Rome is a perfect place for an afternoon "caminata." Yet while the city is enticing for its
many historical monuments, museums, and restaurants, some of the more important attractions are found in the outskirts of Rome. Such is true with the long straight stretch of Via Appia.
The Appian way, which is also the oldest road built by the
early Romans, dates back to 312 BC. The immense work was started by Appius Claudius Caecus. The Via Appia which once served as a route to Greece is more than 560 Km. long. The long road is quite notable for its strong foundations. Worthy of notice are the long stretch of hexagonal lave blocks that make up the road.
Aside from its historical value an ancient Roman route, the
Via Appia is also known for the tombs especially the Christian catacombs that line the way as it approaches Rome. The catacombs have been significant to the Christians from the ancient times up to the present. These underground burial sites were then used as a place of worship by the early Christians. Now, they are even more valuable for serving as the resting place of many Christian martyrs and saints.
