An old warehouse in the ancient Roman port city, Ostia Antica.

By Diane Vadino

If you're not making the four-hour train trip south to Pompeii, a visit to the ruins of Ostia Antica is a good alternative. Ostia Antica is an ancient city that was at the mouth of the Tiber in its heyday as a Roman seaport 1,800 years ago. Time and river sediments buried the city site and it is no longer on the coast. Ostia Antica was excavated in the 20th century, revealing warehouses, apartment dwellings, baths and a mill. Modern additions to the site include a museum displaying Roman sculptures, a cafeteria and a gift shop. Of particular note are the well-preserved artworks: beautiful mosaics of elephants and angels, and frescoes advertising wares for sale. Ostia Antica is only a 45-minute train/metro ride from Rome and it's worth a day trip.

Go to Rome City Guide.