The Roman Forum

Roman Forum, Rome

Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the hub of political and social activity for Roman citizens. The Roman Forum, also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum, is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the “Forum Magnum”, or simply “the Forum”.

For centuries the Forum was the center of day-to-day life in Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections, the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches, and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's great men.

The beating heart of ancient Rome, the Forum has been called the most celebrated meeting place in history. Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and archaeological excavations, and attracts over 4.5 million sightseers annually. The Roman Forum is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the city, so it is easy to spend several hours strolling among its temples without getting bored.

Aside from the great number of temples that are in the forum (Saturn, Venus, Romulus, Vesta, etc.), it is worth paying special attention to the following points of interest:

Via Sacra: This was the main street in ancient Rome which linked the Piazza del Campidoglio with the Colosseum.

Arch of Titus: This is a triumphal arch that commemorates Rome's victory over Jerusalem. It was built after the death of the emperor Titus in the first century AD.

Arch of Septimius Severus: An arch erected in the year 203 AD to commemorate the third anniversary of Septimius Severus as the emperor.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina: Built in the second century AD, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina sets itself apart as the best preserved temple in the Roman Forum.

Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine: Though now mostly destroyed, its size suggests that this was one of the most important buildings of the Roman Forum.

The Curia: In this building the Senate met to make administrative decisions for the Roman government.

Column of Phocas: Erected in the year 608 AD in honour of the emperor of Byzantium, this column, which is over 13 meters high, is one of the few that have remained standing since being built.

The Forum is a must-see; visiting Rome without walking around the Forum is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. As you travel along the Via Sacra, close your eyes and imagine it as it was more than two millennia ago, when Julius Caesar walked there. The Forum is also easily accessible by public transit: take line B (blue) on the metro and stop at Colosseo station. Keep in mind that it’s open daily from 8:30AM until one hour before sunset. It’s closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Price

Combined ticket to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine:

Adults: 12€

European Union members (18 – 24): 7.50€

Children (ages less than 17) and seniors (over 65) members of the EU: free entrance

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour € 36m