When most people think Roman ruins, they automatically think of Pompeii. And while Pompeii is incredible and you should most definitely go, I’m here to tell you about Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica is an amazing day trip from Rome, since it’s only only 20 to 40 minutes from the city center by train!
I absolutely adored every second I spent in Ostia Antica and definitely encourage anyone taking a day trip from Rome to consider going to Ostia Antica! Keep reading to see why!
Learn about a unique piece of Roman history.
Ostia may have been the very first Roman colony, with Roman military buildings dating back to the third century BC. Ostia was further developed by Tiberius in the first century AD, and was a huge trade hub in its hay day of the second and third centuries AD, due to it’s position at the mouth of the Tiber River. Ostia’s fall began with the fall of the Roman Empire and was finally abandoned in the ninth century AD due to repeated attacks by Arab pirates.
Ostia Antica is now known for how well preserved the ruins and archaeological sites there are. I was in awe at the mosaics that were still almost entirely intact and held almost the same splendor they must have had when they were first crafted.
You can purchase an audio guide at the entrance of the archaeological park as well, in order to learn as much as possible and gain a greater appreciation as you tour the incredible ruins of the once great port city.
Escape the throngs of tourists in Rome.
Perhaps my favorite thing about Ostia Antica, was the lack of tourists. Pompeii was absolute mayhem, and it was near impossible to get a picture without someone else in it. But almost the entire time I was at Ostia Antica, I was alone as I walked through the park. It was an amazing escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome. The entire park was incredibly serene and peaceful, and I was able to truly appreciate every part of the park and every piece of history I learned from the audio tour.
Get back in touch with nature on your day trip to Ostia Antica.
While I expected an escape from crowds while in Ostia Antica, I didn’t realize how green it would be! I was blown away by the back drop of trees and green grasses. The archaeological park felt so natural and almost untouched (much more so than Pompeii). This definitely contributed to the overall feeling of tranquility and serenity as I spent the day strolling through Ostia Antica.
See ruins that rival Pompeii, with just a quarter of the commute!
For many people, a trip to Rome is, a once in a lifetime opportunity. And for most people, they likely only have a short time in Rome. While a day trip to Pompeii from Rome is doable, it’s a long train ride, whereas Ostia Antica is a quick, 20 minute ride!
While I was able to make a brief stop at Pompeii on my way back to Rome from the Amalfi Coast, not everyone will have the opportunity to do so during their time in Rome. If this is the situation you find yourself in, Ostia Antica is the perfect substitute! Or if you do have plenty of time, do what I did and visit both!
There's a restaurant, museum, and even a book store in Ostia Antica.
That’s right, on your day trip to Ostia Antica you can grab lunch, buy a souvenir, and tour the archaeological museum, all without even leaving the park!
The museum has everything from Roman portraits, to incredible statues. These statues range from Minerva to Perseus holding Medusa’s head. I unfortunately didn’t even realize there was a museum at Ostia Antica until after I left, so learn from my mistakes!
You can visit the beach in Ostia.
When you do finally tear yourself away from the awe-inspiring ruins in Ostia Antica, you can visit the beach in the modern town of Ostia! Be careful of swimming though, I went in late May/early June and the water was absolutely FREEZING! Fair warning, you’ll likely have to pay for beach access, but it’s really only a few euros, and you can rent chairs and towels, among other things.
Be wary of people trying to con or hustle tourists. For example, don’t pay that Thai lady on the beach for a massage…sure it’s only a few euros but, it’s so bad it doesn’t even deserve to be called a massage, plus you’ll look like a complete idiot, AND you’ll be covered in cheap massage oil after and have to rinse off in the freezing cold Mediterranean (totally NOT speaking from experience here).
So there you have it! If you’re in Rome and have the time, Ostia Antica makes the perfect day trip, and is a must see in my opinion! You can get more information about the park’s hours and prices at their website, here.
Have you been to Ostia Antica? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more things to do while in Rome, check out my list of off the beaten path things to do in Rome!
And if you do plan on going to Pompeii, you should definitely read my list of things I wish I’d known before I visited Pompeii.
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This looks so awesome. We have been to Rome a few times, but we haven’t visited Ostia Antica yet.
So cool! How have I not heard of this?!
I hadn’t either until one of my Italian friends mentioned it to me!
I loved Pompeii! THanks for sharing!
I’ve always been fascinated with Pompeii so would love to visit this place. I have never heard of it…thanks!
Only half an hour from Rome! That’s cool with green and water to boot!
I just came back from Italy – and didn’t know about this place. Too bad, I visite Ostia Antica for sure since I know how easy going on daytrips is. Since I’m planning on going back to Rome very soon, I’ll bookmark your post and will visit this amazing place for sure!
I was so glad one of my Italian friends suggested it to me, it was amazing!
Amazing, I had no idea. We visited Rome many years ago and saw many wonderful sites, but I did not know about this one.
I really need to get to Rome soon. I’ve been to the actual Pompeii and loved it, so visiting the Roman version of it looks and sounds amazing too!
what an interesting post! I had never heard of Ostia Antica but it sounds like a perfect of the beaten path one day excursion. I think I still would like to go to Pompeii, just because of its history. It gives me goosebumps!
I was so glad I did both! They were both incredible in their own way.
I visited Italy for a 10- day road trip in the Summer and I wish I heard about Ostia Antica, I would have loved to visit here as well. It looks like I was quite close. Reading that it was lovely and less touristy would have been the icing on the cake for me.
I did not know about Ostia Antica. Looks very interesting. The fact that it is only a short ride away from Rome should make it easy enough to be included in an Italy itinerary.
I learned so much! I had never heard of Ostia Antica! I’m going to have to visit Pompeii ASAP and hit up Ostia Antica on the same trip! So much history, it’d be mind blowing to see these ruins in person.
I would have never known about Ostia Antica! Thanks for all the great tips. I love that you can rent audio to learn more. Also, those mosaics!WOW! Those are so freaking cool. Thanks for sharing all these great tips, and um ya about the thai massage haha. Good to know about having to pay to go to the beaches too!
Ostia Antica looks so cool! I definitely want to go here when I make my way to Rome. I was supposed to go this past spring, but now I’m going next spring. 🙂
Wow! I’ve never heard of it but it absolutely amazing. Definitely adding to my bucket list 🙂
Couldn’t make it to Pompeii on my last visit last year. We had plans to cover this year however because of the situation we had to postponed. But this post is great helpful tips and information. Will pin this.
It always fascinates me to find history that traces centuries and centuries back whenever I travel – these things look AMAZING and 300BC is just downright phenomenal!!
I know, it was absolutely incredible!
I hadn’t heard of this until I read your post although I have been to Pompeii twice! It seems you stumbled across a hidden gem.
Finding off the beaten path spots is one of my favorite things to do while travelling!
This is great information. First of all, I was not aware of this area. As a homeschool family we love to add history into our travels. We are hoping to visit Rome in the next couple of years so I am adding this to our list!
It definitely makes for an interesting day trip and an opportunity to learn.
Hahah the massage though! I bet that’s a good story on it’s own…
I was laughing even while it was happening lol!
I’ve been in Rome many times, and every time I was planning to visit Ostia Antica but I never did…The next time I will!
It’s definitely worth it!
Wow, I’ve never heard of these ruins before but they look incredible! It blows my mind how old they are and how they are still so intact! It sounds like a wonderful and quiet retreat. I have to admit, I’m guilty of having Pompeii on my bucket list (which I really want to experience) but I love finding some of these lesser known attractions too. I often find the more obscure and ‘off the beaten track’ the better the experience! Ostia Antica is now on my bucket list with Pompeii. Thanks for the fantastic guide!
Pompeii was incredible! I loved both!
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.