Upon crossing the gate, un aura of peacefulness replaces the customary sounds of the “Regina Viarum” (the Queen Road) : the Appian Way .
Your gaze instantly travels from the buildings to the wide open spaces, from the Cavata River to the stone-pavement of the ancient Roman road, from the Foro Appio square close to the Manor House to the “Casarillo di Santa Maria” chapel.
The dwellings have maintained their original usage, the old inn praised by Orazio, the chapel, the square, the function hall. Each room is furnished with original pieces of antique furniture offering our guests the latest comforts.
In the recent renovations carried out by designer Maurizio Galante, the old merges with the new creating a renewed balance. The grand iron stairway pirouettes around an ancient column, the fabric lamps pervade the cross vaults of the main entrance with their shadows.
For centuries, various circumstances which limited the expansion of this location, were crucial in keeping Foro Appio’s unique architectural structure intact, from an old and important horse-changing post, it was re-allocated by the architect Giuseppe Valadier into an inn, providing overnight stays along the Appian Way to wayfarers undertaking the Grand Tour.

It’s origins are connected to the Via Appia’s history, the “Regina Viarum” built in 312 BC by the censor Appius Claudius to ensure quick and direct communication between Rome and Capua. Founded as a forum ( in ancient Rome: a public place where meetings were held and important public issues discussed) in time, due to the introduction and enforcement of the latifundium which damaged smallholders, and thanks to its strategic position, only two days travel from Rome, it became a very important Mansio (a way station with the possibility of accomodation and services to travellers). In the past, Foro Appio was both spectator and participant to the passage of great figures of history. The poet Orazio mentions Foro Appio in his V Satire describing the feeling of unity and friendship one felt when wayfarers travelling through the Pontina lowland, at the time still marshland, stopped there to rest.

The Sacred Scriptures give us an account of the meeting between Saint Paul and the Christian community which occurred precisely at Foro Appio (Act Ap.XXXVIII). The enchantment of Foro Appio was subsequently felt by Valadier, skilled architect to Pope Braschi (Pio the 6^th), who expands the original building and transforms it into a magnificent dwelling composed of three floors featuring eaves, mouldings and string courses of exquisite workmanship. Centuries of history, dramatic events and temporary revivals have accompanied Foro Appio to today, giving us a modern chapter of ancient history.