Appia Antica Caffè

A café on the Via Appia itself

Appia Antica Caffè is a café with a garden at number 175 Via Appia Antica, inside the regional park that protects the old Roman road. According to its website, where the premises now stand there was probably a posting house from the time the Appia was built, in 312 BC. The website talks about its team but does not say who runs the business or since when it has been open.

As well as a bar and restaurant, it is one of the bicycle hire points on the most visited stretch of the Appia, the one that passes the catacombs and the mausoleums, and serves as a base for guided tours by bike or on foot of the park.

Bikes and guided tours

Bicycle hire runs Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to sunset; it is closed on Mondays. The website does not detail bike types, whether there are electric ones or child seats, or whether they ask for a deposit or ID; it is worth asking when you book. For school groups it has two formulas: a bike with a basket for lunch during the ride, or a bike with a stop in the garden for lunch or an ice cream, with special prices.

The guided tours of the park are led by guides in several languages, by bicycle or on foot, with special rates for schools and groups. The website does not publish the length, price or meeting point of each tour; the details of what we list are in the offers on this page.

Eating in the garden

The garden is large and shaded by pines, with tables for breakfast, lunch or a drink. In the morning there is coffee, cappuccinos and croissants; at midday, sandwiches, baked first courses, cold pasta, salads, boards of Lazio cheeses and cured meats, cakes and ice cream; in the afternoon, an aperitivo with craft beer, spritz and a short wine list. They have gluten-free and lactose-free products, especially sweet ones, and takeaway food, which is handy for a picnic on the route. It also organises parties and events with vegan and vegetarian options, and in summer and on Appia Day it schedules live music under the pines.

Getting there

• Bus 660, from the Arco di Travertino metro stop (line A), to the stop opposite the café.
• Bus 118, from Piazza Venezia, to the Appia Pignatelli/Almone stop, about 200 m away.
• Bus 765, from Arco di Travertino to Via di Tor Carbone, and then about 2 km on foot.

It has its own car park. From the café, the stretch of road with the great mausoleums lies to the south, and is the one best toured by bike.

Bookings and contact

Bikes are booked using the button on the website; for events, groups and information, by phone (375 504 6930 or 06 8987 9575), by email ([email protected]) or with the contact form. The website, in Italian and English, does not publish a cancellation policy.