Civitavecchia to Ostia Antica by train or car?
Question:
>I just reread this whole thread and found the excellent suggestion from Mason: >so Mason, >where did you have your excellent lunch in Civitavechhia?
I couldn’t tell you. It was to the right on like the third side street as you head into town, which I guess is east. Just some middle-tier local Italian restaurant with typical fantastic Italian food. As you might guess, lots of frutti di mare. >Any problem walking from the ship to the town?
Nooo, it’s a very short walk. You realize that there is train and coach service to Tarquinia, right? It’s about 20 minutes away by public coach http://www.cotralspa.it/Orari/cot_011006_r03.pdf – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Brah > >So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for > >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee." — Abraham Lincoln
Response:
I just reread this whole thread and found the excellent suggestion from Mason: so Mason, where did you have your excellent lunch in Civitavechhia? Any problem walking from the ship to the town? Brah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
Response:
> The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that > the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large > benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would > have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the > job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One > would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves.
Actually they used a sponge on a stick > What makes this so special is of all the Greek and Roman sites I have been > to, this is the only preserved WC. Didn’t see a one in Pompeii.
There are plent all over the empire, there are a number in the UK in Bath and the forts along Hadrians wall for example Keith
Response:
I contacted a local taxi service with this reply: These are the prices as your request : H/D (4 hours) private ( english) escorted visit of Cerveteri or Tarquinia : 160,00 euro F/D ( 8 hours) " " " : 300,00 euro During the visit the guide can suggest you all the different visits as your pleasure end in accord with the weather conditions. Prices not includes : Car ……80/100 euro a day with no limits of kilometrage and full of gas. Tickets for museums/food and beverage. Best Regards. Laboratorio Viaggi Luca Caponera Agency Manager And also received a reply back from Tom Rankin: Thanks for your email. While we do often lead tours in Ostia Antica, this October the members of my staff qualified to do so are busy with archaeological work and wouldn’t be available that day. I wish I could suggest someone else but I really don’t have any good ideas. All the best, — Tom Rankin President, AC Scala Reale http://www.scalareale.org Via dell’Olmata, 30 Roma 00184 ITALY 06.474.5673 So even though these did not work for us – now there will be some contact information for tours from the port of Civitavecchia. I guess we’ll just walk around – and find a place for a nice lunch and just enjoy being in Italy. Does anyone have a suggestion for a place for a charming lunch and/or wine? Cheers, Brah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
Response:
The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves. What makes this so special is of all the Greek and Roman sites I have been to, this is the only preserved WC. Didn’t see a one in Pompeii. Yes, you must take a local train from the Pyramid. Mike–Wonders about simple task of the ancients – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you > can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus > the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered > Tarquinia? > I have always taken public transportation to Ostia Antica from central > Rome. You take the metro to Piramide and then a local train to Ostia > Antica. The trains run frequently and the site is just a short walk from > the train station. I wouldn’t consider it any trouble at all. > I strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in ancient Rome to visit > Ostia. It’s very different from Pompeii for many reasons. First, Pompeii > was sort of a "bedroom community", while Ostia was a working seaport. > Second, Pompeii was destroyed in the 1st century, while Ostia thrived > until the 5th century, so you see a much longer period of history. Ostia > has many well preserved buildings, including multistory apartment > buildings. > I would say that someone who is visiting Rome, and considering a day > trip to Pompeii, might want to visit Ostia Antica instead. To me it is > much more evocative of an ancient city than Pompeii is. That might be > largely because there are fewer tourists there, and often you are the > only person walking down an ancient street. > Barbara
Response:
> The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that > the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large > benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would > have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the > job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One > would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves.
A proto-bidet, obviously. Actually, another interesting thing about that toilet is that it had revolving doors. You can see the groove worn in the doorstep by the door. Barbara
Response:
>So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day!
My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not posting, so I may be repeating myself. I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely convenient to Civita. with direct train service. For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two winged horses.
Response:
> If I only had a short time in Rome… I’d hit the Spanish Steps, get > some lunch there, and wander around the Fontana Trevi (a few blocks > away). Maybe have a cappuccino at Piazza Navona. That would give you a > taste of Rome. > A few hours more… and I’d add a visit to St. Peters Basilica. > If you have a whole day, you hit in the Colleseum and Roman Forum. > –Tom
This time of year, I agree. The crowds won’t be so bad at those places. Spanish Steps is a pretty picture opportunity. Trevi is something everyone must do (throw a coin in). Piazza Navona? Now, you’re talking. I’m a musician, so one of the first things I did was go to St. Peters and listen. Sure enough, choral music will be heard. Your first visit to St. Peter’s can be overwhelming, if for no other reason than the sheer size of the place. The Vatican Museum can be crowded, but well worth it. I’d also go over to Trestevere, which is a section of Rome that still has a very old feeling. If you like architecture, you should visit the major churches..all different..all beautiful. — Monica
Response:
> Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you > can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus > the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered > Tarquinia?
I have always taken public transportation to Ostia Antica from central Rome. You take the metro to Piramide and then a local train to Ostia Antica. The trains run frequently and the site is just a short walk from the train station. I wouldn’t consider it any trouble at all. I strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in ancient Rome to visit Ostia. It’s very different from Pompeii for many reasons. First, Pompeii was sort of a "bedroom community", while Ostia was a working seaport. Second, Pompeii was destroyed in the 1st century, while Ostia thrived until the 5th century, so you see a much longer period of history. Ostia has many well preserved buildings, including multistory apartment buildings. I would say that someone who is visiting Rome, and considering a day trip to Pompeii, might want to visit Ostia Antica instead. To me it is much more evocative of an ancient city than Pompeii is. That might be largely because there are fewer tourists there, and often you are the only person walking down an ancient street. Barbara
Response:
Karen, As per your suggestion, I have emailed Scala Reale and asked about a tour of Ostia , but have not had a reply. That was about a week ago, so maybe they are just backlogged. Also, Mason, I have emailed Dock and Discover at least 3 times over the last 2 months and have not received any messages from them either. I thought perhaps they are out of business as the website has not been updated either. So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for the day! Fred, I hope you have better luck than I have. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip? > Scala Reale is an excellent walking tour group based in Rome. (They have > an informative web site.) They do both semi-private tours in Rome using > set itineraries and private, customized tours. A couple of years ago, we > took a private day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica with the founder of > the organization, Tom Rankin. His knowlege made our visit a memorable > experience. Since the port is so close to Ostia, I would imagine that > Tom — or any one of his other wonderful guides — could meet you at the > pier and drive you to Ostia. Over the years, I think we have taken > five of Scala Reale’s semi-private tours in addition to the day trip > I’ve just described, so you can tell we are satisfied customers. > Karen Selwyn
Response:
> Karen, > As per your suggestion, I have emailed Scala Reale and asked about a > tour of Ostia , but have not had a reply. That was about a week ago, > so maybe they are just backlogged.
I just asked my husband about our experiece contacting Scala Reale and he recalls that there were periods when it would be a while before we would hear from them. He didn’t remember any gap as long as a week. I would send a follow-up email. They really are worth hearing from. I’ll state the obvious: The private tour was not cheap. We felt that the experience justified the price. Karen Selwyn
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean > Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it?
It is fascinating. I did spend the afternoon there once (sorry I can’t answer about the trains, my friend drove me) and I found it mysterious and interesting. Well worth the effort. Whereas Pompeii was covered with ash from Vesuvius, Ostia, the ancient Roman port, is fascinating ruins. Do go. Take a camera and lots of film. And look down at the mosaics. — Monica
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean >Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal >experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and >these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this >visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site >in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s >what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of >Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. >While >not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology >scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take >a >picnic and eat among the ruins." >Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered Tarquinia? I’m sure Dock & Discover runs an Ostia tour from Civitavecchia, but whether they operate on Sunday I couldn’t tell you. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee." — Abraham Lincoln
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Sounds nice, but having been to Pompeii, I think I would spend the day in Rome with so much to see there and never enough time. But that’s just MHO! Thanks for explaining though. –Jean
Response:
If I only had a short time in Rome… I’d hit the Spanish Steps, get some lunch there, and wander around the Fontana Trevi (a few blocks away). Maybe have a cappuccino at Piazza Navona. That would give you a taste of Rome. A few hours more… and I’d add a visit to St. Peters Basilica. If you have a whole day, you hit in the Colleseum and Roman Forum. –Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it? > Sounds nice, but having been to Pompeii, I think I would spend the day in > Rome with so much to see there and never enough time. But that’s just MHO! > Thanks for explaining though. > –Jean
Response:
> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean
Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s what another writer said about Ostia: "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. While not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take a picnic and eat among the ruins." Sounds great, doesn’t it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28.
Response:
> Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule > information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about > service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not > named "Ostia Antica."
The station might be called Ostia Scavi. However, I think the real problem is that the train is a suburban line and not run by Ferrovia dello Stato. Barbara
Response:
> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip?
Scala Reale is an excellent walking tour group based in Rome. (They have an informative web site.) They do both semi-private tours in Rome using set itineraries and private, customized tours. A couple of years ago, we took a private day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica with the founder of the organization, Tom Rankin. His knowlege made our visit a memorable experience. Since the port is so close to Ostia, I would imagine that Tom — or any one of his other wonderful guides — could meet you at the pier and drive you to Ostia. Over the years, I think we have taken five of Scala Reale’s semi-private tours in addition to the day trip I’ve just described, so you can tell we are satisfied customers. Karen Selwyn
Response:
As I recall from several years ago, the Metro Line B left from the Magliana stop. I do believe the Metro stop was called Ostia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin > Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule > information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about > service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not > named "Ostia Antica." > I would appreciate learning what is the official name of the train > station at Ostia. > Thank you.
Response:
Fred, Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would like to know if we go there again. Thanks, –Jean
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28.
Response:
> It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin
Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not named "Ostia Antica." I would appreciate learning what is the official name of the train station at Ostia. Thank you.
Response:
We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on Sunday, Spetember 28. 1. Are there any car rental agencies in Civitavecchia that are open on Sunday? (AutoEurope and EuropCar respond that they are closed.) 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip? 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. Thanks in advance for information. Fred
Response:
> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? > Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a > train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. > Thanks in advance for information. > Fred
It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early afternoon/evening.) Enjoy your trip. — Paul Sanschagrin http://staff.uni-marburg.de/~sanschag mailer. THESE uni-marburg. LINES de They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ++ Benjamin Franklin ++ To announce that there must be no criticism of the president or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. ++ Theodore Roosevelt ++
Response:
Hi Fred, That is exactly what we want to do, but about a month later on Oct 21. If you find out what you are needing to know, would you email me? And if I find out something, I’ll drop you an email as well. Brah(mama) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? > Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a > train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. > Thanks in advance for information. > Fred > It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin > http://staff.uni-marburg.de/~sanschag > mailer. THESE > uni-marburg. LINES > de > They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little > temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. > ++ Benjamin Franklin ++ > To announce that there must be no criticism of the president or > that we are to stand by the president right or wrong is not only > unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the > American public. > ++ Theodore Roosevelt ++
Response:
We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on Sunday, Spetember 28. 1. Are there any car rental agencies in Civitavecchia that are open on Sunday? (AutoEurope and EuropCar respond that they are closed.) 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip? 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. Thanks in advance for information. Fred
Response:
> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? > Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a > train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. > Thanks in advance for information. > Fred
It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early afternoon/evening.) Enjoy your trip. — Paul Sanschagrin http://staff.uni-marburg.de/~sanschag mailer. THESE uni-marburg. LINES de They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ++ Benjamin Franklin ++ To announce that there must be no criticism of the president or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. ++ Theodore Roosevelt ++
Response:
Hi Fred, That is exactly what we want to do, but about a month later on Oct 21. If you find out what you are needing to know, would you email me? And if I find out something, I’ll drop you an email as well. Brah(mama) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 3. Is it possible to go by train without going all the way to Rome? > Apparently when you get to Rome you first take a metro ride, then a > train, which sounds like spending all day on the rails. > Thanks in advance for information. > Fred > It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin > http://staff.uni-marburg.de/~sanschag > mailer. THESE > uni-marburg. LINES > de > They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little > temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. > ++ Benjamin Franklin ++ > To announce that there must be no criticism of the president or > that we are to stand by the president right or wrong is not only > unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the > American public. > ++ Theodore Roosevelt ++
Response:
Fred, Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would like to know if we go there again. Thanks, –Jean
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28.
Response:
> It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin
Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not named "Ostia Antica." I would appreciate learning what is the official name of the train station at Ostia. Thank you.
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> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip?
Scala Reale is an excellent walking tour group based in Rome. (They have an informative web site.) They do both semi-private tours in Rome using set itineraries and private, customized tours. A couple of years ago, we took a private day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica with the founder of the organization, Tom Rankin. His knowlege made our visit a memorable experience. Since the port is so close to Ostia, I would imagine that Tom — or any one of his other wonderful guides — could meet you at the pier and drive you to Ostia. Over the years, I think we have taken five of Scala Reale’s semi-private tours in addition to the day trip I’ve just described, so you can tell we are satisfied customers. Karen Selwyn
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As I recall from several years ago, the Metro Line B left from the Magliana stop. I do believe the Metro stop was called Ostia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It seems that there are many trains to Ostiense station (roughly 1/hr; > use Roma Ostiense on http://www.bahn.de) which takes 40-60 minutes, > where you can catch the train direct to Ostia Antica (IIRC, it was > only about 10-15 minutes from there). This would eliminate the > intervening metro ride at least and likely save at least a bit of > time. (Also, the trains are roughly as frequent heading back early > afternoon/evening.) > Enjoy your trip. > — > Paul Sanschagrin > Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule > information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about > service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not > named "Ostia Antica." > I would appreciate learning what is the official name of the train > station at Ostia. > Thank you.
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> Thanks for this information. However, I couldn’t get schedule > information from either the bahn.de or tranitalia.com site about > service from Ostiense to Ostia Antica. Apparently the station is not > named "Ostia Antica."
The station might be called Ostia Scavi. However, I think the real problem is that the train is a suburban line and not run by Ferrovia dello Stato. Barbara
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> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean
Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s what another writer said about Ostia: "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. While not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take a picnic and eat among the ruins." Sounds great, doesn’t it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean >Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal >experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and >these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this >visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site >in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s >what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of >Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. >While >not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology >scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take >a >picnic and eat among the ruins." >Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered Tarquinia? I’m sure Dock & Discover runs an Ostia tour from Civitavecchia, but whether they operate on Sunday I couldn’t tell you. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee." — Abraham Lincoln
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Sounds nice, but having been to Pompeii, I think I would spend the day in Rome with so much to see there and never enough time. But that’s just MHO! Thanks for explaining though. –Jean
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If I only had a short time in Rome… I’d hit the Spanish Steps, get some lunch there, and wander around the Fontana Trevi (a few blocks away). Maybe have a cappuccino at Piazza Navona. That would give you a taste of Rome. A few hours more… and I’d add a visit to St. Peters Basilica. If you have a whole day, you hit in the Colleseum and Roman Forum. –Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it? > Sounds nice, but having been to Pompeii, I think I would spend the day in > Rome with so much to see there and never enough time. But that’s just MHO! > Thanks for explaining though. > –Jean
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Fred, > Having been to Civitavecchia and taken the train to Rome, you peaked my > curiosity about Ostia. What is your interest in visiting there? Just would > like to know if we go there again. > Thanks, > –Jean > Since this will be my first visit I can’t speak from personal > experience, but my interest developed from reading guide books and > these usenet groups. I’ve been to Rome a few times, and since this > visit is a one-day stop on a cruise, trying to see more than one site > in Rome would be very frustrating, considering the travel time. Here’s > what another writer said about Ostia: > "This is one of the best, though least-visited sites of > Rome, and one of the most under-visited worthwhile spots in Europe. > While > not as well preserved as Pompeii, if Pompeii’s a 10 on the archaeology > scale, Ostia’s an 8 or 9, and more accessible, and less peopled. Take > a > picnic and eat among the ruins." > Sounds great, doesn’t it?
It is fascinating. I did spend the afternoon there once (sorry I can’t answer about the trains, my friend drove me) and I found it mysterious and interesting. Well worth the effort. Whereas Pompeii was covered with ash from Vesuvius, Ostia, the ancient Roman port, is fascinating ruins. Do go. Take a camera and lots of film. And look down at the mosaics. — Monica
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> If I only had a short time in Rome… I’d hit the Spanish Steps, get > some lunch there, and wander around the Fontana Trevi (a few blocks > away). Maybe have a cappuccino at Piazza Navona. That would give you a > taste of Rome. > A few hours more… and I’d add a visit to St. Peters Basilica. > If you have a whole day, you hit in the Colleseum and Roman Forum. > –Tom
This time of year, I agree. The crowds won’t be so bad at those places. Spanish Steps is a pretty picture opportunity. Trevi is something everyone must do (throw a coin in). Piazza Navona? Now, you’re talking. I’m a musician, so one of the first things I did was go to St. Peters and listen. Sure enough, choral music will be heard. Your first visit to St. Peter’s can be overwhelming, if for no other reason than the sheer size of the place. The Vatican Museum can be crowded, but well worth it. I’d also go over to Trestevere, which is a section of Rome that still has a very old feeling. If you like architecture, you should visit the major churches..all different..all beautiful. — Monica
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> Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you > can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus > the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered > Tarquinia?
I have always taken public transportation to Ostia Antica from central Rome. You take the metro to Piramide and then a local train to Ostia Antica. The trains run frequently and the site is just a short walk from the train station. I wouldn’t consider it any trouble at all. I strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in ancient Rome to visit Ostia. It’s very different from Pompeii for many reasons. First, Pompeii was sort of a "bedroom community", while Ostia was a working seaport. Second, Pompeii was destroyed in the 1st century, while Ostia thrived until the 5th century, so you see a much longer period of history. Ostia has many well preserved buildings, including multistory apartment buildings. I would say that someone who is visiting Rome, and considering a day trip to Pompeii, might want to visit Ostia Antica instead. To me it is much more evocative of an ancient city than Pompeii is. That might be largely because there are fewer tourists there, and often you are the only person walking down an ancient street. Barbara
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Karen, As per your suggestion, I have emailed Scala Reale and asked about a tour of Ostia , but have not had a reply. That was about a week ago, so maybe they are just backlogged. Also, Mason, I have emailed Dock and Discover at least 3 times over the last 2 months and have not received any messages from them either. I thought perhaps they are out of business as the website has not been updated either. So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for the day! Fred, I hope you have better luck than I have. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We want to tour Ostia when our cruise ship arrives in Civitavecchia on > Sunday, Spetember 28. > 2. Any tour operators that you can recommend for this trip? > Scala Reale is an excellent walking tour group based in Rome. (They have > an informative web site.) They do both semi-private tours in Rome using > set itineraries and private, customized tours. A couple of years ago, we > took a private day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica with the founder of > the organization, Tom Rankin. His knowlege made our visit a memorable > experience. Since the port is so close to Ostia, I would imagine that > Tom — or any one of his other wonderful guides — could meet you at the > pier and drive you to Ostia. Over the years, I think we have taken > five of Scala Reale’s semi-private tours in addition to the day trip > I’ve just described, so you can tell we are satisfied customers. > Karen Selwyn
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> Karen, > As per your suggestion, I have emailed Scala Reale and asked about a > tour of Ostia , but have not had a reply. That was about a week ago, > so maybe they are just backlogged.
I just asked my husband about our experiece contacting Scala Reale and he recalls that there were periods when it would be a while before we would hear from them. He didn’t remember any gap as long as a week. I would send a follow-up email. They really are worth hearing from. I’ll state the obvious: The private tour was not cheap. We felt that the experience justified the price. Karen Selwyn
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>So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day!
My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not posting, so I may be repeating myself. I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely convenient to Civita. with direct train service. For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two winged horses.
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The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves. What makes this so special is of all the Greek and Roman sites I have been to, this is the only preserved WC. Didn’t see a one in Pompeii. Yes, you must take a local train from the Pyramid. Mike–Wonders about simple task of the ancients – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ostia is really nice, but it is a bit of trouble getting there if you > can’t get a car. For that matter, the drive is about an hour, plus > the time getting and returning the car. Have you considered > Tarquinia? > I have always taken public transportation to Ostia Antica from central > Rome. You take the metro to Piramide and then a local train to Ostia > Antica. The trains run frequently and the site is just a short walk from > the train station. I wouldn’t consider it any trouble at all. > I strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in ancient Rome to visit > Ostia. It’s very different from Pompeii for many reasons. First, Pompeii > was sort of a "bedroom community", while Ostia was a working seaport. > Second, Pompeii was destroyed in the 1st century, while Ostia thrived > until the 5th century, so you see a much longer period of history. Ostia > has many well preserved buildings, including multistory apartment > buildings. > I would say that someone who is visiting Rome, and considering a day > trip to Pompeii, might want to visit Ostia Antica instead. To me it is > much more evocative of an ancient city than Pompeii is. That might be > largely because there are fewer tourists there, and often you are the > only person walking down an ancient street. > Barbara
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> The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that > the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large > benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would > have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the > job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One > would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves.
A proto-bidet, obviously. Actually, another interesting thing about that toilet is that it had revolving doors. You can see the groove worn in the doorstep by the door. Barbara
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> The one thing I found most interesting in Ostia is the marble toilet that > the Romans used. One for the men and another for the women. They where large > benches each sitting 10 to12 people, or 12 "holers" <G> The slaves would > have clean out areas behind the walls. There was no paper, so to finish the > job there was a small open trench that ran by the base of the bench. One > would just bend over and scoop up a handful of water and wash themselves.
Actually they used a sponge on a stick > What makes this so special is of all the Greek and Roman sites I have been > to, this is the only preserved WC. Didn’t see a one in Pompeii.
There are plent all over the empire, there are a number in the UK in Bath and the forts along Hadrians wall for example Keith
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I contacted a local taxi service with this reply: These are the prices as your request : H/D (4 hours) private ( english) escorted visit of Cerveteri or Tarquinia : 160,00 euro F/D ( 8 hours) " " " : 300,00 euro During the visit the guide can suggest you all the different visits as your pleasure end in accord with the weather conditions. Prices not includes : Car ……80/100 euro a day with no limits of kilometrage and full of gas. Tickets for museums/food and beverage. Best Regards. Laboratorio Viaggi Luca Caponera Agency Manager And also received a reply back from Tom Rankin: Thanks for your email. While we do often lead tours in Ostia Antica, this October the members of my staff qualified to do so are busy with archaeological work and wouldn’t be available that day. I wish I could suggest someone else but I really don’t have any good ideas. All the best, — Tom Rankin President, AC Scala Reale http://www.scalareale.org Via dell’Olmata, 30 Roma 00184 ITALY 06.474.5673 So even though these did not work for us – now there will be some contact information for tours from the port of Civitavecchia. I guess we’ll just walk around – and find a place for a nice lunch and just enjoy being in Italy. Does anyone have a suggestion for a place for a charming lunch and/or wine? Cheers, Brah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
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I just reread this whole thread and found the excellent suggestion from Mason: so Mason, where did you have your excellent lunch in Civitavechhia? Any problem walking from the ship to the town? Brah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
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>I just reread this whole thread and found the excellent suggestion from Mason: >so Mason, >where did you have your excellent lunch in Civitavechhia?
I couldn’t tell you. It was to the right on like the third side street as you head into town, which I guess is east. Just some middle-tier local Italian restaurant with typical fantastic Italian food. As you might guess, lots of frutti di mare. >Any problem walking from the ship to the town?
Nooo, it’s a very short walk. You realize that there is train and coach service to Tarquinia, right? It’s about 20 minutes away by public coach http://www.cotralspa.it/Orari/cot_011006_r03.pdf – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Brah > >So, I am striking out . Maybe I’m just supposed to go back to Rome for > >the day! > My posts through my very unsatisfactory news servers (two of them!) are not > posting, so I may be repeating myself. > I don’t blame you for hesitating about a daytrip to Rome. (My last time in > Civitavecchia we went to town, had a nice walk, ate an excellent lunch at a > local restaurant, then got back on the ship.) > I would strongly suggest you think about Tarquinia. It is a very interesting > place and a center of Etruscan history. It’s on two hills — Etruscan ruins on > one, and the modern (read: medieval) city on the next hill over. Like > Pompeii/Naples, the museum is in the modern city. Also, it is extremely > convenient to Civita. with direct train service. > For some reason, it is a lot more popular for Italian, French, and other > European tourists than Americans. I suppose a lot of its attraction is that it > is so different from Roman/ruins and culture and distinctive from Greek, > although related. Anyway, it’s a really good use of a cruise stop there. > Personally, I think Etruscan art is extremely cool and the Tarqunia museum has > IMO the best piece in existence, a fairly famous terra cotta statue of two > winged horses.
Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee." — Abraham Lincoln
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Categories: Fontana Trevi | 
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"…walking distance from all major sites of historical importance…" True, but you maqy wanto to catch a bus or the metro if you’re not keen on a 30 minute walk to, say, the Colosseum or Fontana di Trevi. There are a billion hotels near Termini. This seems like one of the best options to me. Loz — www