Strada statale 7 Via Appia

Strada statale 7 Via Appia (SS 7) is a motorway that follows the path of the ancient Appian Way, connecting Rome to Brindisi. In the stretch between Cisterna di Latina and Terracina, the SS 7 is called "fettuccia di Terracina" ("the Terracina Ribbon") due to its straight line.

History
The modern SS 7 was established in 1928 with the following route: "Roma – Velletri – Terracina – Capua – Napoli – Marigliano – Avellino – Atripalda – Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi Junction – Lioni – Ruoti – Potenza – Laterza – Castellaneta – Taranto – Francavilla – Brindisi."

The motorway's route was changed in 1935, abandoning the original section from Capua to Avellino passing through Naples and Marigliano in favor of a more northern route passing through Caserta and Benevento. The abandoned route was reused as the new Strada statale 7 bis di Terra di Lavoro.

In 1937 the route was changed again, abandoning the original section from Pozzo Grillo in Laterza through Ginosa in favor of a more northern route passing through Matera. The new route included a section that had previously been part of Strada statale 99 di Matera.

In 1951, the branch from Formia to Gaeta was classified as a state road.

In 1952, the branch connecting the SS 7 to the Rome-Ciampino airport was classified as a state road.