President of the Province of Latina, Gerardo Stefanelli, describes the Appia Regina Viarum–Province of Latina project, which he created and coordinated to plan and manage the tourism development of the stretch of the Appian Way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between the Pontine Plain and the Garigliano River, southbound Rome, Italy. This project is debuting at the 27th Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange, scheduled in Paestum, southbound Naples, from October 30th to November 2nd, 2025.
The Province of Latina played a leading role in the process that led to this prestigious recognition, coordinating the thirteen municipalities located along the Appian Way to support the candidacy. «Thanks to the shared commitment with my fellow mayors», Stefanelli states, «we signed a memorandum of understanding that allowed us to gather documentation, propose initiatives, and coordinate all actions regarding the Pontine section. This governance model is still active and functioning today». The Appian Way, now recognized as a World Heritage Site, spans a vast territory, stretching from Brindisi to Rome, and therefore encompasses four regions, ten provinces, three metropolitan cities, 74 municipalities, as well as 14 national and regional parks and other institutions. The challenge, therefore, is to build a management body that must operate in two directions: on the one hand, protecting the historical and archaeological heritage, and on the other, enhancing the property for the cultural and economic growth of the community and for the sustainable development of the territories. «On May 29th in Rome, in the Spadolini Hall of the Ministry of Culture, a meeting was held with all the aforementioned stakeholders to discuss these issues, and the governance model of the Province of Latina was taken as an example and a path to follow. To summarize, I would say that the Province of Latina has carved out a leading role for itself».
Stefanelli is positive that the Latina’s stretch of the Appian Way must turn to be a meeting point between history, culture, tourism, and flavours, where each stop can speak through its landscapes, its people, and its excellencies.
The Province has segmented the UNESCO Appian Way route in the Pontine area, creating thematic itineraries — historical, cultural, cycling, and food and wine — connecting iconic places such as Cisterna, Latina, Norma, Sermoneta, Sezze, Pontinia, Terracina, Fondi, Itri, Formia, Gaeta, Monte San Biagio, and Minturno. Each stop will tell a story of this extraordinary heritage, with a fresh and contemporary perspective. The project includes a media plan with social media channels, a dedicated website, interactive maps, and promotional videos. All this demonstrates that the Province of Latina knows how to network, leveraging its roots to build the future. «The Appian Way is more than just an ancient Roman road: it is a symbol of connection, of encounter, of shared journeys», Stefanelli says, «and it is with this spirit that we present ourselves at the Paestum trade show: as a united community, proud of its history and ready to share it with the world».
Tourists on the Pontine stretch of the Appian Way come predominantly from Northern Europe and French-speaking markets (the latter also extending beyond Europe, starting with Canada).
The Appia Regina Viarum – Provincia di Latina brand was presented in September, accompanied by a soundtrack donated by American composer Ron Jones, at a beautiful concert held in the Roman theater of ancient Minturnae. «This is precisely why we have chosen to participate in the Paestum Archaeological Tourism Exchange, involving not only municipalities but also associations, schools, and private companies with a promotion that will focus on three main themes: archaeology, food and wine, and cycling tourism». The goal is to enhance the Appian Way as the guiding thread of a new, high-quality tourism and cultural product, an integrated territorial system that, starting from its extraordinary historical and archaeological resources, promotes places of excellence and distinctive traditions.
«This experience will be just the first of a long series that will continue throughout 2026 and will see both the Province and its Pontine section of the Appian Way playing a leading role», the President states.
