Explore the real ancient Roman town of Ostia Antica, just 30 minutes from the center of Rome, and on a par with Pompeii in terms of preservation and historical significance. What is Ostia Antica? There are two answers to this question. The first is, Ostia Antica is a small town on the outskirts of Rome, inhabited by approximately 11,000 people.

This settlement grew up around the medieval castle of Pope Julius II (Castello di Giulio II) which was finished in 1486. The second answer, and more common for visitors to Rome, ‘Ostia Antica’ refers to the sprawling archeological park containing the remains of the ancient town of Ostia. It is the latter which is the focus of this page.