The Ancient Ruins of Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica
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Today we got a very early start to catch a train to the near-by city of Ostia Antica. By deciding to bypass a three hour train ride to Pompeii, we read that Ostia Antica was the next best thing. It turned out to be a perfect day trip for us! We left the hostel around 8am and took the metro to a regional train out to Ostia Antica--only about a 20 min train ride. The station at Ostia Antica was very small and quiet and we knew right away it would prove to be a relaxing day. We found the ruins of the city easily, as it was a five minute walk from the station. Getting there early in the morning, it seemed we had the entire ancient city to ourselves. For a city being founded in the fourth century BC, it was incredible to see all the ruins that were still intact--quite unbelievable!! We stopped at all main ruined sites and enjoyed them all to ourselves. It wasn't until we were heading out (around 1pm) that the tourists were starting to take over the place. Good planning on our part! We've just arrived back to the hostel for a short break and possibly a siesta and then it's back on the town for shopping, dinner, and we're most excited for a bar crawl! Ciao...

It was incredible to see all the ruins that were still intact!