Appia Day 2026 cultural celebrations

The Appia Day 2026 celebrations consist of a series of cultural, environmental, and sporting initiatives organized along the terminal stretches of the Appia Claudia and Appia Traiana. These events follow the second anniversary of the Via Appia being named a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Brindisi, organized by Aps Brindisi e le Antiche Strade, activities scheduled from October 1 to 4 aim to highlight the historical route within the modern city. The program includes the ‘Viver sano sulla via Appia’ tasting event on October 1, held with SlowFood Brindisi and Appia Wine Road, and the historical conference ‘L’Appia… sui passi della storia’ on October 2, featuring specialists in architectural restoration. The tenth edition of Appia Day, spanning over 600 kilometers from Rome to Brindisi, focuses on culture, environment, and sustainable mobility. In Rome, for the first time, Roma Capitale serves as the lead institution, offering free access to archaeological sites such as the Tomb of the Scipios, the Church of Sant’Urbano alla Caffarella, and the Casina del Cardinal Bessarione. To encourage exploration, initiatives include free bicycle loans and golf carts for individuals with reduced mobility. The celebration also extends to other regions, including Formia and the Monti Aurunci Natural Park. In Ariccia, the Archeoclub Aricino Nemorense is organizing a guided trek along the sixteenth mile of the Appia, connecting landmarks like the Bernini Complex and the Locanda Martorelli. Other scheduled activities include guided tours of the Crypt of San Biagio and the Muro Tenente area, as well as a “relic hunt” for children in Oria. In Campania, a collaboration between the Regional Directorate of National Museums and the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the provinces of Caserta and Benevento has organized 37 activities across 21 municipalities. Following these events, the project ‘L’Appia Antica.