Located on Rome’s most important archaeological site, the Roman Forum is a must-see monument: we explain how!
Nestled in a valley between the hills of Rome’s MontePalatino and CapitolineHill, the Roman Forum is as impressive today as it must have been centuries ago, when it was at the heart of Roman public life.
For over 900 years, buildings, temples and monuments were constructed in the Forum, which served as the political, commercial and religious center of ancient Rome. Many of Rome’s most important buildings, such as the Curia (Senate House), the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius Severus, were located in the Roman Forum.
History of the Roman Forum
First laid out during the Roman monarchy, the forum square was for a time the central square for the surrounding villages. The swampy area was drained and reclaimed. Several development projects were then undertaken.
Many elaborate festivities were organized in the Forum. It was the final destination for the military parades known as Triumphs, which entered the city under the Triumphal Arch, circled Mount Palatine and continued into the Forum.
The forum’s importance finally declined after the fall of the Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century. The site fell into ruin and was plundered, not by invaders, but by the Romans themselves. Marble and precious stones were stolen from the Forum and used to build new palaces, monuments and churches. The site later became known as Campo Vaccino (« cow field ») after it was used for grazing during the Middle Ages.
Interest in the Roman Forum returned during the Renaissance, when architects and artists turned to classical antiquity for inspiration. Excavations began in the 18th and 19th centuries and are still ongoing.
What to see and do in the Roman Forum
There are so many incredible things to see when you come to visit the Roman Forum… So here are a few monuments that stand out t that you should focus on:
- Arco di Settimio Severo (Arch of Septimius Severus): This marble structure was erected in 203 AD to glorify the military victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons.
- Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Caesar, or what remains of it): This temple is dedicated to the cult of Caesar’s comet, considered to be the manifestation of the soul of the deified Caesar who was murdered.
- Basilica Æmilia: Built to protect passers-by from the elements, it also served as a shelter for many activities in the Roman Forum.
- Temple of the Dioscuri: dedicated to the cult of the twins Castor and Pollux
- Temple of Saturn: Dedicated to Saturn, this is one of the oldest Roman temples built around Rome’s Roman Forum.
- Column of Phocas: The last monument to be added to the Roman Forum, the Column of Phocas is a commemorative column.
But of course you’ll see other interesting remains if you come to visit the Roman Forum!
How to get to the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located in the center of Rome, not far from the Colosseum, and can’t be missed. There are many ways to visit the Roman Forum:
- By metro: Line B Colosseo station
- By bus: no. 51, 75, 81, 85, 87 and 118
- By streetcar: number 30
Forum Romain opening hours
SCHEDULES
- 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from last Sunday in October to February 15
- 8.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. February 16 to March 15
- 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. from March 16 to the last Saturday in March
- 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. from the last Sunday in March to August 31
- 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. September 1 to 30
- 8:30 am – 6:30 pm from October 1 to the last Saturday in October
- Good Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 2 1:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Good to know: Access to the Roman Forum is closed 1 hour before closing time. The site is closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25.
RATES
- Combined ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: €12
- Combined ticket Colosseum + Arena, Roman Forum and Mount Palatine: €14
For more information on discounts and free admission, click here.
Note that it’s really worthwhile visiting the Roman Forum with a guide or renting an audioguide (€5) to understand what you’re seeing.