Page 275 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

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large warehouses in which grain
was stored before it was
shipped on to Rome.
The Decumanus leads to the
Forum and the city’s principal
temple, erected by Hadrian
in the 2nd century AD and
dedicated to Jove, Juno, and
Minerva. In this rather romantic,
lonely spot, it is hard to imagine
the Forum as a bustling center,
where justice was dispensed
and officials met to discuss the
city’s affairs. In the 18th century Floor mosaic in Ostia of a sea lion monster
apartments in blocks three or such as the House of the
four stories high, known Dioscuri, which has fine
as insulae. These varied mosaics, and the House of
considerably in their Cupid and Psyche, named
comfort and decoration. after a statue there. This is now
The House of Diana in the site’s Museo Ostiense,
was one of the smarter near the Forum, along with
ones, with a balcony other sculptures and reliefs
around the second floor, found in Ostia.
a private bathhouse and a Among the houses and
central courtyard with stores, other fascinating
a cistern where tenants buildings include a laundry
came to collect their and the firemen’s barracks.
water. Around the ground The religions practised in
floor of the block were Ostia reflect the cosmopolitan
stores, taverns, and nature of the port. There are
bars selling snacks also no fewer than 18 temples
Sculpture of Cupid and Psyche and drinks. In the dedicated to the Persian
kissing at Ostia bar at the House of Diana you god Mithras, as well as a
can see the marble counter used Jewish synagogue dating
it was used as a sheepfold. by customers buying their from the 1st century AD and
Away from the main street are sausages and hot wine a Christian basilica.
the buildings where Ostia’s sweetened with honey. A plaque records the death
inhabitants lived. The great For the wealthy there of St. Augustine’s mother in a
majority were housed in rented were detached houses (domus) hotel here in AD 387.

Also Worth Seeing cities. Necropolis with complete Subiaco @ from Ponte
streets and houses. Mammolo, on Metro line B
Anagni V from Termini (c.60 (bus c.80 min).
min), then local bus (infrequent) Nemi @ from Anagnina, on Metro Birthplace of St. Benedict.
or long walk. line A (bus c.90 min); may need to Two monasteries to visit.
Picturesque hill-town with papal change at Genzano.
palace and famous cathedral Charming village at volcanic lake Tarquinia V from Termini or
featuring well-preserved frescoes. in the Castelli Romani. Famous for Ostiense plus local bus (c.100 min).
Bracciano V from Ostiense its wine and strawberries. @ from Lepanto, on Metro line A.
Change at Civitavecchia (c.150 min).
(c.70 min). @ from Saxa Rubra, Palestrina @ from Anagnina, Outstanding collection of
reached by train from Roma Nord on Metro line A (bus c.60 min). Etruscan objects and frescoes
(then bus, c.90 min). Impressive Roman sanctuary to
Volcanic lake with villages and goddess Fortuna. Museum and from Tarquinia’s necropolis.
wooded hills. Nice for walks or a the Mosaic of the Nile. Viterbo V from Ostiense
visit to Orsini Castle. Swimming Pompeii V from Termini to Naples, (c.115 min) or train from Roma
in summer. Nord, Piazzale Flaminio, on Metro
then change to local train (c.130 min).
Cerveteri V from Termini or @ Special tours from tourist agents. line A (c.150 min). @ from Saxa
Ostiense to Ladispoli-Cerveteri, Excavations of the wealthy and Rubra reached by the train above
then local bus (c.70 min). bustling Roman city where the (then bus, c.90 min).
@ from Cornelia, on Metro line A busy daily life was put to a Medieval quarter, papal palace
(bus c.80 min). sudden end by the eruption of and archaeological museum
One of the greatest Etruscan Vesuvius in AD 79. within 13th-century walls.

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