Great news for Italy and the cultural heritage of Lazio! The ancient Via Appia has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Route is an extraordinary archaeological and architectural heritage of inestimable value, embracing history, art, and nature. Its amazing beauty has inspired writers, painters, poets, and travellers of all times. Today, the Regina Viarum finally belongs to all Humanity and will continue to shine in the eyes and souls of the present and next generations.
The long recognition process carried out by the World Heritage Committee, was started by the Italian Ministry of Culture with the involvement of the four regions Lazio, Campania, Puglia and Basilicata, thirteen metropolitan cities and provinces, seventy-three municipalities, fourteen park authorities, twenty-five universities and the “Pontificia Commissione d’Archeologia Sacra”. The ancient Consular Road, the important communication route towards the Eastern World built by Appius Claudius in 312 B.C., ended in Capua (today’s Santa Maria Capua Vetere). Later, it was extended to Benevento, Venosa, Taranto, and finally to Brindisi, the most important port from where the ships set sail towards Greece and the Eastern countries. A grandiose itinerary that, enriched by the variant requested by Traiano, allowed travellers to reach Brindisi from Rome in 13-14 days, covering a stretch of almost 540 km.
The recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is crucial for the protection and enhancement of the precious Via Appia, which preserves remains of magnificent imperial villas and aqueducts.
Parco dell’Appia Antica