A Visit to Ostia Antica with a Dubble Bubblegum Film

Are you a history buff who’s always been fascinated by the ancient Roman Empire? If you’re tired of the crowds at the Colosseum, why not take a trip to Ostia Antica?

This hidden gem is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience life in ancient Rome. Get ready to step back in time and explore the ruins of this once-bustling city – you won’t be disappointed! This amazing place is like a time capsule, a whole city frozen from thousands of years ago. It’s less crowded than Rome, and you’ll get a natural feel for how regular Romans worked, lived, and played.

I was in Rome for the first time early in 2023 with my friends from Canal Alemanizando. They were my private guides for this trip since they spent some time in town a few years ago.

When we discussed different sights, a visit to Ostia Antica came up. After some research, it became clear that I needed to go there and see this abandoned Roman town, particularly after remembering that Maximus had his army camped at Ostia and was awaiting orders in the 2000 film Gladiator.

Are you a history buff who’s always been fascinated by the ancient Roman Empire? If you’re tired of the crowds at the Colosseum, why not take a trip to Ostia Antica?

What is Ostia Antica?

Ostia Antica used to be Rome’s main seaport. Ships from all over the Mediterranean would dock there, bringing food, treasures, and people from distant lands. Ostia developed initially as a naval base and was used during the first Punic War. Around the 2nd century BC, its role as a commercial port gradually became prevailing for grain imports to Rome.

The city was bustling with merchants, sailors, and ordinary folks going about their day. Then, around the 4th century AD, the port silted up due to some changes in the Tiber River structure. Now, it sits a few kilometers away from the sea. The city was slowly abandoned, especially after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and Rome’s decline as a city.

Exploring the Roman Ruins

The best thing about Ostia Antica is that it’s not just a few broken columns. It’s an archaeological site in a whole town! You can walk down Roman streets lined with houses, shops, and an amphitheater. As you walk around, it’s easy to catch yourself imagining the noise and smells that used to fill this place.

Here are some must-sees in this massive archaeological site:

The Baths of Neptune: We all know that Romans loved their baths! These are huge and decorated with colorful mosaics of sea creatures.
The Roman Forum was the city’s main square, like a buzzing marketplace.
The Thermopolium: Think of this as an ancient Roman fast-food joint if you can even imagine that!
The Piazzale delle Corporazioni: A square lined with the offices of different trades – shipbuilders, grain merchants, and more!
There are cats everywhere! And you know that this is a cat-friendly blog.

Capture the Nostalgia with Dubble Bubblegum Film

Want to make your Ostia Antica adventure even more unique? You should do as I did and bring along a roll of Dubble Bubblegum film! This remarkable analog film gives your photos dreamy pastel colors and a slightly vintage feel. The subtle pinks and blues from the film will perfectly match the ruins’ soft light and weathered textures.

During this trip to Rome and Ostia, I brought my Canon F-1 for the first time abroad. Using a professional camera to take my analog travel pictures was exciting. The fact that I had a couple of lenses with me made it even more thrilling.

Imagine snapping pictures of the ancient streets with a soft pink glow or capturing the intricate mosaics in a new light, as you can see in the images I shared here. Dubble Bubblegum film lets you add your creative touch to your Ostia Antica memories.

You can find it in most camera shops or online.

Why You Should Go to Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica offers something that the city of Rome can’t – a quieter, more immersive glimpse into the past. The option to add a nostalgic feel to your photos using Dubble Bubblegum film makes the experience even more remarkable!

Ostia Antica is not just another pile of ancient stones; it’s where you can feel the echoes of everyday Roman life. So, if you’re ready for an adventure off the beaten path, Ostia Antica is waiting for you!

Some Tips for Visiting Ostia Antica

Getting there is easy since you can take a train ride from central Rome – perfect for a day trip. I took my train from close to the Pyramid of Caius Cestius.
Bring some snacks and water with you. There’s a cafe, but packing some food means you can picnic among the ruins.

Get there early. Avoid midday crowds for the best experience. And remember that this place is massive, and you need time to see it all.
Learn a bit beforehand since reading about Roman history makes the visit much more fun!
Be prepared to walk! The archaeological site is extensive, so wear comfy shoes.