Exploring the Ruins of Ostia Antica — Photo courtesy of avinashkunnathIf you have a couple of extra days to spare in Rome and are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you might consider taking a day trip somewhere. Just as hustling and bustling around the city can be tiring, schlepping a few hours by train or bus to see a new town and be equally exhausting. Luckily, there's a fascinating destination just sitting in Rome's backyard that's waiting to be explored by you! 

The ruins of Ostia Antica are only a 30 minute train ride from Rome's Piramide metro station. To get there, you'll want to hop on the Metro B line (direction Laurentina) and get off at the Piramide stop. Once you've gotten off at the stop, you'll need to look for and follow the signs that read 'ROMA-LIDO'. The good thing is that your bus pass  allows you to travel on this line at no extra charge. This train typically runs every 15 minutes or so. Once you hop on the train, it will take you about 30 minutes to reach Ostia Antica. Make sure you get off at the 7th stop which is called 'Ostia Antica.'( Note: the same train line takes you to Ostia beach!) As the beach is near and if the weather is good, you may decide to make a weekend out of it combining a day of releshing the ruins and soaking in the rays on the beach of Ostia-Lido. If you decide to go this route, a cozy hotel not far from the archaeological park and a a few bus stops away from the beach is the Ostia Antica Park Hotel and Spa.

Once you get off at the Ostia Antica stop, as you exit the station, you'll cross the pedestrian bridge until you reach a parking lot. Here you'll need to make a left and almost immediately, you'll see the entrance to the Ostia Antica archaeological park. To get in the park, you'll need to pay €6,50 for a ticket. Keep in mind though, that the park is closed on Mondays.

The Amazing Amphitheater at Ostia Antica — Photo courtesy of avinashkunnathAccording to ancient legend, the town of Ostia was founded by the fourth kind of Rome, Ancus Marcius. Though no archaeological finds dating back to this period have been uncovered to date. Rather, the 'Ostia Antica' as we k now it today dates back to the 4th century B.C. Ostia means "mouth" in Latin. As it was positioned at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia served as a seaport of Rome. Once inside Ostia Antica, you'll witness ruins and elics that date back to the 4th century B.C. and ancient mosaics that date back to the 2nd century A.D. There's also a lovely amphitheater that truly captures the richness of this magical ancient city!