A few kilometers from Rome lies one of the most extraordinary and best-preserved sites of Roman antiquity: Ostia Antica.
Once a thriving commercial port of the Roman Empire, today this archaeological site is a must-see for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the daily life of ancient Rome.
Strolling through its streets, visiting the theater, admiring the mosaics and thermal baths allows you to take a real step back in time.
History of Ostia Antica: Rome’s ancient port
According to legend, Ostia was founded by Anco Marzio in the 7th century BC and was the first Roman settlement on the sea.
During the imperial period, it became a lively commercial center with warehouses, bakeries, taverns, thermal baths, temples, and homes.
The city reached its peak between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, thanks to its strategic role in the distribution of grain, wine, and oil to Rome.
What to see in Ostia Antica: recommended itinerary among mosaics, thermal baths, and theater
Among the places not to be missed are:
- The Theater of Ostia Antica, still used for summer events, with a capacity of over 3,000 spectators.
- The mosaics of the Baths of Neptune, extraordinary in their refinement and detail.
- The Decumanus Maximus, the main street, lined with shops, domus, and temples.
- The Forum, the political and religious heart of the city.
The site is open all year round and offers services, a bookshop, and a refreshment area.
Opening hours and tickets for the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica
The archaeological site is open from 8:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.
The bookshop and ticket office close one hour before the park.
The regular admission ticket is €18, with admission for only €2 for young people up to 25 years of age.
Free admission for minors, disabled persons, specialized students, EU guides, journalists, etc.
Audio guides are also available in Italian and English, and the Ostia Antica PASS annual pass allows unlimited admission throughout the year.
How to get to Ostia Antica from Rome
Ostia Antica is easily accessible from the center of Rome via the Roma-Lido railway line. Simply depart from Piramide station (connected to metro line B) and get off at the “Ostia Antica” stop.
Once you get off, cross the blue pedestrian bridge and walk about 200-300 meters to the entrance of the excavations.
Trains depart every 15-20 minutes on average, with service operating from 5:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Where to stay when visiting Ostia Antica: FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome
For those who want to visit Ostia Antica without sacrificing the comfort of central Rome, the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino is an excellent choice.
Located in the Monti district, just a few minutes from the Colosseum and Termini Station, it offers modern rooms, an in-house restaurant, and easy access to the B metro line, ideal for reaching Ostia in less than an hour, or a concierge service for private transfers.
Furthermore, staying at the Palatino means being in the heart of the capital, with the opportunity to visit the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, making every day a journey through history.