Italy Trip 2024 - Via Appia
Today we had occasion to visit the American Embassy in Rome - they were incredibly friendly and helpful while at the same time a little frighteningly formal. All is well! Thank you US Consulate!
We were able to explore the part of the via Appia near Rome today. The Roman mile stone for the 1 mile marker of the Via Appia has an ancient copy built into a wall right next to the road with inscriptions from Emperors Vespasian and Nerva. We are getting a little obsessed with mile markers and so disappointed that the zero mile marker in the forum was behind restoration tarps.
The Via Appia dates from the late 300’s BC. Where these sights are, the road is a terrifyingly narrow speedway of cars/buses/scooters/motorbikes/bicycles/lorries all in a BIG hurry and a sidewalk not wide enough for two tennis shoes. Further out it becomes more of a bike and pedestrian path. But there are still some estates on the via Appia with permission to drive on it.
We stopped at a little church on the Via Appia in the general 1 mile area called The Church of Domine Quo Vadis. The rather suspect sounding story is that Jesus appeared at this spot to Peter and asked him “where are you going?” Causing Peter to turn back to Rome and continue his journey toward martyrdom. The church has what they claim to be Christ’s footprints in marble. Hmmm.
One last dinner in Rome - early so that we can catch an early train to Pozzuoli (the port where Paul landed in Italy). Good night and God bless. PB, Margery and Jacob
Via Appia just outside of Rome
