A visit to the Roman Forum will transport you back through the millennia to the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. This rectangular space is surrounded by the crumbling, yet still majestic remains of ancient ceremonial and religious structures which played vital roles in the political and cultural life of the city.
Located between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills in the centre of the city, the forum witnessed numerous military processions, public speeches and assemblies, and the monuments you’ll see are testament to these activities. Discover the imposing Arch of Septimus Severus, dating back to 203 AD, built to commemorate the victory over the Parthians. Step into the Curia Julia, the Senate House, where the political elite held debates and elections. Although built in 44 BC, this building is well preserved, and you’ll be able to admire its original mosaic floors made of colourful marble.
There are many remnants of the Forum’s ceremonial importance through the centuries. Near the centre you’ll find stones from an altar that once stood in the Lacus Curtius, a pit which, according to ancient mythology, was connected to the Underworld, and was the site of many acts of self-sacrifice, or “devotio”. Many temples and shrines also occupied this site, spanning the centuries. Look for the Temple of Vesta which dates back to the 7th century BC, and the Basilica of Maxentius, built in the 4th century AD, during the last wave of construction in the Forum.
Entry is ticketed, but the cost includes two days’ access to the Forum, as well as to the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. There are two entrances: the main one is on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, and the second is at Via San Gregorio 30.
Despite the popularity of this site, there is little information provided on the monuments and remains in the Forum. You may like to use the audio guide on offer. These can be collected from the both by the Arch of Titus. A small fee applies.
The Forum is open daily from 08:30 am, closing one hour before sunset, apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The closest Metro station is Colosseo, and many bus routes stop nearby.
