The ancient Roman Via Appia Antica, or the Appian Way, which runs from Rome to Brindisi, has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With 60 World Heritage Sites, Italy has more locations on the list than any other country. 

Constructed and developed between 312 BC and the 4th century AD, the Appian Way is the oldest and most important of the great Roman roads. It once stretched for over 500 miles (800 kilometres) and connected Rome with Brindisi in the south of Italy.

Known as the ‘Queen of Roads’ (Regina Viarum) since Roman times, the road got its name from the Roman statesman Appius Claudius Caecus who undertook the building of the first section of the road. 

Conceived as a strategic road for military conquest, the road reached out from Rome towards the East and Asia Minor, and later enabled the cities it connected to grow and prosper as new settlements emerged along the way, facilitating agriculture and trade.

The Appian Way is incredibly well-preserved and is made of large, flat stones, which have been worn smooth by thousands of years of people and weather. The World Heritage Site is comprised of 22 sections along the original route which illustrate the advanced technical skill of Roman engineers in the construction of roads. These sections also include a vast series of monumental structures such as triumphal arches, baths, amphitheatres and bridges, which were built along the road. 

The 10 mile (16 kilometre) section closest to Rome is now part of the Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica, an archaeological marvel which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Described as one of the best attractions to visit in Rome, in addition to the Appian Way, there are a significant number of Roman remains to see in the park, including temples, tombs, catacombs, monuments, aqueducts and villas. The 4,500-hectare site is easily reached by bus or taxi from the centre of Rome and is best explored on foot or by bike, especially on Sundays when the area is closed to traffic.

The Via Appia Antica joins 59 other Italian sites on the UNESCO list including the historic centres of Rome, Florence and Naples; Venice and its lagoon; the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa; the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Herculaneum; the Villa d’Este in Tivoli and Mount Etna. 

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “The Romans are known around the world for their incredible roads, so it is fitting that the Appian Way - the first and most important of the great Roman roads – has been recognised by UNESCO. A visit to the road in Rome is a must, and the remaining sections of the Appian Way provide a fascinating route for a journey of discovery in southern Italy.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to the Appian Way on a tailor-made tour of Italy, please do contact our friendly team today.