Overview

The Ostia Antica Archaeological Park covers an area of about 150 hectares and is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Europe. Located near the mouth of the Tiber River, the site offers a fascinating window into the daily life and urban organisation of ancient Rome. According to tradition, Ostia was founded by King Anco Marzio around 620 BC as a military outpost to control the salt pans and trade routes along the river. Over time, the city developed into a major trading port, reflecting the growth and complexity of Roman civilisation.

Within the park, the visitor can admire a wide range of remarkably preserved structures, such as the theatre, the baths, the forum and numerous domus decorated with valuable mosaics and frescoes. These buildings represent a valuable insight into the public and private life of the ancient inhabitants of Ostia, bearing witness to the architectural and social evolution of the city over the centuries.

The Museo Ostiense, located in the Casone del Sale, a Renaissance building historically linked to the exploitation of the pontifical salt pans, houses a valuable collection of artefacts from the excavations in Ostia Antica. Founded in 1865 by the archaeologist Pietro Ercole Visconti, the museum houses sculptures, reliefs, inscriptions and everyday objects that narrate the economic, social and religious life of the city. After a long period of closure for restoration work, the museum reopened in July 2024 with a new layout, aimed at further enhancing the exhibited heritage.

A visit to the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park and the Ostiense Museum offers a unique immersion into Roman history, allowing one to appreciate Ostia's strategic and cultural role within the Empire. This extraordinary itinerary allows one to admire the magnificence of the ancient structures and to understand the daily life of Roman society, making the site a must-see destination for archaeology and history enthusiasts.

Enrich your visit the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park by participating in the experience of Ostia Antica Archaeological Park: Entry + One-Way Shuttle Service.

Services

Guided Tour

Visitors can book guided tours.

Toilets

Toilets are available.

Physical disabilities

Entirely or partially accessible to people with disabilities and other challenged persons.

Shop

There is a bookshop for visitor purchases.

Refreshments

There is a refreshment area for visitors.