Street Art e Porto Fluviale
A street art tour in Ostia is a great idea to explore this maritime neighborhood of Rome in a fun and creative way. Ostia, like Ostiense, has seen a growing number of murals thanks to numerous artists who wanted to bring color and social meaning to the neighborhood’s streets. Choosing to visit by bike, scooter, Vespa or tuk-tuk allows you to cover greater distances and enjoy the works in the open air.
What you need to know about street art and the River Port
The Ostia Promenade is dotted with a number of murals and small works of street art that reflect the theme of the sea, environmental sustainability, and beach life. Here you can make a brief stop, perhaps for a photo with the sea in the background. This is a must-see stop. The Elsa Morante Cultural Center is decorated with street art works that often deal with social and cultural issues. Artists here have created works that reflect the life and symbolic characters of the city, offering an interesting reflection on local culture. Alice Pasquini, one of Italy’s best-known street art artists, has created several murals in Ostia, including the “Mural of Women.” This work celebrates women with portraits of female figures immersed in scenes of everyday life. It is a perfect stop to explore the neighborhood and immerse yourself in the feminine and social message of street art.
Rome’s Tourist Port Murals: The Ostia Tourist Port is home to a series of large-scale murals celebrating the sea, marine life and the environment. Here you can find artists such as *Lucamaleonte*, who has created a series of works focusing on animals and nature. The harbor area is ideal for a short stop, perhaps with a view of the sea.
Borghetto dei Pescatori: In the heart of Ostia is the quaint Borghetto dei Pescatori, home to murals related to the life of the sea and local fishing communities. It is a perfect stop for those who like to discover Ostia’s authentic history and appreciate art in a traditional setting.
Return to Starting Point: End the tour by heading back toward the center, perhaps with one last pass along the waterfront to enjoy the atmosphere of Ostia and admire the murals you haven’t seen yet.
Blu’s Mural: One of the most famous murals in Porto Fluviale is by artist *Blu*, who created a giant work on a residential building. The surreal and complex work depicts intertwined faces and symbols reflecting social challenges and human connections. It is one of the most impressive works in the area.
JB Rock’s Wall of Fame: On the walls of Via dei Magazzini Generali, JB Rock has created a “wall of fame” depicting influential figures in music, film and art. The colorful mural pays tribute to famous icons and historical figures.
Fluvial Port Building: Near Via del Porto Fluviale, the former barracks has been painted in bright colors, creating a patchwork effect that attracts visitors. This building is an example of how industrial spaces can be enhanced through street art.
Kid Acne: The British artist created the mural “You Are Here,” an iconic piece of writing that invites reflection on identity and belonging.
Momo and Hitnes: These two artists have created several abstract works that combine geometric shapes and bright colors, creating a unique visual effect.
Diavù: Known for his female portraits, Diavù has created several works in Ostiense, including murals inspired by divas of Italian and world cinema.
Curiosities
An Industrial-Chic Neigh borhood: The Ostiense neighborhood has industrial roots: it once housed factories, warehouses, and stores. This past is still visible in some of the buildings, but the transformation into an arts hub has given the neighborhood an “industrial-chic” character, attracting not only tourists but also young Romans, artists and creative people.
Blu’s Incredible Mural That May Disappear: The famous mural by *Blu*, which covers the entire building in Porto Fluviale, is one of the largest street art works in Rome and has a singular history. The building is privately owned, and residents have played an active role in preserving the work, which in the past has been in danger of being erased due to renovations. There is always the possibility that it may one day disappear, making the work even more valuable to visitors.
Rome’s Street Art As a Language of Protest: Roman street art is often used as a means of social and political protest. Many murals in the Ostiense touch on current issues and are a response to social events, such as environmental issues, climate change, and human rights. Some murals are created to bring awareness to these issues and attract the attention of passersby.
The Wall of “Saints and Deities”: Near Porto Fluviale is another mural known as the “Wall of Saints and Deities,” the work of the art collective *MURo*, which depicts religious and spiritual icons of different cultures and beliefs. This wall is a celebration of religious and cultural diversity and aims to convey a message of tolerance and unity.
Via del Gazometro: An Iconic Landmark: The Ostiense is home to the famous *Gazometro*, a large metal structure once used for storing gas. It is a symbol of the industrial area and today is a backdrop for many photo shoots. Surrounding the Gazometro are numerous murals, making this street one of the most iconic spots for street art enthusiasts in Rome.
An Ever Changing Street Art: Street art in Rome is constantly evolving: artists and collectives periodically update existing works or add new ones. For example, some of Blu’s murals have been covered over to make way for new artistic expressions, creating a kind of ever-changing open-air museum.
A Neighborhood Also of Street Food and Nightlife: In addition to street art, Ostiense has become famous for its culinary offerings, particularly *street food*. You’ll find numerous clubs and restaurants offering creative and tasty food, and the area has also become a hotspot for Roman nightlife. This combination of art, food, and sociability makes the neighborhood a must-see.
Contribution of Foreign Artists: Not all the murals are the work of Italian artists; Ostiense has also hosted international creatives such as Sten & Lex (internationally famous Italian stencil duo), Axel Void and Borondo, who have left their mark on the neighborhood, enriching the art scene with unique styles and messages.
Choose your favorite Vespa tour to visit Rome
Grand Tour of Rome
Rome Movie Set
Castelli Romani
Rome and Ostia Antica
