fascinating archaeological site. Travel back through time and relive the glories of the Roman Empire on a day trip to the Caput Mundi’s ancient seaport.

You will meet your private guide and driver outside your accommodation and set off for Ostia Antica, the second best-preserved ancient Roman city in Italy. Ostia’s ruins might not be as well known as the excavations in Pompeii – probably because of the latter’s tragic fate – but they are, nevertheless, simply amazing and can still speak volumes about how life was lived in Roman times. Ostia remained mostly untouched until the early 1900s and the excellent state of conservation of its buildings and mosaics allows visitors to gain insight into the daily bustle of this once busy harbour.

Ostia derives its name from the Latin word os or ostium, meaning mouth, which refers to the city’s location at the mouth of the River Tiber. Due to silting, today it is situated three kilometers further inland, within a peaceful, green setting that is sure to please visitors wishing to take a break from the rush of the city centre.

According to tradition Ostia was founded as a colony by Ancus Marcius, Rome’s fourth king, in the late 7th century BC, although some historians and archaeologists claim the very earliest settlement can be dated to the beginning of the 4th century BC. Ostia reached the peak of its splendour during the 2nd century AD when it served as Rome’s main port for goods, including grain, olive oil and wine, transported to and from far-flung corners of the Empire. Trade brought opulence and prosperity to the city as testified by the stunning remains you will see.

Your guide will lead you through the streets of this remarkable ancient settlement and explain how findings that emerged from the rubble have been pieced together to give us an accurate picture of this ancient port town. Although no longer intact we know multilevel homes once stood on this very spot. As the city flourished the population grew to 50,000 inhabitants, leading to an increased demand for lodging. Ancient citizens resolved issues of space by building taller structures. Today only the ground floors remain but to imagine that forerunners of modern skyscrapers were built here is simply astounding. Highlights of your tour include the theatre, the forum, temples, thermal baths and even age-old public latrines! Can you believe that yesterday’s toilets have become an exciting treasure trove for archaeologists today? Your visit, enriched with anecdotes and curiosities about everyday life in Ostia, is sure to be a memorable experience.

After the tour you may enjoy some free time for lunch at a traditional trattoria near Ostia Antica or at a seafront restaurant in Ostia Lido before returning to your accommodation in Rome.