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Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site near Rome on the Tiber River. It held the status of Rome’s harbour or port city during ancient times. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was abandoned and remained untouched and preserved for centuries. Today, the Roman ruins of Ostia Antica, which served as the old city’s seaport, attract visitors from around the world.
Things to Know before Visiting Ostia Antica
Is Ostia Antica worth visiting?
Where better to go for a day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica or Pompeii?
How long does it take to see Ostia Antica?
Why is Ostia Antica so well preserved?
When was Ostia Antica built?
Why was Ostia Antica abandoned?
Interesting Facts about Ostia Antica
Below are 11 interesting and unusual historical facts about Ancient Ostia. Memorise a few and surprise your friends while visiting the archaeological site.
- Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient harbour city, was founded around the 4th century BC and served as a vital commercial and military hub, connecting Rome to the Mediterranean world via the Tiber River.
- At its peak, Ostia Antica was home to approximately 50,000 people, making it one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the Roman Empire.
- The ancient city boasts remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the remains of the impressive amphitheatre, which could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators for various events, such as gladiator games and theatrical performances.
- Ostia Antica features an intricate network of streets, with over 60 miles (100 km) of roads, demonstrating the advanced urban planning and engineering capabilities of ancient Rome.
- The city was adorned with numerous public baths, or “thermae,” which were not only centres for hygiene but also for socialisation and relaxation. The Baths of Neptune, with their stunning mosaic floors, are a prime example of Ostia’s opulent bathing culture.
- Ostia Antica was home to the Synagogue of Ostia, built around the 1st century AD, which is the oldest known synagogue in Europe and an important testament to the presence of a thriving Jewish community in ancient Rome.
- The House of Cupid and Psyche in Ostia Antica features an exquisite second-century AD mosaic depicting the famous love story from Roman mythology, showcasing the city’s rich artistic heritage.
- The city’s main shopping area, the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, was a bustling marketplace where merchants from all corners of the empire traded goods, such as spices, textiles, and exotic animals.
- The fire of Rome in AD 64, during Nero’s reign, led to Ostia Antica’s rapid expansion, as the harbour became a crucial supply point for rebuilding the devastated city.
- Ostia Antica was gradually abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire, with the changing course of the Tiber River and repeated invasions making it less viable as a harbour. Today, the archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman city, attracting history enthusiasts from across the globe.
- Modern Ostia is home to the closest beach to Rome, Lido di Ostia. See the list of the closest beaches to Rome where locals go.
History of Ostia Antica
Ostia was founded around 620 BC.
In 400 BC, Rome conquered the city and made it a naval base. By AD 150, Ostia served as Rome’s ancient commercial port. However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, the port was abandoned and the harbour gradually silted up over time.
A small museum in Ostia houses statuary including tangled wrestlers, kissing cupids, and deities – most works date from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. Most of the masterpieces are inspired by Greek originals, and many reflect the city’s religious diversity. As a thriving port, Ostia welcomed people from across the ancient world.
Nowadays, you can walk through a vast area of ruins and unique buildings that have withstood the centuries. The main street, Decumanus Maximus, was once busy with carrucas – four-wheeled carts used for transporting goods and luggage between Rome and Ostia. Additionally, the two-wheeled cisia served as public transport for daily commuters.
One of the main sites to see is Ostia’s amphitheatre.
Founded in 12 BC, it is a magnificent and well-preserved structure, remarkable for its size and beauty. Behind the theatre lies the Forum of Corporations, a complex that once housed the offices of sixty-four maritime companies. You can still see mosaic inscriptions and images in front of each office, along with a covered corridor.
In the age of Emperor Claudius, a second storey was added to create the seating for the collegia – trade guilds for business operations. The Temple of Ceres stands in the centre of the Forum. Also nearby are the Baths of Neptune, decorated with mosaics depicting the sea god. Conveniently, the site is close to a modern café, where guided tours can be booked.
Don’t miss the high podium of the Collegiate Temple. Interestingly, this was a type of social club for working-class men, where they could enjoy a banquet – something the wealthy could afford daily. These dinners began at 15:00 and lasted until sunrise.
Women weren’t invited to the banquets.
Moreover, enslaved individuals carried out laundry duties in small terracotta tubs set into brick counters. Their shaved heads served as an identifying mark. The laundry area was located near the public baths.
Ostia reached a population of around 50,000 during its peak, but by the third century AD, a severe crisis led to a decline in trade and commerce. As a result, many residents left the city. After the fifth century AD, the city experienced some economic revival, though commercial and administrative activities shifted to the Port of Trajan, which offered better protection from storms and enemy attacks.
At the centre of the square, a temple was built on a podium during the reign of Emperor Domitian, surrounded by gardens and open spaces adorned with statues.
The three theatrical Masks face towards the stage of the theatre.
How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome
Public transport is the most economical way to reach the archaeological site of Ostia Antica from Rome. As Ostia is part of the metropolitan area, a €1.50 city ticket is sufficient for the journey, valid for 100 minutes.
First, you must travel to the Pyramide metro station (blue line B). Then proceed to Porta San Paolo station and take the first train on the Roma–Lido di Ostia line, which stops at Ostia Antica. Trains depart every 20 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
See detailed instructions with photos on how to get to Ostia from Rome by train.
Private transfer from Rome to Ostia Antica
A private transfer from Rome is the most convenient way to reach Ostia. You will be picked up directly from your hotel and taken straight to the entrance of the archaeological complex. A return journey costs €120 for a group of up to four people. The journey in a premium-class, air-conditioned vehicle takes around 35–40 minutes. To book your trip, it is recommended to contact the most punctual transfer service in Rome, Sergio & Partners.
Ostia Antica vs. Pompeii – Which is Better to Visit from Rome?
Ostia Antica and Pompeii are remarkable archaeological sites, each offering unique insights into ancient Roman life. Deciding which one to visit from Rome depends on your interests, time constraints, and travel preferences.
Ostia Antica, located just 15 miles (25 km) southwest of Rome, is far more accessible and requires less travel time than Pompeii. A visit to Ostia Antica can easily be completed as a half-day trip from Rome, making it an excellent option for those with limited time or who prefer a shorter journey. As Rome’s ancient harbour city, Ostia Antica features well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre, baths, and intricate mosaics. The site is typically less crowded than Pompeii, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate exploration.
Pompeii, by contrast, lies around 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Rome, near Naples. A visit to Pompeii from Rome generally requires a full-day excursion, as travel by train or car takes approximately 3 to 4 hours each way. Pompeii is world-renowned for its dramatic history, having been buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The site provides a haunting yet fascinating window into ancient life, with remarkably preserved buildings, frescoes, and artefacts. As a larger and more famous site, Pompeii tends to attract more tourists and larger crowds.
In summary, if you are short on time or prefer a more relaxed and convenient outing, Ostia Antica is an excellent choice from Rome. However, if you are drawn to Pompeii’s dramatic past and are willing to invest a full day for travel and exploration, Pompeii offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. Both sites offer compelling glimpses into Roman civilisation, and your decision ultimately depends on your schedule and interests.
Read more on how to get to Naples from Rome and where to travel from Rome.
