Ostia Antica
Ancient Rome's harbour city preserves streets, apartment blocks, baths, warehouses, temples, and an exceptionally intact theatre.
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Lazio
- Civilisation
- Roman
- Period
- 4th century BCE–5th century CE
Through time
The story
Ostia Antica is the modern name given to the ancient Roman city of Ostia. It became the port city of Rome located at the mouth of the Tiber and is near modern Ostia, 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Rome. Due to silting of the coastline from the river, the site now lies 3 km (2 mi) from the sea. The name Ostia (the plural of ostium) derives from Latin os 'mouth'.
The city continued to be prosperous into late antiquity despite harbour deterioration. After its abandonment, sand dunes covered the site and aided the city's preservation, which is surpassed only by Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Ostia Antica is now a large archaeological site noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. As in Pompeii, Ostia's remains provide details about Roman urbanism that are not accessible within the city of Rome itself.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Theatre of Ostia
- Baths of Neptune
- Forum
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Ostia Antica
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