An open-air museum stretching for miles

Traveling the Via Appia Antica means crossing two thousand years of history out in the open: monumental tombs, catacombs, imperial villas, ancient churches and aqueducts, all set in the Roman countryside. Here are the key sites, in order along the route from the entrance heading south.

The key sites

1. The Church of Domine Quo Vadis — At the start of the Appia, the little church tied to the legend of the encounter between Saint Peter, fleeing Rome, and Christ ("Quo vadis, Domine?"). Inside, the supposed footprints of Jesus.

2. The Catacombs of San Callisto — The largest underground Christian cemetery, home to the Cripta dei Papi. → Catacombs of San Callisto

3. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano — Beneath the basilica of the same name; this is where the very word "catacomb" comes from.

4. The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella — The great circular tomb from the 1st century BC, turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages: one of the icons of the Appia.

5. The Villa dei Quintili — The largest private villa of imperial Rome, with baths and monumental halls, set deep in the countryside.

6. The Parco degli Acquedotti — Just a short distance away, the great arches of the Roman aqueducts striding across the countryside: a movie-worthy scene.

7. The paving stones and the tombs — All along the road, the original cobblestones and dozens of tombs and funerary monuments.

Want to see the whole Appia in half a day?

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Suggested itinerary (half a day)

  1. Quo Vadis (10 min) at the entrance.
  2. Catacombs of San Callisto (guided tour ~45 min).
  3. Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the finest stretch of paving stones.
  4. Villa dei Quintili (if you have time, with the combined ticket).
  5. Parco degli Acquedotti (photos among the arches).

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see along the Via Appia Antica? The Quo Vadis church, the catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Villa dei Quintili, the Parco degli Acquedotti, and the Roman paving stones lined with tombs along the road.

What is the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella? It's a great circular tomb from the 1st century BC along the Appia, turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages by the Caetani family. It's one of the road's signature monuments and is included in the combined ticket with the Terme di Caracalla and the Villa dei Quintili.

What is the story behind the Quo Vadis church? The little church of Domine Quo Vadis stands where, according to tradition, Saint Peter, fleeing Rome, met Christ and asked him "Quo vadis, Domine?". Inside, it preserves the supposed footprints of Jesus (a copy; the original is at San Sebastiano).

Can you see the whole Appia in one day? In half a day you can see the main sites (catacombs + Cecilia Metella); in a full day you can add the Villa dei Quintili and the aqueducts. With a private car, the timing works out far better.

Is there a single ticket for all the sites? There's a combined ticket for the Terme di Caracalla + Cecilia Metella + Villa dei Quintili. The catacombs, on the other hand, have their own tickets with a guided tour.

See also

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Article #250 · Category: Archaeology · Updated: May 2026