The Village of Ostia Antica: what to see

Where is Ostia Antica?

Ostia Antica is a district of Rome, but for me (and for those who have always lived there), it is much, much more than this.

It’s the seaside of ancient ​​Rome and the Romans.

It’s the land of frontiers and conquest.

It’s a piece of Rome and of the History of Rome.

It’s the place you do not expect.

How to get to Ostia Antica

You can get there by car along with the Via del mare or the via Ostiense (if you arrive from Rome).          You can get from Fiumicino Airport continuing along Viale dell ‘Aeroporto di Fiumicino until you cross Via del Mare and follow the road signs for Ostia Antica – Borgo.                                                                        You can get by going to the Porta San Paolo railway station (Pyramid) and jumping on one of the wagons of the “Freccia del mare” train (for us the train of Roma-Lido), you get off at the “Ostia Antica” stop. Built-in 1924, destroyed during the Second World War, and then restored in the 1950s. It was nicknamed “Garden Station. From here, you can start a walk that takes you to the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica.

Ostia Antica Archaeological Park

The entrance is in Via Dei Romagnoli 717, here you can find all the information to visit the archaeological: ( https://www.ostiaantica.beniculturali.it/en/home/)

The Village of Ostia Antica

Behind the park is the Borgo di Ostia Antica, built in the Middle Ages with the name of Gregoriopoli.  The fortified citadel was built by Pope Gregory IV in the distant 830 AD. to protect the workers of the Ostia salt pans from Saracen pirates.

Crossing the arch entrance you are literally catapulted into a timeless dimension, so you will find yourself in Piazza Della Rocca, keeping the Basilica of Sant’Aurea on the left and behind the houses,     the large tower rises above the castle, the Castello di Julius II.

The picturesque houses that overlook the Piazza Della Rocca were built by Cardinal Guillaume D’Estouteville Bishop of Ostia between 1461 and 1483, on Via del Forno and Via Della Colonia, there are three rows of terraced houses, commissioned by the bishop to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of the small village.

Al Civico 7 – a historic residence for an enchanting holiday

Al Civico 7 is located in Via del Forno at number 7 – https://www.alcivico7.it/en/ – ​​and as for the old inhabitants of the house also for you to live a stay here and certainly as it was for them to live a safe shelter.

Castle of Julius II and Cathedral of Sant’Aurea

The village can be visited on foot in a few minutes, but I suggest you visit the Castle (here you can find information for the opening days and times: https://www.ostiaantica.beniculturali.it/en/archaeological-sites-and-monuments/ostia-antica/ostia-antica-hamlet-and-julius-ii-castle/ ) and/or admire the small treasures that are hidden in the Cathedral. (here you can find information on the Cathedral of Sant’Aurea – https://www.santaurea.org/-)

Past and present coexist side by side but without changing the beauty of the village.

The episcope and the Riario Hall

The beauties do not end here and if you wish you can exit the basilica and turn to your right, go towards the episcope by climbing the stairs you will see the palace where the bishop of Ostia had his residence for a long time. What you see upon entering the large hall, the Salone Riario, on the upper floor, dates back to 1511. (here you can find information on the episcope and thee Riario hall https://www.santaurea.org/l-episcopio-e-il-salone-riario)

If I have intrigued you continue to follow me you will then know where to eat a very good carbonara or where to taste a good wine at the medieval village of Ostia Antica.

Ciao

See you soon traveler!

Veronica