The first section of the Via Appia passed through the Clivus Martius (Hill of Mars-reputed site of a temple of Mars) The road crosses the Almo Brook (modern name, Almone) where priests of Cybele performed the annual rite of washing the image of the goddess. It was on the first mile that tradition states that St. Peter, leaving Rome, met an apparition of Jesus. Jesus asked him "Quo vadis?" (Where are you going?). St Peter turned about, returning to Rome and his death.
Via Appia