Il Parco dell'Appia Antica

Ancient ruins and green fields

Word to the wise: Every Sunday morning the park authorities offer free guided tours, although this is also when the road is closed to traffic and truckloads of tourists arrive.
Talk of the town: This is where Spartacus and 6,000 of his rebel army were crucified.

Via Appia Antica (the Appian Way) is a 2,300-year-old road over which many great dramas of history have been played out, though now sadly, much of it is plagued by rushing traffic. Fortunately, the first 16km of the ancient road is now part of a protected parkland that's also home to many archeological ruins, from the seven Roman aqueducts to the popular Catacombs. This makes for an incredible landscape: the rolling green topped by the arches of the aqueducts.
It has been protected since 1998, and not only is it unparalleled in terms of historical importance, it's also home to much flora and fauna. The best way to explore is by bike. With 32km of road bordered by pine trees and catacombs, you can spin over the cobblestones that the leaders of ancient Rome once traversed. Bikes can be hired from the park information office, which also stocks maps and guides.