The Roman Appian Way: where to eat in the UNESCO heritage site

The Roman Appian Way is officially a UNESCO world heritage site. It is now the 60th Italian UNESCO site. Let’s get to know better this Roman Wonder, and let’s find out where to eat.

Appia Way: Regina Viarum

2300 years of history and still beautiful! The construction of this famous road began thanks to the censor Appius Claudius, in 321 BC. The Appia Way was a Roman road that connected Rome to Capua, and was later extended to Brindisi. In fact, due to its strategic importance, it was considered by the Romans to be the Queen of Roads, Regina viarum in latin. Its route began at Porta Capena, near the Baths of Caracalla, and continued to the deep south. Practically the longest connecting road between central and southern Italy, a point of contact with Greece. It was the first of the great roads in Rome to be built with innovative methods, still partly visible today. It was born for military needs, but then became the main road for commercial communications. Practically a masterpiece of civil engineering! Let’s find out where to eat in the Appian Way area.

The Appian Way called also Regina Viarum, the Queen of roads

The Appian Way Unesco Heritage

Last July 27th, Via Appia Antica was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Finally the recognition it deserved. Indeed, this enormous road was not only the first of the great roads to cross the Roman Empire. But it is still evidence of a civilization that represented the undisputed model for the road system of the time. It is an incredible example of technology and also of architecture. In fact, it does not only include the road layout, but also many places and works functional to the road system of the time. For example, service infrastructures, funerary monuments, places of worship, ports, sculptures, etc. So, since last July, the Appia Way will keep company with the entire historic center of Rome within the prestigious UNESCO list. But now let’s find out where to eat in the Appian Way area.

The Appian Way is not only a UNESCO heritage site but also a place where you can find excellent restaurants

Where to eat in the Appia Antica area

The Appia Antica area is certainly one of the most evocative in Rome. It is primarily a place where you can organize a nice walk or a bike ride among the Roman ruins and in the shade of the pine trees. However, in this wonderful setting, there are also some very good restaurants, which are really worth visiting. Let’s find out together where to eat.

Parco Appio (Via dell’Almone, 105) – not just one restaurant but the fusion of several places inside the gardens of the Fonte Egeria, at the gates of the Appia Antica. In addition to street food, grilled meat and fusion food, you can also attend DJ sets and live concerts outdoors.

The Park of the Appian Way is simply marvelous

Trattoria Priscilla (Via Appia Antica, 68) – trattoria with an old tradition, serving Roman cuisine. Run by the same family for 120 years. In 1400 this building was a post station for travelers who wanted to refresh themselves and let their horses rest.

Locanda Nocera (Via Viggiano, 155) – modern and contemporary trattoria hidden between paddle and tennis courts, inside the Appia Antica park. The signature dish: homemade tagliolini with sausage ragù sauce and asparagus. For dinner, you can also order the famous pinsa romana. There is room for seasonal recipes as well as typical Roman ones (on request).

Ristorante L’Archeologia (Via Appia Antica, 139) – Roman cuisine restaurant but elegant and refined. The building dates back to 1804. The cuisine is modern but inspired by regional gastronomic culture. The cellar is located in a sepulchre, an ancient Roman tomb underground and open to visitors.