Begin at Porta Romana, with the necropolis immediately outside the ancient city. From here, the Decumanus Maximus leads west through the site and forms the main spine for reaching the major public buildings.
Get familiar with Ostia Antica before you arrive
Ostia Antica is spread across a large archaeological site, with ancient streets connecting theatres, baths, temples, residential buildings, and the museum. Use the map to understand the layout, plan your route, group nearby ruins, and avoid unnecessary backtracking during your visit.
Ostia Antica Map
Navigate Ostia Antica by area
Ostia Antica follows a network of ancient streets rather than a single visitor route. Use the map to understand how the entrance, main road, theatre district, Forum, residential quarters, and museum connect before you start walking.
Porta Romana & Decumanus
Theatre district
Follow the Decumanus toward the Roman Theatre and Piazzale delle Corporazioni. The two sit together in Ostia’s theatre district, making this an easy area to explore as one stop rather than doubling back.
Baths of Neptune
The Baths of Neptune lie just off the Decumanus, making them a natural stop before continuing toward the Forum. Follow the side streets shown on the map rather than retracing your steps along the main road.
Forum & central area
Continue toward the Forum, where the Decumanus and Cardo meet. The Capitolium, Basilica, Temple of Roma and Augustus, and Baths of the Forum cluster around this civic centre, so this is one of the map’s key orientation points.
Diana & residential quarter
Use the streets around Via di Diana to reach the House of Diana, Thermopolium and nearby multi-storey buildings. This quieter section shows how homes, shops and food businesses fitted into Ostia’s working neighbourhoods.
Facilities & visitor services
Ostia Antica is a large open-air archaeological site, so use the map to locate essential visitor facilities before setting out and avoid returning to the entrance unnecessarily.
Toilets & visitor facilities
Toilets and basic visitor facilities are available around the entrance area. Because the archaeological park is extensive, it is worth using the facilities before heading deeper into the ruins.
Bookshop & information
The entrance area has visitor information and a bookshop, useful for picking up maps, publications, and additional context before exploring the archaeological site.
Accessibility & mobility
Some areas have more manageable routes for visitors with mobility needs, but much of Ostia Antica retains uneven ancient paving, gravel, and other archaeological surfaces. Check the accessible options before choosing your route.
Tips for your visit to Ostia Antica
Use the map to build a route around the Decumanus Maximus, rather than trying to cover every corner of the archaeological park.
- Start early: Much of the site is outdoors and the visit can be physically demanding, particularly in warmer months. Earlier hours mean cooler conditions and more comfortable walking.
- Follow the main route first: Begin at Porta Romana and follow the Decumanus Maximus toward the theatre, Baths of Neptune and Forum before exploring the side streets.
- Wear proper shoes: Ancient paving, uneven surfaces, level changes and trip hazards are part of the site. Comfortable, supportive footwear is recommended.
- Leave time for the quieter quarters: Once you've covered the main landmarks, use the map to branch into residential and commercial areas such as the House of Diana and Thermopolium.
- Check mosaics before your visit: Some delicate mosaics are seasonally covered for conservation, particularly from December onwards, so don't plan your entire route around one specific mosaic.
- Stay on designated routes: Follow marked visitor paths and staff instructions; areas can be temporarily closed or routes changed for restoration, excavation or safety reasons.
- Plan your museum stop: Keep the Museo Ostiense in your itinerary rather than assuming you can visit it at the very end; its opening hours can differ from the archaeological area.
- If bringing a dog: Dogs are allowed in the outdoor archaeological area on a leash, but they aren't permitted inside enclosed spaces such as decorated houses.
