Rome and its Surroundings

Ostia Antica: the ancient port city

A stroll through history in the archaeological site of Ostia, among cypresses and Mediterranean pines.  A must-see for those interested in ancient Rome, to glimpse among the ruins a once vibrant human settlement with houses, temples, storehouses, theatre and public buildings.

  • Roman Theatre
  • Ostiense Museum
  • Excavations
  • The Necropolis

The Villas of Tivoli

Tivoli boasts a wealth of inestimable art treasures: cascades and grottoes discovered along paths winding through the luxurious vegetation of the Villa Gregoriana;  the emperor Hadrian’s extraordinary architectural experiments; the splendid Italian-style gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site.

  • Villa Gregoriana
  • Villa Adriana
  • Villa d’Este

Segni and Palestrina

Two sites in the Valle del Sacco, both built on massive walls, united by ancient cultural and trade links, both sharing a history dating back even further than Rome and both possessing two impressive museums of archaeology.

  • Temple of Fortuna Primigenia
  • Palazzo Colonna-Barberini – Palestrina Museum of Archaeology
  • Segni City Walls
  • The Acropolis
  • Segni Museum of Archaeology

Isola Farnese and Veio Archeological Park

Not far from the attractive medieval village of Isola Farnese lies the ancient Etruscan city of Veio, traditional rival of Rome. The park is full of historic remains including numerous burial sites with their tufa-stone tombs.

  • Temple of Portonaccio
  • Roman Villa of Campetti
  • Tomb of the Ducks and Tomb of the Roaring Lions

Livia’s Villa

Livia Drusilla, wife of Augustus, had this great villa built in the legendary area called “ad gallinas albas” on the outskirts of Rome.  The villa is surrounded by greenery and boasts fine mosaics and frescoes.  The underground Nyphaeum, used for meetings and banquets, is decorated with a stupendous garden.

  • Tour of the Villa

The Tombs of Fadilla and the Nasoni

On the ancient Flaminian Way there are two spectacular examples of rock tombs, one dedicated by a husband to his dead wife Fadilla, the other belonging to the Nasoni family. Both still bear rich decorations on their sides and fine floor mosaics.

  • Tomb of Fadilla
  • Tomba of the Nasoni Family

The Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri

This monumental necropolis reproduces the structure of the city of the living  One of the most interesting graves is the Tomb of Reliefs (4th century BC) with stuccoes depicting animals,  daily routines and objects.

  • Tomb of Reliefs
  • Tomb of the Capitals
  • Tomb of the Shields and Chairs
  • Tomb of the Five Chairs
  • Tomb of the Alcove

Portus Necropolis on the Isola Sacra

On the Isola Sacra (the artificial island created between the sea and the two branches of the Tiber) is the Portus necropolis dating back to the emperor Trajan, where sailors and port workers were buried. The simple tombs, in the form of a small temple or house, are decorated with stuccoes, paintings and mosaics.

  • Tour of the Necropolis

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