Take a Historical Journey
Fiumicino is a small harbour city with around 60,000 inhabitants located on the west coast of Italy no more than 10km (6 miles) from the capital of Italy. For most people the name is common as the main airport of Rome- Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci is situated just outside this resort. Above all the sights in this area are of a historic nature. The Necropolis of Isola Sacra are situated not too far away, the ruins of the Castello di Porto in the Via Portuense or the Basilica di S.Ippolito that is also located on the Isola Sacra are further attractions. The main attraction is the archeological place of discovery of Ostia- the former port city of the gate of Rome.
Fascinating Facts
The Necropolis of Isola Sacra are ancient tombs, about 100 altogether that can be found approximately 4km in the direction of Ostia just outside the actual city of Fiumicino. The part temple style, sometimes two storey tombs were built for the citizens of the near by port city of Ostia. Some are decorated with mosaics or possess paintings, others are decorated with sculptures or possess marble inscriptions. Figures made from Terracotta often show the occupation of the deceased. Many of the findings from inside the graves indicate that the people in the 2-4 century BC had a passion for art and indicate what sort of taste they had. The tombs were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century and have stayed in tact due to the layers of sand that have accumulated over them.
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North of Isola Sacra you will find the remains of the port of Traiano that was once built as a second harbour to Ostia in order to cope with the busy shipping traffic of the city of Rome. Despite that, the ruins are today partly scattered but they are still definitely worth a visit. The approximately 33 hectare large artificial dock is particularly impressive. It is designed in a hexagonal form which in those times was considered particularly sturdy and in addition ideal for coping with the port operations. The additional artificially created Fossa Traiana Canal which is today called the Canale di Fiumicino connects the harbour with the Tiber River and eventually with Rome.
Visit the First Port City of Rome
The most spectacular archeological discovery is Ostia Antica which can be found not too far away from Fiumicino and can be easily reached in your hired car. On the mouth of the River Tiber was the first port city of Rome as well as probably the first colony- the oldest buildings date back to the 3rd century BC. At one time it was a military camp in order to protect the city, however, it fast became a Mecca for ships that also provided Rome with an army. The historic location today belongs to one of the most important excavation areas in ancient Roman history. The very well preserved construction contains tombs, theatres, churches, blocks of flats, taverns, shops and much, much more. It also gives visitors an idea of the life and work of the residents of this once prosperous harbour city.
