Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica

A vast 4,580-hectare regional park stretching south from Rome along the ancient Appian Way. Contains the original 19km of basalt Roman road paving, monumental tombs, aqueducts, catacombs (San Callisto, San Sebastiano), the Villa of the Quintilli, the Circus of Maxentius, and rolling open countryside still grazed by sheep. The most accessible piece of true Roman countryside, with a visitor centre and bike rental at Porta San Sebastiano. The Appian Way is closed to traffic on Sundays — by far the best day to walk or cycle. Bring water and sun protection; little shade.