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We often say that all roads lead to Rome. The Via Appia used to be the most important of these roads. It is still there, partially.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand properties. They have outstanding universal value and are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Official facts
- Official title: Via Appia. Regina Viarum
- Country: Italy
- Date of Inscription: 2024
- Category: Cultural
UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 1708:
More than 800 kilometres long, the Via Appia is the oldest and most important of the great roads built by the Ancient Romans. Constructed and developed from 312 BCE to the 4th century CE, it was originally conceived as a strategic road for military conquest, advancing towards the East and Asia Minor. The Via Appia later enabled the cities it connected to grow and new settlements emerged, facilitating agricultural production and trade. This property, composed of 19 component parts, is a fully developed ensemble of engineering works, illustrating the advanced technical skill of Roman engineers in the construction of roads, civil engineering projects, infrastructure and sweeping land reclamation works, as well as a vast series of monumental structures including, for example, triumphal arches, baths, amphitheatres and basilicas, aqueducts, canals, bridges, and public fountains.
My visit
Oh my, sometimes UNESCO’s heritage sites just pop out of nowhere, like on those annual committee meetings deciding on which nominations they will acknowledge this particular year. In 2024 the committee decided on Via Appia. First, one may wonder why they did not include this old marvel before? Second, there are so many European and indeed Roman properties on the List – so, are there actually room for more?
In this case, definitely. Roman engineers were incredibly skilled, and we find remains of their skills almost everywhere in Europe. The road system was an important reason why the Romans were able to not only conquer but also to manage a large part of the world for centuries.
This world heritage site consists of 19 parts, from Rome to the south of Italy. The official subtitle “Regina Viarum” means the Queen of Roads. My visit was to one of the sections, many decades ago. This time lag explains my surprise as to why it took so long to recognise the Via Appia as a world heritage site. In addition it explains why I had a problem finding an illustration for this article. But I did – much to my relief.
The featured image above is from a road by the name of Via Appia Antico to the south of Rome. We arrived there to have a look into the San Callisto catacombs, in itself an important heritage site in my opinion. At the time, this was way back in 1991, I did not shoot many pictures because of the cost of doing so. Nonetheless, here is one and I’m happy now that I did manage to save it on film and later to digitise it.
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