It becomes Italy’s 60th entry on the list after a successful bid prepared by the culture ministry, the first handled directly by it.
At over 800 kilometres long, the Appian Way (Via Appia), also known as the Queen of Roads (Regina Viarum), is the oldest and most important of the great roads built by the Ancient Romans.
“Constructed and developed from 312 BCE to the 4th century CE, it was originally conceived as a strategic road for military conquest, advancing towards the East and Asia Minor,” UNESCO said.
“The Via Appia later enabled the cities it connected to grow, and new settlements emerged, facilitating agricultural production and trade.
“[The road] composed of 22 component parts [and] is a fully developed ensemble of engineering works, illustrating the advanced technical skill of Roman engineers.
“[It shows their level of expertise] in the construction of roads, civil engineering projects, infrastructure and sweeping land reclamation works.
“[Along the road is also] a vast series of monumental structures including, for example, triumphal arches, baths, amphitheatres, basilicas, aqueducts, canals, bridges and public fountains.”
ANSA
