The Appian Way

the journey of a lifetime

The Appian Way

They say all roads lead to Rome… but some are more important than others

A trip along the road that made Europe

Discover another side to Italy

Beyond the beaten track…

Along 350 miles from Rome to Brindisi, the Appian Way rose from its humble beginnings as a military track to become the engine that transformed Ancient Rome into the greatest empire Europe had ever seen.

Two thousand years later, with the continent in the process of another seismic shift, David Hewson travels its route in the footsteps of the ordinary and extraordinary people who trod its path.

From the gladiator rebel Spartacus to the marauding general Hannibal, via emperors, martyrs and politicians, he uncovers the stories of war, intrigue and ambition buried beneath its cobblestones.

Whether you love history, travel, Italy or all three, The Appian Way is a vivid, personal and fascinating exploration of an ancient journey that has never been more relevant.

With years of experience in the industry, our company has established a strong reputation for excellence and reliability. We have a proven track record of delivering outstanding results and have helped countless individuals achieve their dreams. Our commitment to continuous learning and innovation ensures that we stay ahead of the curve and provide the best solutions for our clients. Choose our company and let us be your partner in success.

You can go behind the scenes of the book with two exclusive web features created from David’s travels and photographs. A Google Earth project will take you along the route of the Via Appia from Rome to Brindisi.

On mobile devices you may be prompted to download the free Google Earth app to view the route more easily.

Take a closer look at the locations through the photo gallery on the right, all from David’s photos collected on location and through trips to Italy over the years.

The Temple of Giove Anxur, Terracina
Cryptoporticus
Villa of Tiberius, Sperlonga
The emperor’s fish ponds are still there, and still full of fat fish.
Minturnae
Important site on the Via Appia used by the nearby port.
Amphitheatre, Minturnae
Like many road towns, Minturnae offered travellers all the facilities.
Ruins, Terracina
Ruins, Terracina
Terracina centre
The Via Appia is the cobbled lane on the right.
Benevento museum
Lions on duty
View from the Temple of Giove Anxur, Terracina
That green diagonal line to the right is the route of the Via Appia and its accompanying canal, once travelled by the poet Horace who wrote about it too.
Via Appia, Minturnae
Minturnae. This was once the busy main street, with shops, market, baths and temples.
The Mausoleum of Augustus, Rome
The burial place of Rome’s first true emperor is now a ruin awaiting reopening.
The Roman Curia
A reconstruction of the original meeting place of the Senate. Somewhere near here, in an earlier building, Appius was elected censor and embarked upon building the Appian Way.
Terracina
The Appia running through the heart of today’s town.
Rome, Casale Della Vaccareccia
In the remote Caffarella Park near the Appian Way, just outside Rome, this farmhouse keeps a flock of sheep and sells cheese to passing walkers.
The Forum, Rome
The arch of Septimius Severus and behind the Curia.
Head of Constantine, Capitoline Museum, Rome
This huge statue of the emperor who made Rome Christian once stood in a temple erected by the man he defeated, Maxentius.
The tomb of Caecilia Metalla, Rome
Inside what was once the tomb of a Roman noblewoman, later a fortress.
The Circus of Maxentius, Rome
Maxentius built this as a palatial home for his family along the Appian Way. The shape of the race course there is still visible.
The Via Latina, Rome
This stretch of an older road than the Appian probably looks more like the original than the Appian these days.
The tomb of Caecilia Metalla
Inside the actual tomb, a massive barrel-like structure on the Appian Way.
The Appian Way outside Rome
The restored stretch of road just outside the city, the barrel-like structure of the tomb of Caecilia Metella on the left.
Porta San Sebastiano, Rome
The original gate in the walls at the Appian Way is now a museum with excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Signpost, Caffarella
Signs like this all over Italy make research notes easy.
Caffarella park, the Alban Hills in the distance
The huge park is a rural paradise a short bus journey from Rome.
Church of Saint Urbano, Caffarella
A ruined church in the Caffarella park modelled on a previous Roman temple on the site.
Caffarella Park, Rome
Farmer taking his flock to pasture in Caffarella.
Forum, Rome
Remains of the altar of Caesar where the dictator was cremated after his assassination.
The altar of Caesar
People still lay flowers and throw coins on the site of Caesar’s cremation.
Cavern of Tiberius, Sperlonga
This recent find was part of the emperor’s pleasure palace on the coast.
Military sarcophagus, Rome
Generals liked to boast of their triumphs in death as in life.
Nemi, Alban Hills
The historic village of Nemi is known for its connections with Caligula and as a place where wild strawberries are grown. The local aperitif, made with the strawberries, is delicious.
Eros and Psyche, Mithraeum, Capua
Figures found in the subterranean mithraeum in what was once one of the most important cities in Italy.
The arena, Santa Maria Capua Vetere
View from inside.
Arena, Santa Maria Capua Vetere
View of ruins
Ponte Leproso, Benevento
This was where the Via Appia entered the city after the Romans defeated the Samnites in the campaign that caused its construction.
The Arch of Trajan, Benevento
The Appian Way divided at this point after Trajan built a new branch down the coast by modern Bari.
Arena, Santa Maria Capua Vetere
It was from here that Spartacus broke free and began a revolt that shook Italy. Today’s ruins post-date the arena from that time.
Seafront, Formia, Gaeta in the distance
Cicero lived close to here and was murdered there on the orders of Augustus and Marc Antony. A mausoleum to him stands nearby on the Via Appia.
Breakfast with Horace, Venosa
‘Orazio’ is everywhere in his home town in Basilicata, a wonderful spot well off the beaten tourist track.
Venosa, night
Once an important road town on the Via Appia, Venosa is now a sleepy rural spot.
Taranto fish restaurant
Choose your fish and they cook it.
Underground, Taranto
An ipogeo in the Old Town.
Pizza, Taranto Old Town
Modern Taranto is beset by problems, unemployment and pollution among them. But people still know how to eat well.
Amphorae, museum, Brindisi
Brundisium, at the end of the Via Appia, was a busy port for the Romans.
San Giovanni al Sepolcro, Brindisi
Beautiful circular church built by warriors leaving for the Holy Land.
Lake Nemi, Alban Hills
Revered as a mystical spot in pre-Roman times, Nemi was the site of Caligula’s pleasure boats.