Ancient Antium, the ‘goodly city’ of Coriolanus, has a compact harbour and traces of imperial villas, notably that of Nero from which some of the world’s greatest sculptural treasures were taken. The Apollo Belvedere and Dying Gaul are now in the National Museum on the Campidoglio in Rome.

Anzio thrives on fishing, on the tourist industry (major regattas bring crowds and create excitement), on the coming and going of yachts and ferries and on visits from war veterans. The U.S. military cemetery is 3 km east at Nettuno, the British 4 km north on Route 207. The casualties came from Allied landings in 1944, when Britain’s Grenadier Guards spearheaded the assault. A little girl named Angelita, found wandering in the battle and adopted by an army unit, has become the emblem of war-orphaned children. Her monument is west on the sea-front road.

Anzio is the ferry port for Ponza (see below).