Ostia Antica, ancient port of Rome

Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, old Roman harbour ruins in Italy

30 kilometres from Rome, Italy, lies Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica. This is where the old Roman harbour city and ancient port of Rome has been uncovered and where you can walk through 100 hectares of Roman excavations.

Excavations of Ostia Antica

About 30 kilometres west of Rome lies Ostia Antica. This is the former harbour city of Rome and now a giant, 100-hectare archaeological park with many excavations. It is a fun day trip to take from Rome. You can spend hours exploring the countless ruins.

During the 7th century BCE, the ancient port of Rome was founded for trade and to serve as a military base. It was not until the 2nd century CE that the harbour city grew significantly. The city was located on the banks of the river Tiber and the name ‘Ostia’ was derived from the Latin ostium, meaning mouth. Because the harbour started silting up during the 2nd century CE, the over 100,000 people who had called this city home in its heyday started to slowly abandon the city.

^{Amphitheater in Ostia Antica}

^{Visit with your Ostia Antica tickets 100 hectares of Roman excavations}

Ostia Antica is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Italy, despite the fact that the city was often used as a source for marble, columns and other building materials. If you wonder where the sea is during your visit, please be aware that because of the changing coast lines, it is now a few kilometres away. The course of the main river of the Tiber has also changed.

The archaeological park holds many excavations, such as that of a theatre of Marcus Agripa for 3,000 man, many houses, baths and temples, as well as countless mosaics. It is believed that about two thirds of the old city have been uncovered by the digs. The archaeological park of Ostia Antica is highly recommended if you wish to get away from the bustle of Rome and explore the many Roman ruins for a few hours.

^{Street in Ostia Antica}

^{The frigidarium of the thermal baths}

Video: Ostia Antica

Where is Ostia Antica located in Italy?

Ostia Antica is located in Italy, in the Lazio region, on the west coast of the country, next to the seaside resort of Ostia and Airport Fiumicino. It is located about 30 kilometers west of the center of Rome. Ostia Antica is an archaeological site that was once the ancient Roman port city of Ostia, located at the mouth of the Tiber River. It served as Rome's main port and flourished trade for many centuries. Today, Ostia Antica is a major historical attraction where visitors have the opportunity to explore the well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman city. The site has remarkable ruins of streets, squares, residences, bathhouses, theaters and temples. Ostia Antica is easy to reach as a day trip from Rome using public transport, such as the train or bus.