The best hikes from bus stations around Parco Naturale Regionale Appia Antica

Cycling through history

You pedal through history

🚴‍♂️ A journey back in time on two wheels: the Appian Way 🏛️ If there's one route that every cycling and history enthusiast should experience at least once in their life, it's this: the Queen of Roads. Cycling on the Appian Way is not simply a bike ride, but literally traversing history. Imagine the sound of wheels on the cobblestones and original Roman paving, the same ones trodden by legions thousands of years ago, surrounded by ancient pine trees, mausoleums, catacombs, and monumental remains that appear at every turn.

🚴‍♂️ A journey through time on two wheels: the Appia Antica 🏛️ If there is one route that every cycling and history enthusiast should take at least once in their life, it is this: the Regina Viarum. Cycling on the Appia Antica is not simply a bike ride, but literally crossing through history. Imagine the sound of wheels on the cobblestones and original Roman paving, the same trodden by legions thousands of years ago, surrounded by centuries-old pine trees, mausoleums, catacombs, and monumental remains that emerge at every turn.

The Appian Way offers an easy walk on flat, paved terrain. Taking it from Via di Tor Carbone toward Castelli Romani and continuing along the Appian Way, just under a kilometer beyond the large nymphaeum of the Villa dei Quintili, you'll come across the imposing structure of Casal Rotondo. Located about 50 meters from the intersection with Via di Casal Rotondo, this majestic circular tomb dates back to the late 1st century BC. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous reuses: in the Middle Ages, a peperino stone watchtower was built over the mausoleum and later incorporated into a farmhouse, now a residence. Next to the tomb, the 19th-century architect Luigi Canina built a high brick wall to display some marble fragments found nearby, which he believed were part of the monument's original decoration. Among these remains was an inscription bearing the name "Cotta," which led to the hypothesis of a connection with Marcus Valerius Messalinus Cotta, son of the famous Messalla Corvinus, consul in 31 BC. However, more recent studies have revealed that these fragments belonged to another tomb, leaving the identity of the Casal Rotondo's true owner still unclear. The marble fragments of various sizes are today the defining feature of the complex.

Historical

Very nice away from the big crowds

The Appian Way is the perfect place for a family bike ride, away from the hustle and bustle. The paths are mostly very well-maintained. In some places, you can cycle alongside the Appian Way on sandy paths, as the old stones are not very pleasant to ride on. However, this is only the case in a few places. Furthermore, throughout the entire ride, you can repeatedly see ancient ruins, etc., on both sides. Just passing by is wonderful.