Known as the Regina Viarum, or the Queen of Roads, the Via Appia is one of ancient Rome’s oldest and most important roads, stretching from the capital to the port city of Brindisi.

Constructed in 312 BC, the Via Appia was a marvel of Roman engineering, facilitating military movements and trade, and playing a crucial role in the expansion of the Roman Empire. Until then, the only roads outside ancient Rome were Etruscan and went towards Etruria, which was a region of central Italy. Walking along this ancient road, you are literally following in the footsteps of history, with every stone telling a story of a bygone era.

Today, the first 10 miles (17 km) of the cobblestone path remains and is preserved within the Appia Antica archaeological park in the south of Rome. Popular with history buffs, walkers and cyclists, the perfectly intact road is flanked by what remains of ancient Roman aqueducts and villas. Beneath the path is a sprawling network of catacombs where Christian converts were buried.

The Via Appia’s addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores its significance as a cultural and historical treasure. This recognition honors its past and ensures its preservation for future generations to explore and appreciate.

UNESCO said the road illustrated “the advanced technical skill of Roman engineers in the construction of roads, civil-engineering projects, infrastructure and sweeping land-reclamation works, as well as a vast series of monumental structures including, for example, triumphal arches, baths, amphitheaters and basilicas, aqueducts, canals, bridges, and public fountains”.

Via Appia is the 60^th cultural heritage site in Italy to be added to the list, which includes the historic centers of Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Naples, as well as the five villages of the Cinque Terre and the cave city of Matera in Basilicata.

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The historic 5* Hotel boasts an impressive legacy dating back to the 16th Century. Originally built as a guest residence for a Roman noble family in the mid-16th century, Hotel d’Inghilterra has been welcoming travelers to the Eternal City for over 150 years. The completely renovated hotel combines contemporary details and bright colors with a timeless elegance characteristic of the aristocratic palace that houses it, just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. Over its long history, it has hosted legendary visitors, including Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck and Henry James.

Located in the heart of Rome’s fashion district, between Via Condotti and Via Frattina, Hotel D’Inghilterra is the perfect place to experience the magic of Italian style.  Stepping into the renovated hotel, guests will notice a redesigned reception area besides a new second reception located alongside a concierge desk, dedicated for VIP guests. Honoring the property’s history, the black floor with white inserts, covering almost the entire ground floor has remained untouched. Additionally, some antique pieces continue to enhance the library.

The ceiling cornices on the first and third floors have been restored to ensure they were exactly as they were “once upon a time.” Wallpapers on the first and third floors are all custom-made for Starhotels in three different colors. All textiles for the rooms are also designed custom-made. On the second floor, a restoration of the original design includes English wallpapers. Rooms and suites on the upper floors, restored during the previous renovation phase in 2023, include the Penthouse Suite with its 753-square-foot (70 qm) terrace overlooking the city and the Balcony Suites on the fifth floor.

The Cafè Romano Restaurant & Lounge Bar, an enduring favorite of artists, writers and movie stars, will be expanded with an additional indoor room for local guests. The restaurant will be connected to the lobby. A new outdoor seating area has been added in Via Borgognona, a pedestrian street dotted with boutiques, the perfect spot for a coffee break, a light lunch or an al fresco dinner. The Bar retains its original counter and wall paneling. A highlight of the renovation will be the new Terrazza Romana on the sixth floor. The rooftop bar will be open to locals as well.

When Hotel d’Inghilterra reopens in September, it will also offer a spa, providing guests with a range of treatments.

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