appears, to those who arrive there for the first time, as a small place where time stopped a hundred years ago,
when men worked hard on the sea and on their small boats they defied the waves to bring home food for the family, removing it from the stormy waves.
In the surroundings of the BeB barocchetto Romano there are many incredible places to discover,
and one of these is Il Borghetto dei Pescatori di Ostia.
History
And indeed the history of this place is very ancient.
Like almost everything that has to do with Rome, it begins in the centuries of the Roman Empire, and constitutes the historical nucleus of Ostia, the lido of Rome.
It was 356 BC when the Canale dei Pescatori was built to collect the stagnant waters of Ostia Antica.
The area was cleared and diseases, such as malaria, disappeared.
But it would have been a long time before this area was inhabited, as sand often invaded the canal.
At the end of the nineteenth century, and more precisely in 1880, the first fishermen began to settle in this stretch of the Lazio coast.
They came from Anzio and Procida; they had rough hands for boat work, and faces marked by saltiness.
The Association of Neapolitan Fishermen gave them a statue depicting San Nicola, protector of those who go by sea;
around which a small, delightful church was built, which is still reflected in the canal today.
The living conditions of those men were harsh, and the surrounding environment was still unhealthy.
The fate of the Borghetto dei Pescatori di Ostia changed in the first thirty years of the twentieth century, when Benito Mussolini passed from here together with the writer Margherita Sarfatti.
A team of 360 workers worked for 24 hours, day and night, thanks to the lighting of the lamps, for 52 days in a row.
In the end the houses were erected, the Borgo was born as it can still be admired today. It was 1933.
Almost a century has passed,
but walking through the small alleys, on the canal where small fishing boats are reflected in the water today as then, absolutely nothing seems to have changed.
The tourist feels immersed in a cordial and comfortable atmosphere, that of other times, when the doors of each house remained open to welcome travelers.
The hard past of effort and work that the fathers of those who live today at the Borghetto have experienced can still be read on their faces, as if it had become part of their genetic code.
On the other hand, however, there is also the straightforward simplicity of men and women used to sharing what little they have with the whole community.
At the Borghetto dei Pescatori
of course
how true the ideal of the oyster of Vergian memory is to sailors:
the families that grow on the sea remain united, attached to each other like the fingers of one hand, but also to the place where they grew up and thrived.
Thus, arriving in this small square overlooking the shore, you feel part of this profound identity, which is then part of the collective identity of Italy.
The visitor can experience the reception of fishermen especially on one occasion, or during the tellina festival, which traditionally takes place between late August and early September.
This is not a festival like many, but a moment of sharing in which you cannot taste good dishes made with seafood, but during which,
above all, you can savor the feeling of warmth and gratitude that derives from feeling welcomed in a joyful community, rude but also capable of laughing and smiling.
The Borghetto dei Pescatori is part of the X Town Hall of Rome,
and a short distance away are the pine forest of Castel Fusano and the Borgo di Ostia Antica.
From here you can leave to visit Rome itself, with its indescribable architectural, artistic and cultural heritage.
The Borghetto dei Pescatori instead does not store large finds, but something much more important.
It preserves the historical memory of Italy, which has grown and grown with the work of the land and the work of the sea.
In this place the sense of the maritime civilization is fully expressed, and its intrinsic greatness can still be understood today.
Visiting Ostia Antica Archeological Site is certainly like stepping back in time.
History
Legend has it that probably it was Anco Marzio, the fourth king of Rome, to want in the seventh century BC. its foundation. But this fact is not objectively proven.
What is more than likely
is due to the existence of a town near the salt pans that were at the mouth of the Tiber that, right in Ostia, ended up at the sea.
What initially was a settlement dating back to the fourth century BC it was later modified to castrum, that is a fort protected by massive tufaceous walls.
The castrum housed a military settlement that was given the name Ostia, for the reason that Ostium in Latin means the mouth of the river so that became a strategic commercial port.
Furthermore Ostia was implemented by new buildings, consequently extending the walls that delimited the urban area enlarged to reach fifty hectares.
The life of the town near Rome
continued to obtain, under Constantine, its own autonomy. But after due to the fall of the Roman Empire, certainly it had no protection against the barbarian invasions that began with that of Alaric and his Visigoths, who followed each other up to bring Ostia to complete abandonment.
Finally its ruins were forgotten and buried by time until, in the immediate surroundings in the ninth century AD. Pope Gregory IV decided to build an inhabited conglomerate that took its name and of which you can still see the castle built by Julius II in the fifteenth century.
Of the Roman Ostia the traces were lost outside the Capitolium, the only still visible building, which was used probably as a sheepfold.
Finally, only in the nineteenth century and at the behest of Pope Pius VII began the excavation of the archaeological area of Ostium that brought to light the evidence of an era forgotten by all.
Research that certainly continued in the following century following more scientific criteria.
That succeeded in deteminating exciting discoveries that confirmed the importance of this city at the gates of the capital and that, even today, are carried forward because the discovery has not yet ended.
Getting to Know the Ostia Antica Archaeological Site
The ruins of Ostia Antica that you can visit today, are considered as the best testimony, even more than Pompeii, of a Roman city that has come to us.
Five are the circuits
on which you can articulate a visit to the discovery of this archaeological area and can even more give rise to a series of visits dedicated to the deep knowledge of what was Ostia.
The first route runs along the Decumanus, which was then the trade route.
On the Decumano opened the artisan shops, the places designated for representation and exchanges, the productive activities.
Here you can also admire the Roman Theater,
the warehouses, the tabernae where you stop for drinks and lunch, the Piazzale delle Corporazioni and the Fulloniche.
A second path is that which makes you know, from Porta Marina, the various religious communities then present and tolerant with each other, as a Roman custom.
The Mitrei are confused with the Synagogue, the Christian Basilica with the Capitolium, the Campo della Magna Mater with the Rotondo Temple: a real patchwork of religious cults.
The third possibility is dictated by the detailed visit of the political, administrative and commercial center represented by the Forum.
Here, the Cardo Massimo opened common areas such as the inevitable Baths, the Macellum and the Tabernae of the fishmongers, the Capitolium, the small market and the Thermopolium.
The penultimate route takes place by entering the neighborhoods adjacent to Via della Foce.
Here are the houses, the sacred buildings, the spa facilities dedicated to the inhabitants of the popular districts that still retain interesting pictorial remains to be admired.
Fifth and last chance of the circuit is the one dedicated to the surroundings of Porta Marina, where the “modern” Ostia Antica was developed.
You will see the Domus, the sepulchral monuments, the buildings destined to dwellings and the places where the people could refresh themselves.
Precious Marbles
After visiting the excavations of Ostia Antica, it is interesting to see the quarry Marbles of the Sacred Island and the Fossa Traiana.
from the most important quarries of the Roman Empire that were collected from the middle of the last century and which represent what was found in the Fossa Traiana, or the current Fiumicino canal.
It turns out that in the vicinity there was a deposit of marbles that arrived by ship from every part of the Empire and that were stored to be then chosen by the sculptors to create monuments, statues and architectural works.
The collection includes precious marbles that have been subdivided into quality and features.
Those include blocks from:
Teos (the famous marble luculleo),
Asia Minor (the frigio pavonazzetto),
Evia (the veined caristio or cipollino),
Sciro (polychrome breccia),
Chios (the Portasanta), from Paros (the lychnites),
Numidia (the ancient yellow marble),
as well as the alabaster of Egyptian origin.
It is interesting to see how all the blocks were duly cataloged at that time, noting inscriptions and trademarks of the quarry of provenance that testify how much importance was given by the Roman administration.
The Ostiense Museum
The visit must also include a stop at the Ostiense Museum.
Its headquarters are located on the ground floor of a building dating back to the fifteenth century known as Casone del Sale and characterized by the neoclassical style of the facade.
In the mid-nineteenth century it was the will of Pope Pius IX to use it as a museum and currently houses the management of the excavations of Ostia Antica.
which makes you gain access after a short corridor which, on the left, opens two spaces in which there are preserved testimonies of the cults of oriental origin that took place in Ostia in Roman times.
In the next room, there is a plastic group representing Mithras who kills the bull from the Mithraeum of the Baths of Mithra and attributable to the famous Athenian artist Kriton;
and also an installation of the chapel of Attis found in the Campo della Magna Mater area near Porta Laurentina.
Going down the steps you cross the first room
where, at the bottom, there is the marble statue of Minerva-Vittoria which certainly made up a part of the elevation of Porta Romana.
In the room that remains on the right, you can admire a marble statue of Perseus with the head of a jellyfish that was found in the villa outside Porta Laurentina;
it is possible to see a small plastic group of Cupid and Psyche found in the homonym domus and another representative of the Three Graces.
On the opposite side there is another room
where Roman era copies of Greek originals are housed:
an head of Athena with a Corinthian helmet,
a statue of Artemis from the Domus della Fortuna Annonaria,
also face of Efebo dating back to the first century after Christ which still preserves signs of polychrome painting,
a statue of Apollo and a model of wrestlers dating back to the first century after Christ.
In recent times the room has been completed with a marble frieze from the second century after Christ which portrays Hephaestus and Athena which was intended for a temple dedicated to Vulcan.
The room in the center of the museum
houses Roman portraits and preserves on the part of the entrance a votive statue dedicated to Cartilio Poplicola,
one of the most important figures of Ostia dating back to the first century BC and which was originally located in the pronaos of the Temple of Hercules.
Portraits of Augustus, Agrippa and Marciana are placed on display on the left side where there is also a statue of Trajan.
Even Empress Sabina is testified with two statues while a statue of Iulia Procula, found in a tomb of Isola Sacra is housed on the right side.
The visit continues with the next room where the theory of portraits of emperors continues and where both the bust of Septimius Severus and the statue of his wife, Giuli Domna are both attributable to the third century after Christ.
There is also the mighty marble statue of Maxentius and a smaller one of his wife Fausta, found in the College of the Augustali. Impossible not to notice the large statue of Isis Pharia, complete with a marble snake.
The room with which the Museum of the Excavations of Ostia Antica ends,
preserves many sarcophagi where a couple from the Pianabella necropolis are highlighted:
one with scenes from the myth of Achilles and the Iliad, while we mourn the body of Patroclus and a other than a centauromachy.
At the back of the room there is a not too large sarcophagus in pantelic marble in the Attic style, which includes dancing putti in a Dionysian bacchanal.
Visit Ostia Antica Archeological site: an inevitable refreshment
The air of the nearby sea and the fresh fish caught every day invite you to taste seafood specialties that are prepared with the true simplicity of those who love to faithfully, follow traditional cuisine not inclined to the creative temptations of the nouvelle cousine.
The smells of peppered mussels mingle with those of fried and skewers of crustaceans, fueling a feeling of hunger that has little to do with the history and art just lived inside the Roman excavations.
There are many restaurants in Ostia Antica and everyone will satisfy your appetite.
You cannot miss a visit to the village of Ostia Antica, with the Castle of Giulio II, inside which there is the Church of Sant’Aurea.
Chiesa di Sant’ Aurea, Ostia AnticaBorgo di Ostia Antica Vista Aerea
How to get to Ostia Antica Archeological Site
In conclusion: Reaching the archaeological remains of the excavations of Ostia Antica is quite simple, whether you come by car as well as public transport.
Here are the detailed instructions
By car and from any highway:
you have to enter the Grande Raccordo Anulare and take exit number 28 with destination Via del Mare, or Via Ostiense to Ostia Antica.
If you arrive from Fiumicino airport, you have to continue on Viale dell’ Aeroporto until you cross Via del Mare and continue following the road signs indicating Ostia Antica.
If you take public transport:
from Porta San Paolo (Piramide) station you can take the Rome – Lido train getting off at the Ostia Antica stop and continuing on foot for five minutes.
From Ostia Lido Centro Station:
B&B Barocchetto Romano is in walking distance, less than 5 minutes
Take Metro Rome-Lido towards Rome you will reach the excavations in just 2 train stops, get off at Ostia Antica and then continue on foot for 5 minutes.
From Termini station
you have to take the metro line B to Porta San Paolo station (Piramide) and from there take the train Roma-Lido,
getting off at the stop called Ostia Antica and then continue on foot for five minutes.
The excavations of Ostia Antica are located in Viale dei Romagnoli 717
Pay attention to the opening and closing times of the same because they vary according to the season.
It is better you inquire at the official website of the Fine Arts where exact times and closing days are indicated before choosing when to go.
Ostia Antica Archeological Site: Map and Panoramic Photos
The first pier of Ostia was built entirely with beech sleepers. Replaced in 1940 in the fascist era it was 125 meters long and ended with a terrace overlooking the sea of 20 meters in diameter.
The flooring was travertine alternated with Bagnoregio stone. In 1943 the Germans partially demolished it by breaking it in two places.
It was rebuilt in 1956. Today thousands of tourists pass through here every year enjoying a vast landscape on the suggestive and romantic Mediterranean sea. The sunsets from here are unforgettable.
In 1916 Ostia is already known as a seaside resort, on the model of other maritime stations that arose in those years in Italy such as the most famous Riccione and Cesenatico.
At the beginning of the 30’s a twinning, until then not formalized, with the capital and Ostia becomes a district of Rome.
In 1961, a subsequent division was completed which has come down to us: Lido di Ponente, Lido di Levante and finally Castel Fusano.
Important and beautiful: The squares, the streets of the Center
Piazzale dei Ravennati, designed in 1931 and renovated in the 1940s when the pier was built.
Piazza della Posta is the first square you meet when you arrive from the Via del Mare a few steps from the pier.
Il Pontile of Ostia Today
The pier of Ostia is a few steps from our Bed&Breakfast as well as the squares mentioned, from here you can also go down on foot and be immersed in the nightlife of Ostia given the strategic position of Barocchetto Romano.
In addition to the sea in Ostia there are always people, the seasons to the rhythm of the seasons but always popular … the weather always allows it, in the evening it becomes the meeting point for those who want to get away from the city. There are many bathing establishments as well as restaurants and nautical clubs.
Il Pontile is definitely a place to visit for the wonderful atmosphere that surrounds you and for its natural and romantic charm.
Even with the modern changes happening in the general Italy, Giulio II Castle still maintains an ancient beauty.
This is one place that you want to visit when in this area. It is also in this small modern town that you will find the small church of saint Aurea.
The region is an interesting place to visit whether you want a quiet time or are looking for adventure since there are numerous shows and exhibitions you could attend.
Giulio II Castle: Historical Monument
Italy has been marked as one of the regions in the world with a unique world heritage site.
Even though Italy is famous for its many interesting sites, Giulio II Castle is a monument worth paying for when in the area.
Furthermore, you should take this opportunity to vist the castle before it closes its doors to the public because the castle has been experiencing insufficient funding.
There was a time when Ostia Antica, which is the home of the great castle, had more than 72000 inhabitants.
However in the 14th century the glorious city fell into ruin. The city became an entry for visitors from the sea to Rome.
As a result issues of pirates was also rampant at some point.
Even so, this did not make it any less famous especially considering that popular and respected people visited the castle during its glorious moments.
It is this association that contributes to its success to date. You can also be part of history by visiting the castle when in Italy.
After all, you should not lose a once in a lifetime chance.
This castle was built around the same time that the rebuilding of the church in Ostia was commissioned in the 15th century.
Its unique architectural structure and magnificent stature makes this castle the most striking building in modern day Ostia.
The restoration of the town and building occured in the 20th century.
This restoration maintained most of the historical greatness that every visitor should visit and experience it first hand.
Giulio II Castle Ostia Antica Italy: Location
The castle of Julius is located near the famous Rome.
It is located in Piazza della Rosa, a small but elegant Roman square.
Although in a small town, its well preserved historical ruins is enough reason for you to visit.
The castle is a 15th century military architectural fortress whose glory and purpose was lost when it became inaccessible due to floods.
A changed river’s course after heavy floods turned a maginificent castle into an ornamental building since it could no longer serve its original purpose.
Even though the castle was originally built for defense purposes, due to unfortunate events it failed to meet its goals.
was built with a triangular shape with its base towards the sea.
Its main purpose was to guard the city from the coast inversion but it also served custom officials well as they could control ships with ease.
It was simple therefore to collect revenues for the Vatican in this manner.
The great Giulio II castle,
like most ancient buildings, has numerous art representation in its entire structuring.
For the love of art
Everything in here is a representation of Pope Julius the second whose greatest love was arts.
The castle was inspired by him and everything that was a representation of what he loved.
Visiting this ancient castle will give you an opportunity to feed your eyes with some of the most magnificent frescos in the whole world.
Most of the paintings were done by the greatest and most talented artists in the Peruzzi school.
It is here that you will find restored painting of the trials of Hercules and Cameo of the ancient Roman emperors.
Although only partially revealed, this is a chance to get a sneak preview of what things were back then.
It is therefore no strain as to why you must visit the great castle in Ostia.
Art lovers looking for inspiration need no convincing to get themselves to this place.
Apart from artists, archeologists also have a reason to visit Ostia.
The well preserved memoirs are a rich source of information for ancient study experts and collectors.
There is a lot to pick from this town starting with unique architectural designs.
Furthermore, this is one area that has not been fully commercialized or modernized hence the much needed tranquility and peace can be found here.
This is espeially if you are tired of the fast paced life of the rest of Italy.
You can always retreat to this part of the country and enjoy an ice cream, walk the coast and enjoy a few exhibitions.
You can also relax with a loved one away from the hustles of town life.
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