The Roman Forum Guide
The ancient Rome Forum sits inside what is now the modern city and it is nestled between the Colosseum on one side, the Campidoglio Hill on the other, and the Palatine Hill, where the Palaces of the Emperors lie.
It is one of the most beautiful places in Rome however, it is also a place that attracts less attention than the nearby Colosseum.
While the Colosseum is on the bucket list of pretty much every visitor to Rome, it is not unusual to find people wondering if the Roman Forum is worth visiting at all.
We believe the Roman Forum is stunning and a must-see for everybody
Brief Overview
Over 900 years, buildings, temples and monuments were constructed in the forum that would serve as ancient Rome’s political, commercial and religious hub. Many of Rome’s most important structures, such as the Curia (Senate house), Temple of Saturn, and Arch of Septimius Severus were located on the Forum.
Numerous celebrations were also hosted in the Roman Forum. It was the final destination for celebratory military processions, called Triumphs, that would enter the city at the Triumphal Gate, circle around Palatine Hill and proceed into the Forum.
The Forum’s importance eventually declined after the fall of the Roman Empire. The site fell into ruin and was plundered, not by invaders, but by the Romans themselves. Precious marbles and stones were taken from the Roman Forum buildings and used to build new palaces, monuments, and churches. The site later became known as Campo Vaccino (“cow field”) after its use as pasture land during the Middle Ages.
Interest in the Roman Forum returned during the Renaissance, as architects and artists looked to classical antiquity for inspiration. Excavations began in the 18th and 19th centuries and are still ongoing.
Tours and notable monuments
There are so many incredible buildings and monuments in the Roman Forum that it’s almost overwhelming. In addition to being a great place to see Roman ruins, the Roman Forum is also one of the best places to learn about Rome’s history.
Arco di Settimio Severo (Arch of Septimius Severus)
Built in AD 203, this 68 foot high arch was erected in honour of Emperor Severus and his two sons Caracalla and Geta. It commemorates their two victories against the Parthians and is regarded as one of Italy’s major triumphal arches.
On both sides of the arch there is a dedication to Emperor Severus and Caracalla. The name of Septimius’ other son, Geta, was removed after he was assassinated by his own brother, Caracalla, in his quest to be sole Emperor after their father’s death.
Beside the arch is the umbilicus urbis, a stone which marks the symbolic centre of ancient Rome and to which all distances in Rome were measured.
Temple of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was the first Roman resident to be officially deified by the Senate. After his assassination, he was granted the title Divine Julius and in 29 BC, Augustus had a temple dedicated in his honour. The temple was built on the site where Caesar’s body was cremated and Mark Antony read his famous speech. Today, all that remains of the temple is the altar.
Besides 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.
- Temple of Antoninus and Faustina: Built in the second century, 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 and about the Roman government.
- Column of Phocas: Erected in the year 608 A.D. 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.
Basilica of Maxentius & Arch of Titus
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is one of the 7 hill of Rome and is usually mentioned with the Roman Forum is is just beside it and is accessible from the Forum itself.
The hill is historically significant and beautiful: here, you have the ruins of the palaces of Emperors, a museum, ongoing excavations and stunning views over Rome.
Below is the view looking down from Palatine Hill
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Every day: 8:30 am until 7 pm
25 December and 1 January: closed
Combined ticket to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine:
Adults: € 12 (US$ 14.20 / £10)
European Union members (18 – 24): € 7.50 (US$ 8.90 / £6.50)
Children (ages less than 17) and seniors (over 65) members of the EU: free entrance
You can buy tickets to the Roman Forum on the day as priced above or you can book them online using our partner below. If you do so, make sure you pick a solution that works for you: there are several combinations, offering access to different things.
The tickets include a visit to the Colosseum (all areas or just some parts depending on the ticket), the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, with the exception of some ‘super sites’ that you may need to book separately.
Best Roman forum tours
Tours of the Roman Forum are bundled up with a visit to the Colosseum.
The best we have tried are:
- Priority Entrance to Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill with guide
- Colosseum (includes underground tier) and Roman Forum guided tour
- Walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (3 hours)
- Colosseum and Roman forum tour for kids (suitable for primary school kids too)
How to get there
Final Thoughts
More Photos
We hope you enjoyed this guide to The Roman Forum. Feel free to leave comments below or to ask us any questions.
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