Author: Rick Steves
Quotes of Author: Rick Steves
To return to central Rome, it's another two miles north along a busy stretch of road, not recommended on foot or bike. Instead, catch bus #118 from the bus stop about 75 yards past Domine Quo Vadis Church {across from the TI}. Bus #118 makes several interesting stops {see below} on its way to the Piramide Metro stop. {Note that another bus, the #218, also goes from here to San Giovanni in Laterano.} For those with more energy, there's more to see, especially if you're renting a bike and want to just get away from it all. Other Sights on or near the Appian Way Consider these diversions if you have the time and interest. More of the Appian Way: Heading south {away from downtown Rome}, past the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, you'll find the best-preserved part of the Appian Way-quieter, less touristed, and lined with cypresses, pines, and crumbling tombs. It's all downhill after the first few hundred yards. On a bike, you'll travel over lots of rough paving stones {or dirt sidewalks} for about 30 minutes to reach a big pyramid-shaped ruin on its tiny base, and then five minutes more to the back side of the Villa dei Quintili. book-quoteTo cap off your Trastevere stroll with one more sight, consider visiting Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance villa decorated by Raphael . To get there, face the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and leave the piazza by walking along the right side of the church, following Via della Paglia to Piazza di S. Egidio. Exit the piazza near the church and you'll be on Via della Scala. Follow through the Porta Settimiana, where it changes names to Via della Lungara. On your right, you'll pass John Cabot University. Look for a white arch that reads Accademia dei Lincei. The villa is through this gate at #230. If you're in the mood to extend this walk, head to the river, cross the pedestrian bridge, Ponte Sisto, and make your way to Campo de' Fiori, where the Heart of Rome Walk begins. book-quote
