visit ancient ostia

Ode to Ostia

If you’re longing for a nice day trip, look no further than Ostia. A large suburb in Rome, it is also home to Ostia Antica and the beaches of Ostia Lido. The neighborhood was founded in 1884 by peasants coming from Ravenna, Romagna. But with the opening of the Roma-Ostia railway in 1924, the village soon became a sea resort destination for upper class Romans. Many art nouveau houses began being built on the waterfront as a result and became even more popular when Via Ostiense opened in 1907. 

According to legend, Ostia Antica, the large archeological site that was once the location of ancient Rome’s main harbor, may have also been Rome’s first colonia. With archaeological remains dating back to the 4^th century BC, this site is a smaller-scale Pompeii and very well-preserved despite not having any protective casing. Most of the ancient buildings in this lesser-known but equally fascinating ancient destination are still visible from the 3^rd century. Ostia Antica has such a long and interesting history, it’s best to be taken around by a knowledgeable tour guide. You won’t want to miss out on any of the intricate details.

Once you are finished exploring the ancient ruins, head over to Ostia Lido, where you can grab a chair (at most establishments around €8-€10) and take your siesta on the beach. And if it’s not too hot, staying to watch the sunset is highly recommended. After which you can enjoy a nice dinner at many of the cute, local restaurants nearby. My personal favorite is - ????- especially if you love fresh seafood. Or, if you’d prefer to return to Rome for dinner, it’s only a short train ride away. 

The harbor near the ancient ruins and beaches of Ostia make for a perfect summer day in August.

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