OSTIA ANTICA

An extraordinary archaeological site, as important as Pompeii. First harbour of Rome, in the past, shops, warehouses and inns lined its streets. Sailors and merchants from all over the empire lingered in its bars and baths. Get the flavour of an ancient Roman town. Less crowded than Pompeii. As a result you will get the place largely for yourself! The bustling port serving Rome still boasts well preserved remains of restaurants, laundries, shops, bakeries, condominiums and villas. There were over 20 baths. Marble, wheat, animals for the games and goods from all over the empire arrived at Ostia and were transported to Rome by road or barges along the Tiber. Therefore few places like Ostia allow us to understand how the Romans lived. A fascinating journey in time: wander its streets, sit in its theatre, visit the remains of its Synagogue, one of the oldest archaeological evidence of Judaism.

TIVOLI

An excursion to the countryside to explore Hadrian’s imperial villa: the most complete estate to have survived the fall of the Roman empire. A veritable Versailles, it included baths, theatres, dining halls, pavillons and private suites. Partly inspired by Egyptian and Greek architecture.

Unmissable jewel of the Renaissance, Villa d’Este was commissioned by cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia and consequently grandson of the pope Alexander VI.  With its Italian style gardens and more than 200 fountains, the villa has inspired  painters, writers and musicians. It continues to delight with its endless vues and sparkling fountains.

Both villas are in the Unesco World Heritage List.

© Patrick Denker via Flickr.

Photo credit wvllvam via Flickr.