Via Aurelia (SS 1) is a trunk road in Rome. It partially follows the route of ancient Rome homonymous consular road built during the 3rd century by order of Consul Gaio Aurelio Cotta with the aim of connecting Rome with Cerveteri. Once defeated the Etruscans, some years after its inauguration, the road was extended till Genova, passing by many Roman colonies. The first stretch was in fact double: Aurelia vetus and Aurelia nova, which intersect close to Val Canuta.

Nowadays Via Aurelia is an important road connecting Rome with France stretching along Mar Tirreno and Mar Ligure coasts. Ancient Via Aurelia route intersects various parts of Rome, like Ponte Rotto, Porta Aurelia, Gianicolo, Trajan’s aqueduct, Basilica di San Pancrazio, San Pietro and Villa Doria Pamphili. Current Via Aurelia begins at Porta San Pancrazio in Gianicolo, partially following ancient Aurelia.

Porta San Pancrazio is a gate in Aurelian Walls on Gianicolo hill, whose appearance is today quite modern because of 18th century rebuilding. The closely located Basilica di San Pancrazio was built upon two catacombs (that can still be visited) and is a remarkable exemplar dating back to the first centuries of Christianity. Via Aurelia takes up its name of SS1 from Largo Tommaso Perassi onwards, where the road intersects the route of Aurelia vetus. The road becomes here a dual carriageway with four lanes, until it cuts across the Grande Raccordo Anulare; thereafter it goes on towards the sea.

You can reach Via Aurelia taking the homonymous exit of the G.R.A., in the west of Rome, and heading towards the city centre.