Museo della via Ostiense

The Museo della via Ostiense sits within the Aurelian walls at Porta San Paolo and displays artifacts found along the ancient road to Ostia. The rooms contain mosaics, wall paintings, and burial objects that illustrate Roman daily life and funeral customs.

The collection was established in 1954 inside a gate from the third century that was part of Rome's ancient defense system. The building houses finds from tombs in the nearby basilica, bringing together archaeological discoveries made over several decades.

The collection displays imperial portraits, sarcophagi, and everyday objects that reflect the lives of people along the ancient trade route to Ostia. These items tell stories of the craftspeople, merchants, and families who inhabited this area.

The museum sits near Piramide metro station and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should check opening times in advance to ensure they arrive at the right moment, and the building is accessible for wheelchair users.

An eastern tower holds frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries that came from a Byzantine chapel in Rome, showing an often-overlooked layer of city history. These wall paintings are a rare record of eastern Christian communities in the city.

Location: Rome

Official opening: 1954

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Ministero dei beni e delle attività culturali e del turismo, Soprintendenza Speciale per il Colosseo, il MNR e l'Area Archeologica di Roma

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-13:30

Phone: +39065743193

Email: ss-ba-rm.museoviaostiense@beniculturali.it

Website: http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/musei/museo-ostiense-porta-spaolo

GPS coordinates: 41.87672,12.48145

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25