It is literally true, that ‘allroads lead to Rome’; to this day every main entry/exit road to Rome carries itsoriginal ancient Roman name and the most famous and important of these was theVia Appia Antica. Not only was it one of the most important trade routes but italso housed some of the most important early Christian sites, the Catacombs,the underground burial cemeteries of the first Christians. Many feature veryearly frescoes and sculpture. From here, head to the ancient church of SantaMaria Maggiore, one of the four basilicas of Rome and one which has been in constant use since the 5thcentury. The mosaics are stunning and the whole church, one of the mostimportant in Rome, merits a visit. Finally, a ‘must’, a visit to the church ofSt Peter in chains, to see Michelangelo’s famous Moses, commissioned by hispatron, Pope Julius II.
