THE BEST EXCURSIONS FROM ROME

Tired of Rome? Seriously? Do you need a day off from the rhythm of the Italian capital? Or do you simply want to discover some of the most interesting places in the surroundings, which are a stone's throw away? If you are in any of these situations, this article will come to you with pearls!

Next we propose the best excursions from Rome, perfect for multi-day trips or for those who already know the center of Rome and prefer to explore other areas. Go for it!

Located 30 kilometers southwest of Rome, Ostia Antica was the main commercial port of ancient Rome. Its unbeatable situation made it become one of the most prosperous cities in the Empire. However fate held a tragic end: a malaria epidemic it destroyed with good part of the population and the one that survived decided to move away of the place. The Barbarian Invasions They also did not help his recovery and finally became a ghost town, the same one that had had more than 50,000 inhabitants in its golden age!

Over time, the sand gradually buried the ruins and allowed them to be preserved in a good state until today. Although, it was subject to numerous looting and plundering of materials such as marble for the construction of new buildings throughout the Empire.

What to visit in Ostia?

The ruins are located along the main road, "Decumanus Maximus”, Which crosses the city from the Porta Romana to the Porta Marina, accesses to the city and the sea respectively. On each side you can still distinguish the porticoes of what were once taverns, shops, warehouses, and even a large theater that still currently hosts performances during the summer months.

Some of the ruins that are worth visiting are the Baths of Neptune, the Amphitheater, the Piazzale delle Corporazioni (shopping center of the old city), the forum, the Thermopilium (ancient Roman tavern that still retains the marble counter with the prices inscribed), remains of 18 temples dedicated to the Persian god Mitra, a synagogue Jewish and a basilica Christian the circular temple and the Capitolium. In addition, you can also visit the July II Castle and the Borgo, example of Renaissance military architecture.

Tivoli is a settlement northeast of Rome that served as summer city for the Romans since the fourth century B.C. in which it was conquered, thanks to its more climate cool. It was very important in ancient Rome thanks to travertine marble that was extracted from its quarries and that supplied the Empire for the construction of all kinds of buildings. In its surroundings there are two ruins that you can not miss if you decide to get here: Villa Adriana Y Eastern Villa.

Villa Adriana

It is located on the outskirts of Tivoli and is considered one of the most important archaeological complexes of his time. It was Emperor Hadrian who built it between 118 and 138 A.D. like his cottage and here he spent his last years of life. The town had palaces, libraries, theater, temples, courtrooms, for slaves, fountains, hot springs ... After his death, his successors also made good use of it, until, with the fall of the Roman Empire, it was finished abandoning

At present some ruins are preserved in good condition, highlighting the Canopus, a huge pool surrounded by Greek statues and Corinthian columns, a copy of a shrine in Alexandria; the Maritime Theater, a circular pond with an islet in its center where a small village rises; Besides the Academy, the Stadium, the Imperial Palace, the Room of the philosophers, the Greek theater and the Gold square.

Eastern Villa

It is an excellent example of the italian renaissance architecture and especially the design of gardens, which was later imitated in the European Mannerist and Baroque gardens.

Both the rooms, perfectly decorated with frescoes, and the gardens, with their numerous fountains and sculptures, make this visit a halo of fresh air on your heated trip to Rome that you surely appreciate. During the summer months the Villa also opens at night, creating a magical atmosphere that will make you believe a princess in a fairy tale (until your boyfriend or husband throws a burp and asks you "What do we have for dinner today?") .

Among its treasures we highlight the Neptune Fountain, the Dragon Fountain, the Diana Grotto, the Cypress Roundabout, the row of One Hundred Sources, the Organ Source and the internal rooms as the Fountain Hall.

The good thing about choosing Rome as the first stop on a trip to Italy is its strategic position in the center of the country. Also, thanks to the high-speed line of Italian trains, you can reach many places unless a rooster sings. Another good news is that if you book well in advance you can get very low prices at the two companies that offer these services: Trenitalia and Italo.

Some of the train trips from Rome that we recommend are:

• Florence You can make the tour in less than an hour and a half and prices range from € 15 to € 20 by booking in advance. More information on what to do in Florence here.
• Naples. The journey takes an hour and a half and the ticket can leave you between € 15 and € 18 if you buy it in advance. More information on what to do in Naples here.

And if you prefer to do it with an organized excursion, you can go Pompeii and Naples, Capri, Venice, to Florence or even make several-day trips to get to know the best of Italy.

* Photos of the cover, of Ostia Antica, Villa Adriana and Villa de Este obtained at www.shutterstock.com

Video: 10 Best Day Trips from Rome - Travel Video (May 2024).