Private Ancient Ostia Tour with private Driver Service

Be stunned by the incredibly well-preserved ruins of Ancient Ostia dating back to the 4th century BC. Ostia was once one of the main Roman cities - inhabited by over 100,000 people - thanks to its position and the presence of its harbor.

Ostia was a port of republican Rome and a commercial center under the empire (after 27 BCE). The Romans considered Ostia their first colony and attributed its founding (for the purpose of salt production) to their fourth king. At the height of Ostia’s prosperity in the early 2nd-century ce, its population was approximately 50,000. The growing population was accommodated by means of tall brick apartment buildings of three, four, and five stories. The floors in these buildings were paved with mosaic, and the walls were elaborately painted; the larger flats had up to 12 rooms. 

The Roman ruins were quarried for building materials in the Middle Ages and for sculptors’ marble in the Renaissance. An archaeological excavation was begun in the 19th century under papal authority and was sharply accelerated between 1939 and 1942 under Benito Mussolini until about two-thirds of the Roman town was uncovered. Today, this archeological area is one of the most impressive ancient Roman sites ever found and compares in many ways to the more well-known ruins of Pompeii. Follow the lead of your tour guide and discover how Rome’s inhabitants lived nearly 2,000 years ago.

Walking down the main street, the Decumanus Maximus, you will see ancient houses, taverns, baths, grocers, and apartments. Marvel at still-intact mosaics and enjoy the view of the amphitheater.

• Recommended tour Extensions: 
  Extra Hour
  
  
• Included: 
  Blue Badge Qualified Guide | Admission Tickets (Guaranteed to skip the long lines) | Meet&Greet your Guide at your Hotel/Accommodation | Round Trip Private Driver Service from your Hotel/accommodation in Rome  | Private Tour 
  
  
• Not Included: 
  Gratuities | Meals

Check out our Ancient Ostia Private Tour!