ostia antia
 

what is ostia antia? i am guessing that it is also the remains of a city and only 30 minutes by train from rome? is it worthwhile and how does it compare to pompeii?

Hi Tidy - You can find all you could want to know about Ostia Antica on:

http://www.ostia-antica.org/

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Ostia Antica is absolutely worthwhile.
It is much larger than we expected, there is also a nice museum, and a restaurant ( indoor and outdoor)
One metro ticket will take you there although you have to change to a commuter train.
Pick a nice day - it is all outside, and wear comfortable shoes.
I have not been to Pompei so cannot compare.

Our family really enjoyed Ostia Antica. It's similar to Pompeii because it gives a good view of what Roman life was like.

Unlike Pompeii, Ostia Antica went out with a whimper rather than a bang. The river changed course, a new port city grew up and Ostia Antica was gradually abandoned.

If I had to choose between the two, I'd take Pompeii/Herculaneum. If you don't want to add time to get down through Naples, Ostia Antica is a good alternative. I probably wouldn't plan both in one trip.

I enjoyed both Pompeii and Ostia Antica (separate trips). My kids, however, were bored to tears (mine) at Ostia Antica. Hot day, lots of walking, lots of brick ruins and a few more floor mosaics.

They had already had their fill of ancient Roman life earlier in the trip at the Forum/colosseum. There's only so many ruins one can see before getting enough.

I myself preferred Pompeii.