Ostia Antica

Our 6-hour car and walking tour take you through the ruins of the ancient city of Ostia. It was Rome's military outpost and main supply port. We'll also visit the Mussolini District back to your hotel. Our car will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Ostia Antica, about 40 minutes from Rome. There, you will walk through this fascinating archeological site of the Roman city and port built during the Imperial Age. The Latin word ostium means 'mouth of the river, and reflects its position along the Tiber. It was founded as a military outpost to guard against seaborne invasions along the river. Ostia was officially founded during the monarchy and later became recognized as Rome's main, official harbor. Trade flourished, and a business center developed throughout the following centuries. Later, when virtually all imports reached the capital via the Tiber, Ostia gained prominence as the domestic docking area for cargo boats. Ostia covered 10,000 square acres and was situated around the main street that runs for more than one mile. For centuries, local shepherds sheltered their animals among the ruins. Ancient apartment buildings, taverns, and grocery stores are still visibly intact. The artifacts unearthed from this site are exhibited in the nearby Ostiense Museum. There, you will discover treasures on display featuring ancient sculptures and mosaics. Some of them represented the prevalent cult of Mithra, which existed during Imperial Rome. On the way back to Rome, we will reach the district of EUR, the Esposizione Universale di Roma. This was the area that Mussolini built before World War II. Your guided visit will take you to the buildings and urban spaces that best exemplify how architecture could transmit the ideology of Fascism. For anyone interested in Rome's modern period or comparative architecture, this unique tour is guaranteed to fascinate. The tour is for a party of up to 14 people. It includes a fluent, English-speaking driver for private car transfers. PLEASE NOTE: An official guide is available upon request. We suggest that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. In warm weather, wear sunglasses and sunhats. Our archeological guide and site tickets are not included in the price. Please contact us for answers to your questions and price estimates.