Private half day tour to Ostia Antica (Ancient Ostia) from Rome to visit the archeological park of the ancient Rome situated at about 30 km west of Rome.
Enjoy the history of Rome visiting Ostia Antica considered one of the most interesting and best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy.
Enjoy the history of Rome visiting Ostia Antica considered one of the most interesting and best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy.
Your tour starts from your hotel in Rome where meet your private driver and your private guide to reach Ostia Antica situated not far from Rome, on the mouth of the river Tiber.
Originally Ostia was a colony of Rome, then the village grew to become the major port of Rome reaching till to 50,000 inhabitants in the 2nd century. With your guide you will visit the most relevant landmarks.
Many houses of Ancient Ostia still have the original mosaic floors or paintings well preserved and the ruins are similar to those in Pompeii.
In the archeological site of Ancient Ostia there is the oldest synagogues in the world.
Visiting the ruins, you learn about the cultural and social life, the economic organization, the methods of construction of buildings of this interesting commercial town built on both the sea and the river and such a special position determined its relevance over the centuries from a strategic-military and an economic viewpoint.
Now, because of the advance of the mainland due to the debris left by the river over the last 2000 years the sea it is at about 4 km from it.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore Ostia Antica the harbor city of the ancient Rome
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Rome
• 5 hours tour with your private driver and private guide
DETAILS
Duration:
5 hours
Start Time Private Tour:
Morning Tour or Afternoon Tour:
Meeting Point:
At the lobby of your hotel in Rome
Inclusion:
Private expert and licensed guide
Private Mercedes E series car (for your party from 1 to 2 persons)
Private Mercedes Minivan (for your party from 3 to 6 persons)
Professional English speaking driver.
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Entrance fees to Ostia Antica of approx 10 Euro per person to be paid on site.
Notes:
More of 6 persons rates on request.
F.A.Q.
- Why is Ostia Antica important?
Ostia Antica holds significant importance for several reasons:
1. Ancient Port City: Ostia Antica was the harbor city of ancient Rome, situated at the mouth of the Tiber River on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It served as a crucial gateway for the importation of goods, materials, and slaves into Rome during the height of the Roman Empire. Its strategic location made it a vital hub for maritime trade and commerce.
2. Commercial Center: As the main harbor of Rome, Ostia Antica was a bustling commercial center with warehouses, markets, workshops, and administrative buildings. It facilitated the distribution of goods throughout the Roman Empire and played a pivotal role in Rome's economic prosperity.
3. Cultural Exchange: Ostia Antica was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the diverse populations that passed through its port. Merchants, sailors, soldiers, and travelers from across the Mediterranean converged in Ostia, leading to the exchange of ideas, customs, languages, and religions. The city's multicultural atmosphere contributed to its cosmopolitan character and enriched Roman society.
4. Archaeological Treasure: Today, Ostia Antica is one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman sites, providing valuable insights into urban life, architecture, and infrastructure during the Roman Empire. Its ruins include impressive structures such as the Forum, the Capitolium, the Baths of Neptune, the Theatre, and the Amphitheatre, offering a glimpse into the daily activities and social dynamics of ancient Romans.
5. Historical Significance: The archaeological remains of Ostia Antica offer a tangible link to Rome's imperial past and provide valuable evidence for scholars studying ancient Roman civilization, urban planning, trade networks, and maritime history. The site's exploration and excavation have contributed to our understanding of ancient urbanism and the impact of Roman culture on the Mediterranean world.
In summary, Ostia Antica's importance lies in its role as an ancient port city that facilitated trade and cultural exchange, its well-preserved archaeological remains, and its historical significance as a window into the economic, social, and political life of ancient Rome.
- Why Ostia Antica is so well-preserved?
Ostia Antica's exceptional preservation can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Abandonment and Burial: Unlike Rome, which continued to be inhabited and built upon over the centuries, Ostia Antica was gradually abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire. This lack of subsequent development meant that the ruins were left relatively undisturbed, allowing them to survive in better condition. Additionally, the Tiber River gradually silted up the ancient harbor, burying many structures under layers of sediment, which protected them from decay and looting.
2. Lack of Urban Development: Unlike many ancient cities that were built upon and developed by successive civilizations, Ostia Antica remained largely untouched by later urbanization. This lack of modern development has helped preserve the site's archaeological integrity.
3. Stable Environmental Conditions: Ostia Antica's location, away from major seismic activity and with relatively stable environmental conditions, has contributed to the preservation of its structures. Unlike some ancient sites that are prone to earthquakes, erosion, or extreme weather, Ostia Antica has been spared from significant natural destruction.
4. Excavation and Restoration Efforts: Since the 19th century, extensive excavation and restoration efforts have been undertaken at Ostia Antica. These efforts have not only uncovered the ruins but also stabilized and preserved them for future generations. Careful restoration work has helped prevent further deterioration of the site's structures.
5. Protected Site Status: Ostia Antica has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, providing additional protection and oversight to ensure its preservation. This designation has helped raise awareness about the importance of conserving the site and has facilitated ongoing efforts to maintain its integrity.
Overall, Ostia Antica's exceptional preservation is the result of a combination of factors, including its abandonment, burial by sediment, stable environmental conditions, lack of urban development, and ongoing conservation efforts. This has allowed visitors to experience a remarkably well-preserved glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman port city.