Via Appia, Italy: Off The Beaten Path
Within reach of Rome’s city center, the Via Appia is a gentle stroll along the oldest and longest road of the ancient republic. Stretching from Rome down to Brindisi, the Appian Way is a picturesque path, mostly cobblestone, lined with cypress trees, ancient architectural ruins, and quaint scenery.
© Ioana Catalina E | Dreamstime
Constructed in 312 BC and named after the wealthy and powerful magistrate Appius Claudius Caecus, the Appian Way was originally purposed as an army supply road for the empire. As time went on, the road expanded; many tombs were built here (as bodies were forbidden from being buried in the city center) along with family homes and catacombs. Perfectly cobbled stones create a path to connect these stunning structures, and they exist practically unchanged from over 2,300 years ago.
Although the road reaches a total of roughly 348 miles, the most visited portion (Via Appia Antica) is within the first mile in Rome, in the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica. Starting at the Catacombs of San Sabastiano, follow the path to a string of ruins and houses, each more charming than the previous. An easy walk, this route is great for family strolls, especially on Sundays when the road is closed to vehicles.
Featured image: © Ioana Catalina E | Dreamstime