The legacy of the ancient Roman Empire lives on throughout Italy.  Among the wonderful architectural legacies left behind are a network of roads that connect the whole of Italy. The Romans were renowned for making wonderful roads, that helped connect cities, increased trade and facilitated the Roman expansion. These roads, constructed over 2.000 years ago spread out from Rome and throughout the whole of the Italian peninsula. Thanks to these roads, ideas were exchanged, goods were transported and the military was able to expand their reign. These days we can explore the remnants of these fantastic paths and highways, some of which remain almost intact.

Ancient Roman roads: discovering the most fascinating

Ancient Roman roads marked the history of transportation and trade in Italy. From the Via Appia, widely considered the most important road of ancient Rome, to the Via Aurelia, which was dotted with stationes for the weary traveller, this guide explores the most important historic routes, offering insights into evocative itineraries amid archaeology, breathtaking scenery and age-old traditions.  Join us as we follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and discover what fascinating routes they built.

Via Flaminia

One of the oldest Roman roads, built in the 3rd century BC, much of the original road has now disappeared but it ran from Rome through the Apennine mountains to what is today, Rimini. However, visitors can still walk part of it and discover the ancient architecture and ruins along the way.

Via Appia

The Appian way is a Roman road built in 312 BC, spanning over 500km. It was one of the most strategically vital roads for military communication and trade, helping expand the Roman Empire. Although the landscape has changed surrounding it, visitors can still walk some of the ancient, paved road and enjoy the many monuments along the way.

Via Clodia

This beautiful paved road connects northern Tuscany to Rome, and makes a great outdoor excursion where you can stop off at Roman thermal baths, ancient castles, medieval villages, all surrounded by idyllic nature. It’s perfect for walking or horse riding as well as being an outdoor museum.

Via Cassia

An ancient road leading from Rome to Florence, traversing the regions of Lazio and Tuscany. The road passes through beautiful landscapes of rolling green hills and lush valleys, making it a walker’s paradise. Many walking holidays are based around this route and has been enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts for years.

Via Aurelia

Stretching along the western coast of Italy, this important route helped establish and grow the cities of Pisa and Genoa. The Romans created stationes every 15 km so travellers could replenish food, horses, and equipment. One ‘statio turned town’ is the charming Palidoro, a great stop off while on a walking holiday along this fascinating and well preserved ancient road.

Via Salaria

A 242km road running along the Adriatic coast that played a critical role in the transportation of salt, hence the name. Some of the Roman bridges remain intact, including the Ponte di Quintodecimo, that goes over the river Tronto.

Via Ostiense

This 30 km stretch of road served as an important artery that connected Rome to the Mediterranean, and played a pivotal part in intercultural connections. Today the road serves as a connection between Rome and the seaside city of Ostia.

Via Emilia

Starting from the Rubicon River and spanning a length of 230km, the Via Emilia traverses the Emilia-Romagna region. This ancient Roman road has withstood the test of time and remains much the same as it did 2000 years ago, it is algo considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, surrounded by lush countryside.

Via Julia Augusta

A beautiful example of Roman ingenuity, this road spans from what is today Piacenza to Arles in France. Many visitors opt for walking part of the road from Albenga to Alassio, a lovely coastal walk that combines natural beauty with interesting historical elements, including the many funerary monuments built along the route.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport:

As you prepare to explore any of the fascinating ancient Roman roads in Italy, remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

The pure vastness of these roads, ingeniously built by the Romans, allowed economic growth and cultural exchange to flourish during the Roman Empire. They not only linked towns and cities, but they facilitated trade. Nowadays, a visit to the remnants of these roads makes for a fantastic trip through Italy.

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