Just a few minutes beyond the Aurelian Walls in Rome, you’ll find an enormous green corridor where you can literally walk on paving stones laid more than two thousand years ago. Mausoleums rise out of the grass, catacombs run underground, and aqueducts cut across the skyline.
Why the Appian Way is an unmissable destination
The Appian Way Park is far more than an ancient road. Established as a regional park in 1988, it covers around 4,580 hectares. According to official local sources, it is considered the largest urban park in Europe thanks to its size and continuous landscape.
Its status was further strengthened in 2024 when sections of the ancient consular road were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where is the park located and what does it look like?
The park begins close to the city centre, near Porta San Sebastiano, and runs south-east, following the original route of the Regina Viarum towards the Alban Hills and the Castelli Romani.
What makes it special is the contrast. You move between monumental archaeological remains, open countryside that still feels distinctly rural, and wide urban green spaces crossed by ancient aqueducts. It’s one of the rare places in Rome where history and landscape blend seamlessly, without heavy urban development interrupting the view.
What to see along the Regina Viarum
The stretch of Via Appia Antica contains some of Rome’s most atmospheric archaeological sites. Many are visible directly from the road, while others require a ticket and timed entry.
- Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and Castrum Caetani
This imposing 1st-century BC tomb dominates the road and was later incorporated into a medieval fortress by the Caetani family. - Villa dei Quintili
Located around the fifth mile, this vast suburban villa complex includes baths, reception halls and terraces with views towards the Alban Hills. - Circus and Villa of Maxentius
One of the best-preserved late Roman complexes, this site includes a palace, a circus that once held around 10,000 spectators for chariot races, and a mausoleum dedicated to Romulus. - Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano
Beneath the road lie extensive early Christian burial complexes. Guided tours take you through underground corridors lined with frescoed chambers and ancient inscriptions.
The other areas of the park
The Appian Way Regional Park isn’t limited to the main consular road. It also includes several distinct green areas that show a different side of Rome.
Caffarella Valley
Covering around 200 hectares between Via Latina and Via Appia Antica, this valley preserves a patchwork of farmland, historic farmhouses and ancient ruins.Highlights include the Nymphaeum of Egeria and the tomb of Annia Regilla, all set within a landscape that still feels agricultural rather than urban.
Parco degli Acquedotti
One of Rome’s most recognisable open spaces, this park is defined by the arches of the Claudian and Felix aqueducts.The silhouettes at sunset are particularly striking and often used as film backdrops.
- Tor Fiscale and Tor Marancia
Tor Fiscale is known for the dramatic crossing point of six ancient aqueducts, while Tor Marancia offers quieter trails and a surprising level of biodiversity for a capital city.
Recommended itineraries: on foot and by bicycle
The best way to experience the park depends on how much time you have and how far you want to go.
On foot along the Roman paving stones
A classic walking route starts at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis. The first kilometre can be partially open to traffic, but there is a pedestrian passage through the Catacombs of San Callisto that links Via Appia to Via Ardeatina and leads safely to San Sebastiano.
Beyond this point, traffic is restricted and often completely closed on Sundays and holidays. You can then continue along the original basalt paving towards the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and further out.
By bike, including e-bikes, towards the Alban Hills
If you’d like to explore a broader section of the park, cycling is practical and efficient. The terrain is mostly flat in the earlier stretches, though the ancient paving can be uneven.
Continuing past the Villa dei Quintili, the route gradually leads towards Santa Maria delle Mole, marking the entrance to the Castelli Romani area.
E-bikes are a sensible option if you plan to continue towards the Alban Hills, especially in warmer months.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
