It's the Roman theater of Ancient Ostia. What's not to love?…read more It was built by Agrippa under the reign of Augustus back in the 1st century BC. It was rededicated after it was expanded to 4000 seats in 196 AD. It was the work of Septimius Severus and Caracalla that prompted the rededication per the inscription on the plaque on the theater that still exists today. We weren't able to step inside or step up to the viewing area due to construction and/or restoration. I'm assuming they are fixing the crumbling steps since it's currently used as an amphitheater-type concert venue. I think it would be cool to visit it in the evening as a spectator in a venue. The theater was built to be a part of a corporate complex called Piazzale delle Corporazione. The theater is prominently displayed as you're walking through the square. This is where you can get great photo opportunities during its restoration. We enjoyed our visit here. It's a great way to actually see ancient Roman city life and imagine what is was like in that century.

Rome's OG Netflix. This semi-circular masterpiece could once seat up to 4,000 people, all crammed…read morein to laugh, cry, and judge each other in togas. Now it mostly hosts echoes and pigeons, but if you're lucky, you might catch a confused tourist trying to re-enact Julius Caesar. It was built by Agrippa (yes, that Agrippa--Augustus' bestie) in the 1st century BCE. Still more structurally sound than some 21st-century buildings. She's undergoing a little restoration. Amazing!

It was even better than I thought it would be. Listening to Rick Steves' audio guide ahead of time…read moretotally helped with navigating around the site. I also purchased a very thorough map (Ostia Antica Modern Passion) for a few euros that was recommended at the ticket office. It came in very handy because it's actually quite a long walk, and almost impossible to see everything in 3 hours. This map actually helped in prioritizing the must see sights. Our online ticket timed entry was 9:30am, but you can just purchase it there. There really wasn't a whole lot of people around on a weekday. There's a free public restroom and vending machines with water next to the ticket office. The only other restroom is near the café. Just start on the main road and work your way up. Everything is well marked with interesting facts and descriptions. It was amazing to see the well-preserved buildings and mosaics intact. It didn't seem like that in Pompeii. Then again, this ancient port city had been covered by sand dunes for centuries compared to a pyroclastic flow & ash. It's great that some of the dedication plaques and mosaics have not been unearthed and placed in a museum. Most of them are the originals. The statues and other artifacts are in the museum on site. Do not leave without visiting that museum. It's next door to the café. What I love is that they have steps leading up to viewing points. There was one at the Baths of Neptune and another near the Thermopolium of Via di Diana. Take advantage of these viewing areas. You'll be amazed at what you can see up there. There is one at the Theater overlooking the Plaza of the Guilds, but the theater is currently under renovation or construction. I didn't get that chance, but there is a lovely view of it from the corporate guild as you're walking around that square. It was interesting to look at all the mosaic merchant signs. You can get an idea of what they were selling by the picture & design. I'm not going to ruin it for you. There is so much more to see and write about. It's a must visit in my opinion. Especially if you're into seeing what Roman city life was like back in that time period. There are birds and flowers all over. Mainly just poppies that randomly pop up here and there. It's peaceful & quiet compared to Ancient Rome. I don't think many people know about it. There is a cute café, bookstore, and museum past the warehouses (Horrea) to the right towards the Tiber River. It was a very relaxing time. Check it out if you're staying anywhere near the airport.

Ostia Antica is often suggested as a convenient alternative to Pompeii and without the mass…read morecasualties. And it is both convenient and not tragic. This ancient Roman port city of approximately 50,000 residents has some must see elements, many of which are only found by extensive exploring: Necropolis as you enter Baths of Neptune and amazing mosaic Condo complex Communal toilets Granaries for storage of grain from Alexandria Millstones Tip: it is a huge site; use the bathroom at the entrance before you enter; the only other bathrooms were at the cafe and bookstore Tip: you navigate most of the site on an ancient road; it is very uneven; wear sneakers! Tip: rent the headsets, which provide helpful commentary

We wandered here in November 2023 after a trip to Ostia Antica. This is a scenic landmark from…read morewhich to catch some amazing views of the Mediterranean on one side, and back towards Italy on the other. The day we came, a storm whipped up and we were coated in salt water. We joked at our meal after about shaking salt out of our hair into our food for seasoning. I would recommend this boardwalk and scenic location for a great place to spend some time.

This is a fantastic place to see when staying near Fiumicino Airport. We visited in the early month…read moreof May, and it was perfect. The walk out to this beautifully designed pier was so relaxing, breezy, and cool. The sounds of the seagulls and waves crashing around us were all breathtaking. It's unimaginable to think that this part of Ostia was all under water in ancient Roman times. The mouth of the Tiber River was actually in Ostia Antica. Geology over time created this beautiful seaside village. It almost seems appropriate to see a statue of Neptune on a tiny rocky landing near the pier. I couldn't help but believe it may be Aquaman rising from the city of Atlantis. We didn't venture out to the beach. However, we had a great view of it from the Pontile. The pier that was here before was destroyed by German troops during WWII because of its strategic importance to the allies. What you see today was built as a victory memorial. A very nice design & symbol. It's where the Roman's go for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. What's interesting is that the Pontile is directly connected to Porto San Paolo (near St. Paul's Basilica) utilizing the ancient Via Ostiense. This ancient road becomes Viale della Marina as you enter Lido di Ostia. It's the road to the sea. I totally recommend a visit to this area for those (like us) who have already seen the sights in Rome. It's the villages and suburbs outside the big cities that tend to be more memorable. There is ancient history everywhere that hasn't been explored enough. They're still unearthing ancient ships and artifacts in and around Rome. But, the best part of this visit to this Roman beach was the view and peacefulness of the sea.

This Palazzo is better known as "The Square Colosseum". There are 216 arches lining the palazzo. In…read more2015, the fashion house Fendi moved its headquarters into the Palazzo della Civilta Italiana. The 75-year-old building was never occupied prior to Fendi's arrival! Fendi has been in Rome since its founding in 1925. The have a wonderful exhibition area on the first floor which has changing exhibitions. When we were there, we were able to see the movie studio, plush theater, employee café, and a special exhibit of Fendi clothing and accessories used in the movies. Speaking of movies, Fendi shows a different movie each night at 9 pm, and the public is invited to come free of charge. Not a bad deal!

You can quote me for saying that fascist architecture is fascinating. This giant square colosseum…read moreand its surrounding is so symmetrical that it will almost drive you mad. The arches go on forever, and dont forget that they spell the name of this deceased dictator - vertically "Benito", horozontically: "Mussolini". When you are done taking a close look (as close as you can get - the building is behind fences) go down Viale Pasteur and check out how far the building is visible.

This is really crap for the music. I still remember a concert of Santana where I had to leave for…read morehow I was disturbed by the bad acoustic and the echo of the battery on the walls of the structure. It was made for the basket games, then they spent lot of money to help the acoustic of the place, but they spent wuth any results... like it happens often in italy... :( It is a place not even to consider if you want to go to a concert. Plus, the public trasportation can suck, cause metro close to 11.30 pm and sometimes u dont reach the metro in time... Bus are crap as well.

We arrived in Rome by train in the early evening, but we wanted to make the most of the remainder…read moreof our day. We took a bus over and ate a quick dinner nearby before getting in line for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore 30 minutes before closing. Entrance is free. There is a security check before entering and the line moved pretty quickly. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four basilicas in Rome and it is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a wealthy Roman couple and Pope Liberius, instructing them to build a church where snow would miraculously fall in August. The next morning, August 5th snow reportedly blanketed the Esquiline Hill, marking the site of the basilica. Every August 5th, white rose petals are dropped from the ceiling to celebrate the "Miracle of the Snow." The interior was absolutely stunning. From the ceiling to the walls, and all of the paintings and sculptures were magnificent. This basilica houses some of the oldest representations of the Virgin Mary in art. It also holds the holy crib relic that contains pieces of the manger where Jesus was laid. This was the first basilica we visited in Rome and we also saw how there were multiple confession boxes with a Priest assigned and their language and hours. Very modern. I guess that helps with people of all ethnic backgrounds coming to Rome for their religious pilgrimages. I was so impressed by this basilica when we visited, but to be honest I am so glad we came here before seeing St Peter's Basilica because I would have been underwhelmed by compare if I went there first. I recommend coming here before going to St. Peter's Basilica so you can feel impressed here, and then even more impressed at St Peter's Basilica.

Such a special moment getting to pay our respects & visit the resting place of Pope Frances during…read moreThe 2025 Jubilee (on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 4:30pm) at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) when my husband & I were visiting Rome, Italy for the 2nd time (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025). Even though, this was our 2nd time in Rome, we had not previously visited the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore so for sure it was on the itinerary as a must-do for a few special reasons - - ---- Final resting place of Pope Frances after his death in April 2025. The Pope requested his tomb to very simple w/ only the inscription of "Franciscus" & it is exactly that, which only makes it even more special. During our visit (Thursday, 09/25/25) there was a line to get in however, we only had to wait about 20 mins before getting inside the basilica. I did want to mention that when we walked by a few days later on a Saturday, the line to get in was so much longer than it was just a few days before during the weekday so definitely plan your visit for a weekday, if possible. --- Holy Door : There is a Holy Door located at this basilica, which is only opened every 25 years during the Jubilee years and 2025 is a Jubilee year so we were able to walk through the open Holy Door when we visited on 09/25/2025. You don't have to be Catholic and/or religious to walk through the holy door and trust me, it is a very special moment for all who walk through the holy door at this grand basilica. Fyi(s): -- - Security line: during our visit, we did have to go through security screening before entering the basilica however, I don't know if this was because it was a Jubilee year and/or if this is how it will be even after it is no longer a Jubilee year now that Pope Frances is buried at this basilica. (I guess I'll have to make a 3rd trip to Rome do I can give an update on this review! :)) -- - Be respectful w/ no photos/videos inside the basilica. This one always rubs me the wrong way, when there are signs clearly posted both outside and inside a basilica stating that no pics/videos are allowed and this basilica even had an attendant near Pope Frances's stone, trying to enforce this however, people kept taking photos and videos. Please note that the pics/videos, included w/ this review were taken of the outside. -- - Free to visit : No appointment is needed to visit & it is free however, I do recommend that you take some money w/ you so you can give an offering during your visit. Hope this info helps! Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025