Situated
amongst the cypress and mediterranean pine trees the ruins of the port of
ancient Rome reveal more than any other monument in the capital, how everyday
life must have been like in ancient times.
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Leaving
Rome and following the sea road, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Ostia,
the Roman city of the Imperial age whose Latin name `Ostium' means `mouth
of the river', being situated at the mouth of the Tiber river.
Ostia
was founded around the 4th century BC by King Anco Marzio and became the
harbour of Rome around which a flourishing trade and business centre developed
throughout the following centuries. Then, after the Barbarian invasions,
when the port was abandoned and silted up, began the decline of Ostia.
The
archaeolgical excavations undertaken at the beginning of the last century
have brought the ancient city back to light, a rare witness of 900 years
of Roman civilization. During your walk through the ruins, your guide
will gradually instruct you about the cultural and social life of this
interesting commercial settlement.
Your
visit to Ostia Antica itself starts at `Via delle Tombe' which leads you
to the `Porta Romana', one of the city's three gates. This is the beginning
of the `Decumanus Maximus', the main thoroughfare that crosses the city
from north east to south west. Then you will arrive at the `Terme di Nettuno'
where you can admire the beautiful black and white mosaics representing
Neptune and Amphitrite, the theatre built by Agrippa and the Forum which
formed the centre of the city. Here you will discover the principle public
buildings, `Il Capitolium' and the temple of Rome and Augustus, the Basilica
and the large thermal baths. Near the forum square you will also find
the House of Diana and the `Thermopolium' an ancient Roman bar with a
marble counter and a fresco depicting the fruit and foodstuffs that were
sold there. At the end of Via dei Dipinti, the Museo Ostiense displays
some of the ancient sculptures and mosaics found among the ruins. After
this fascinating stroll through the past you will return to, or nearby
your Hotel.
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Price per person:
52 Euro
Money Exchange
Departure Time: From Hotel: 8:00/ 8:40 am, From Agency: 9:00 am
Every Wednesday and Friday Morning -Approx 3 hours
Book this tour
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