Via Apia, Province of Rome

Via Apia - details and images

The road was originally a flat surface over which was poured mortar and stones. Over and above the pavement to put pebbles composed of large stones combine to create a flat surface for those who traveled along this long road of 560 km.

Historians say that the stones are combined so well that it was almost impossible to put a knife between them. On one side and across the road were dug trenches protected by retaining walls.

Via Apia began at Circus Maximus, and then passed along to the Baths of Caracalla and later near Aurelian Wall. Near Rome, there were graves on the roadside, whose ruins can still be seen today. After leaving the town, road and cross the hills Apiene Pontine marshes. After arriving in Terracina, Via Apia to Capua from the west coast which made the original a 210 km road.

The road has reached its goal, helping the Romanian army to move military equipment where they need them in a short time, which has resulted in a number of important victories. Around 295 BC, the road was extended to Benvenutum and then in the next five years to Venus and Tarentum. Finally got to Via Apia port city of Brindisi on the coast south east, 560 km from Rome.

Since the burial of the dead was forbidden in the city, many were buried along the road that went from Rome. Important people have built tombs for themselves or their families. Often these tombs were large as a house. Their shapes were the most diverse, from small temple to the pyramids. Along the way there were a lot of those monuments, some of which are visible today.

Most impressive is the tomb of Cecilia Metall, wife of one of Julius Caesar's generals. Tomb it looks almost like a fortress. Other notable graves include those of Marcus Servilius, that of rum - son of Emperor Maxentius, Tomb of Seneca (Roman philosopher). Via Apia is buried an emperor, Gallienus, who was killed in 268 AD

Besides the many graves along the road there are other monuments: the Temple of Hercules, Quo Vadis church and the ruins of the Gothic church of San Nicola.

Via Apia While there are many monuments and ancient tombs of Roman patrician families, many tourists find more interesting than what lies under the famous road. Under the street there are miles of tunnels - known as the catacombs - where early Christians buried their dead and where services were held secret. Several of these catacombs are open for visitors, even on tours led by local priests and monks, tourists can see some examples of tombs and early Christian art.

Today begins the Via Apia Aurelian wall, the Porta San Sebastiano. The first part of the road is not very convenient for pedestrians modern. Quo Vadis road leading to the church, the catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano catacombs, to the imposing tomb of Cecilia Metella. From here on, the road is paved with Roman stones authentic. Tourists can walk the distance of miles passing numerous grave historical ruins.

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