Rome's legendary Appian Way, one of antiquity’s most iconic roads, is enjoying a modern-day renaissance. Following its recent addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the 2,300-year-old \"Queen of Roads\" is drawing curious travelers and history buffs eager to walk its storied cobblestones. 🏛️🛣️
Dubbed the \"UNESCO effect,\" the designation often sparks global curiosity—and locals say the buzz is real. \"Suddenly, everyone wants to see the Appian Way like it’s *the* TikTok trend of the summer,\" shared tour guide Marco Rossi, laughing. 📱✨
Built in 312 BCE, the road once connected Rome to southern Italy, serving as a lifeline for trade, armies, and culture. Today, visitors bike past ancient tombs and pine-lined paths, soaking in history that feels *alive*. Reporter Giles Gibson noted, \"It’s like stepping into a gladiator film—but with better Instagram backdrops.\" 📸
While UNESCO status aims to preserve heritage sites, some wonder: Will fame protect the Appian Way or strain it? Experts emphasize balancing tourism with conservation. For now, though, this ancient marvel is rewriting its legacy—one awe-struck visitor at a time. 🌟
