The tyres on the bikes are checked and the boat is locked upWe set off on the bikes to ride to the ancient site of Ostia Antica which was reasonably close to where we were stayingAfter leaving the marina, crossing the bridge we had to get on the highway to get to the ancient site, which ended up being a harrowing experience with the speedy Italian drivers !!!Opposite the entrance to the ancient site is the Castle of Julius 11The graffitied Entrance to the ancient site of Ostia AnticaThe first thing you notice at the site is the very long, shiny, well worn basalt rock cobbled streetsThe conditions of the mosaic floors of the ancient buildings are outstanding for their age
The mosaic floor decoration of the Baths of NeptuneRic checking out the book on Ostia Antica
The Theatre at Ostia Antica was built at the end of the 1st Century BC
The Piazzale delle Corporazioni opposite the theatre
We visit the Museum which was nicely airconditionedThere were many statues on display from the site including this one from the Late- Hellenistic period35 large 26 litre terracotta jars set in the ground for storing solid and liquid foods such as oil and wine, were found in the Caseggiato dei DoliThe back of the Capitolium
The Caseggiato of the Thermopolium which had 3 entrances to one of the taverns in the townThe fountain still stands in the Thermopolium’ outside courtyardIt was interesting seeing a bird sitting in the old fountain
The House of Diana which dates back to around 2nd century ADThe Capitolium
The external portico of the theatre
After spending a few hours walking around the huge ancient site we set off for our ride back to the marinaGlimpses of the ancient site from the roadBack on the highway with the fast cars!!Taken from the bridge looking up the riverWe arrive back at the marina passing the hotel by the quayEvening on the River Tiber
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