The Roman Forum in Rome (Forum Romanum) is the coolest place in ancient Rome, and I’ll take you there today. It will be a journey full of mysteries, adventures, and incredible stories.
Thousands of years ago, it was a massive city square where daily political intrigues, commercial and business meetings, religious ceremonies, and all kinds of spectacular events took place in Rome. Get ready for a trip where you will discover the true historical treasure of the ancient Eternal City.
The Roman Forum in Rome as the central place of the Eternal City and the heart of the empire
The Roman Forum, also known as the Forum Magnum, was the heart of Rome and the place where the most distinguished Roman community gathered to exchange goods and information, form alliances, and plot conspiracies. Today, we say, “All roads lead to Rome,” but in antiquity, this maxim sounded like, “All roads lead to the Roman Forum.”
This magical place was not only a commercial and political centre but also represented a symbol of social status. You can imagine people standing on the edge of the Roman Forum, proudly thrusting their chests out, saying, “Look at me! I am important because I stand in the Roman Forum in the very centre of the world!” Of course, this may be a bit exaggerated, but there is no doubt that the Forum was a venue for significant events, and anyone who participated in them could feel distinguished. Alliances and decisions made there often changed the history not only of Rome itself but of the entire empire, which then exerted influence over a large part of the world.
For centuries, the Roman Forum witnessed the great triumphs of the Roman Empire as well as its cruelties, rises, and falls. It was on the Roman Forum that the victorious generals announced their returns, which were spectacular multi-day parades through the city streets. I would give a lot to see that splendour and magnificence.
The Roman Forum is not just a place of triumphs; it is also the stage for political power struggles and manipulations that would make today’s miserable politicians dizzy. The Ancient Romans were true masters of intrigue and political games, and the Forum was their main stage. Political disputes resonated loudly here, and the combination of beautiful buildings and marble columns with blood on the street was a daily occurrence. One could say that the Roman Forum was the original “House of Cards” in the ancient world.
Beyond politics and intrigues, the Roman Forum was also a site for religious ceremonies and offerings to the gods. Ancient Romans had a whole collection of deities to whom they paid homage in numerous temples located in the immediate vicinity of the then-largest city square in the world.
What to do and what to see in Rome and how much it costs
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour; Enjoy the Vatican Museums’ immense art collection on this guided tour. Admire the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and the masterpieces of St. Peter’s Basilica, and uncover the history behind each turn.
- Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour; Enjoy exclusive priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors as you travel back to the era of ancient Rome.
- Roma Pass: 48 or 72-Hour City Card with Transport; See more of the Eternal City and save money with a 48 or 72 hour Roma Pass. This city card offers free skip-the-line admission to 1 or 2 attractions, free use of the city’s public transport system, and discounts on services and activities.
- Vatican Pass, Top Attractions and Free Transport; Save time and money with a 2-in-1 city card. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Rome’s top historic sites, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Colosseum. Free public transport card included.
- Find a hotel in a simple and pleasant way and, most importantly, do not overpay.
- Rent a car; The rented car will help you realize travel plans faster and more efficiently.
The Roman Forum in Rome and its history
Recent research indicates that in the area of the future Roman Forum in the 7th century BCE, there was a settlement with a large square in the middle, which served as a meeting place for the surrounding residents. The settlement was surrounded by marshes and swamps, leading to the construction of a sewage and drainage channel called the Cloaca Maxima, which, six centuries later, was modernized and buried underground. Interestingly, a portion of that channel, measuring 600 meters, still functions today, diverting excess water from Rome to the Tiber River.
The need for the construction of the Roman Forum as a central place in Rome was recognized by Tarquinius Priscus, the last Etruscan king of Rome. One of his greatest achievements was outlining the layout of the large square and building a temple on the Capitoline Hill, north of the Roman Forum. It was a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Minerva, and Juno, constructed in the Etruscan style. Over time, it became a model for almost all future temples in Rome.
The Roman Forum is believed to have acted as a link between several settlements situated among the seven hills of the present-day Eternal City. One of these settlements was called Rome, founded by Romulus, while another was the Sabine settlement ruled by Titus Tatius. After many years of conflict and negotiations, a single political entity emerged, with the Roman Forum at its centre.
The subsequent history of the grand Roman market was full of glory and splendour. The story of this place can be divided into three epochs, influenced by the changing political and religious situation in Rome. This evolution is evident in the structures that appeared on the Roman Forum over time.
- The first epoch was the Roman Kingdom, lasting from the 7th century BCE to the 5th century BCE (during this period, structures such as the Curia, the Regia, and the Temple of Saturn were built on the Forum).
- The second epoch was the Roman Republic, spanning from the 5th century BCE to the end of the 1st century BCE (notable constructions from this era include the Rostra platform, the Lapis Niger, the Temple of Concord, and the Basilica Aemilia).
- The final epoch that influenced the functioning of the Roman Forum was the Roman Empire, from the 1st century CE to the 7th century CE, when the last structure, the Column of Phocas, was erected on the Forum (during this period, other constructions included the Arch of Augustus, the Arch of Tiberius, the Arch of Titus, and the Temple of Vesta).
During the period of the Roman Empire, the Roman Forum underwent expansion and enrichment with temples and several triumphal arches. Simultaneously, Rome and its surroundings were being developed. Around the same time, the Pantheon was constructed, and other forums emerged around the Roman Forum, including the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Trajan, and the Forum of Nerva.
The downfall of the Roman Forum was sealed by the Gothic invasion of Rome in the year 410. During the attack and conquest of the city, the Forum suffered greatly. The Invaders plundered everything they could and destroyed the rest. Another catastrophe, the earthquake in the 9th century, completed the devastation, and the once-proud Forum lay in ruins. However, the worst period turned out to be the Middle Ages when the Roman Forum, like its neighbouring Colosseum, became a mere quarry, providing cheap building material for the city.
Over time, stones scattered on the surface were removed, and what was buried was forgotten. After several centuries, no trace of the Roman Forum remained, and the areas that were once the centre of the world became grazing land for cattle.
The ancient city square of the Roman Forum was rediscovered in 1803 when archaeological excavations began in that part of Rome, and these efforts continue to this day.
The Roman Forum in Rome and its main ancient buildings
The Roman Forum, as a representative area of Rome, was the part of the city that was particularly cared for. It was here that the largest and most beautiful temples, triumphal arches, wide avenues lined with precious shrubs, state offices and the seats of various institutions that played an important role in the powerful political and military machine called the Roman Empire were built.
Below you will find a list of famous buildings located in the Roman Forum in Rome.
Temples in the Roman Forum in Rome
Temple of Castas and Pollux in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Temple of Castor and Pollux (Aedes Castoris) is one of the oldest temples not only in the Roman Forum but in all of Rome. Its ruins are located in the southeast part of the forum. It was dedicated to the twins known as the Dioscuri, worshipped by the Romans, who were heroes admired by the Greeks. From Greek mythology, we know that the two brothers, under the leadership of Jason, set sail on the ship Argo searching for the Golden Fleece. In Rome, they were venerated after it was reported to the emperor that both brothers were seen fighting alongside the Roman legions in the victorious Battle of Lake Regillus. The emperor then promised to build a grand temple in their honour at the very centre of the world, on the Roman Forum. Unfortunately, only small ruins and three marble columns, nearly 13 meters high, supporting a fragment of the frieze, have survived to this day.
Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Temple of Romulus (Divus Romulus) is a small temple from the early 4th century AD, standing at the very edge of the Roman Forum. Initially, it was dedicated to Jupiter, and then renamed by Marcus Aurelius, in honour of his son Romulus. Over time, its original purpose was restored, and in Christian times the church of Saints Cosmas and Damian was established there, thanks to which it has survived to this day in excellent condition, unlike other temples in Rome, which the church meticulously destroyed.
Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Temple of Saturn (Aedes Saturnus) is one of the oldest and most impressive temples of ancient Rome. It was probably built between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, just after the Roman Republic was established. The temple burned down exactly eight centuries after it was opened, but the senate decided to spend a giant sum of money to restore it to its former glory. The temple stood in the Roman Forum until the 15th century, when the decision was made to demolish it and use the stone to build other buildings throughout Rome. Only the colonnade supporting the marble beams of the ceiling has survived to this day, but the beauty and craftsmanship with which the surviving columns were made testify to how beautiful this building must have been in its heyday.
Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum in Rome
Temple of Vesta (Tempio di Vesta) – An ancient temple, considered by many to be the oldest, probably dating back to the 7th century BC. Legend has it that this is the temple that suffered the most fires and various accidents of all the ancient buildings in the Roman Forum. The goddess West, as the protector of the home and state, took upon herself all the bad fate that was to befall Rome. The current ruins come from the reconstruction of the temple in 191 AD.
Temple of Venus and Roma in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Temple of Venus and Roma (Templum Urbis Romae) is a temple about which it is written in the oldest chronicles that it is the largest temple in all of Rome. It was built by Emperor Hadrian on the slope of Velia Hill, on the very edge of the Roman Forum in the immediate vicinity of the Colosseum. The temple was built on a huge concrete slab measuring 145 by 100 meters and was commissioned in 135. In 625, the temple building was demolished and its elements, including the bronze roof, were used to build, among others, St. Peter’s Basilica.
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Roman Forum in Rome
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (Templum Divi Antonini et Divae Faustinae) – this building was ordered to be built by Emperor Antoni Pius to commemorate the death of his wife Faustina the Elder. Antoninus successor ordered the temple to be dedicated to its builder as well, and a beautiful building dedicated to the spouses Antoninus and Faustyna was built in the Roman Forum. Unfortunately, a large part of the former building was demolished and in its place a baroque facade was built, and the building was turned into the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. Today, the beautifully preserved colonnade and the original, restored stairs leading to it are impressive.
Caesar’s Temple in the Roman Forum in Rome
Caesar’s Temple (Aedes Divus Iulius) is a temple built and dedicated to the Divine Julius Caesar after the Roman Senate recognized Caesar as a god. It was the first temple dedicated to a person who was recognized as a god after death. Unfortunately, the temple building has suffered greatly over the centuries, and today you can only see architectural fragments and the podium on which Caesar’s remains were burned.
Temple of Vespasian in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Temple of Vespasian (Templum Vespasiani et Titi) is a temple dedicated to the divine emperor Vespasian and his son Titus. The temple was over 30 meters long and almost 21 meters wide. It was lined with white travertine, which made it shine in the sun and look wonderful. Unfortunately, only three of the six tall columns supporting part of the frieze have survived to this day. To discover the columns buried in the ground and show them to the world, it was necessary to lower the surrounding ground by 15 meters.
Basilica triumphal arches and other monuments in the Roman Forum in Rome
Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Basilica of Aemilia was built in AD 55 and burned down almost immediately. It was rebuilt and dedicated to Gaius and Lucius, the grandchildren of Octavian Augustus, who was elevated to the ranks of the gods as Divus Augustus after his death. The temple was built of marble imported to Rome from what is now Turkey. The basilica was almost destroyed during the Visigothic invasion of Rome in 410. The rest of the destruction was done by time and a major earthquake in 847. The condition of the temple was so bad that in the 16th century, the ruins remaining from the basilica were demolished, and the stone was used in other places. Today, you can only see the floor of the former temple and the plinths and bases of the columns.
Basilica Julia in the Roman Forum in Rome
Basilica Julia (Basilica Iulia) is another basilica that has not survived to this day, and what you can see in the Roman Forum is only a handful of rubble and stones. However, legends say that the temple, built in 170 BC, was unrivalled both in beauty and craftsmanship. Its length exceeded 100 meters, and it was surrounded by marble columns on all sides.
Basilica of Maxentius I Constantine in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Basilica of Maxentius is a great basilica completed in 313 by Emperor Constantine the Great. The building is over 100 meters long and 65 meters wide. It once consisted of three naves and was decorated with precious marble and coloured glass. Inside there was a gigantic bronze statue of Emperor Constantine. You can see fragments of the statue in the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the Roman Capitoline Hill. To this day, only the northern part of the basilica has been preserved, the ruins of which are still very impressive. I last saw her in the film John Wick: Chapter 2, where Baba Yaga fights against the entire world, with the ancient monuments of Rome as a background.
Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Arch of Septimius Severus (Arco di Lucius Septimius Severus) is a triumphal arch erected in 203 to honour Septimius Severus and his sons. It commemorates the victory of the Eastern Wars. This arch is also a three-pass gate, which is the main entrance to the Roman Forum. This monument stands right next to the Colosseum and is one of the most popular buildings in ancient Rome. The Arch of Septimius in Rome is 25 meters wide and 23 meters high, and the depth of the wall is an impressive almost 12 meters. The central gate is 12 meters high and 7 meters wide, it was built so that the entire legion could enter the Roman Forum without changing formation. In the past, the arch was decorated with a statue of the emperor driving a chariot and surrounded by faithful soldiers.
Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito) is a triumphal arch that was built to celebrate the victory of Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus over the Jews in 81 AD. The arch is over 15 meters high and over 8 meters wide. It was built of white marble and was designed to function as a passage gate. The arch is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Titus returning from the war with his soldiers. All are loaded with the spoils of war. In its heyday, the arch was topped with a statue of the emperor riding a large horse.
Buildings that have not survived to this day in the Roman Forum in Rome
Unfortunately, not everything built on the Roman Forum has survived to this day. Monuments were destroyed, looted and plundered, and time and various disasters did the rest. We learn about many monuments from documents or historical references, and their appearance is often described only by the shapes minted on coins and medals.
Below is a list of some great and important places in Rome’s history in the Roman Forum that have either disappeared completely or left only meaningless rubble.
Regia, the oldest seat of Roman kings in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Regia was one of the first buildings erected in the Roman Forum. It was the first seat of Roman kings, and then handed over to the highest priest in the hierarchy. Unfortunately, the building was demolished because space was needed for Caesar’s temple. Fragments of it can be seen in the Museo Palatino.
Rosta, the famous lectern in the Roman Forum in Rome
The Rosta was a famous speaker’s platform located in the centre of the Roman Forum, used for speeches by the most important dignitaries of ancient Rome. It had dimensions of 30 by 30 meters, and emperors, high priests, and victorious generals returning to Rome from all corners of the world spoke from it. The platform was 5 meters high so that the people standing on it could be seen from every part of the Forum. When the emperor spoke, every 20 meters, there were shouters – individuals who repeated the words of the monarch so that they could reach the farthest corners of the vast square. It is said that the stage was adorned with beaks of ships captured at sea by the Roman fleet. Today, only individual stones have survived, and a reconstruction of the platform can be seen in the Roman museum.
Roman tabularium in the Roman Forum
The Tabularium in ancient Rome was a place where documents and legal acts were stored. They were commonly recorded on clay tablets, later on papyrus and parchment. The archive on the Roman Forum included commercial, state, religious, and military documents. Among them were Senate resolutions, censuses of Rome’s inhabitants, and the numerical strength of individual legions. The Tabularium was destroyed by fire in the year 83 AD. If it had survived to the present day, it would have been the most valuable collection of historical documents in the world. The building itself did not endure through the ages; only a small fragment of one of its walls has been incorporated into the structure of the Palace of the Senators.
Phocas’ Column is the youngest element in the Roman Forum
The Column of Phocas was a monument erected in honour of Emperor Phocas. Simultaneously, it was the last structure built on the Roman Forum, which had lost its significance, marking the visible decline of this remarkable place. The column stood almost 14 meters high and rested on a cubic marble base, with foundations reused from a previous structure. Phocas ruled the empire during challenging times, with wars and conflicts constantly erupting on all borders. Worst of all, the powerful ruler Chosroes II of Persia declared war against the empire. For a period, a golden statue of the emperor, a gift from Pope Boniface IV, stood atop the Column of Phocas, commemorating an imperial decree recognizing the supremacy of the Roman Church. Unfortunately, Phocas’ submission to the church earned him many enemies within the state, who eventually defeated him, burned his body, and the newly elected emperor ordered the removal of all traces of Phocas from archives and walls.
Returning to the titular column, it is the only place where an inscription in his honour still exists. This is only because over time, during Phocas’ era, the Roman Forum was partially buried, and the inscription found itself below the surface. It was rediscovered in 1813, and it reads as follows:
Optimo clementiss[imo piissi]moque principi domino nostro Focae imperatori perpetuo a deo coronato, triumphatori semper Augusto Smaragdus ex praeposito sacri palatii ac patricius et exarchus Italiae devotus eius clementiae pro innumerabilibus pietatis eius beneficiis et pro quiete procurata Italiae ac conservata libertate hanc sta(tuam maiesta)tis eius auri splend(ore ulge)ntem huic sublimi colu(m)na(e ad) perennem ipsius gloriam imposuit ac dedicavit die prima mensis Augusti, indict[ione] und[icesima]p[ost] c[onsulatum] pietatis eius anno quinto
To the Best, the Most Gracious, the Most Pious Ruler, Our Lord Phocas, Eternal Emperor, Crowned by God, Triumphant, Ever August, Smaragdus, former head of the Holy Palace, patrician and exarch of Italy, completely devoted to His Grace for the countless manifestations of His piety, bestowed goodness, in gratitude for ensuring peace in Italy and preserving freedom, this statue of His Majesty, shining with the brilliance of gold, was erected on a high column for His eternal glory and consecrated on the 1st of August in the year 608.
The Black Stone in the Roman Forum, the place where Romulus died
The text describes a place of cultic significance dating back to the 4th century BCE. It is a location in Roman legends where the founder of Rome, Romulus, was said to have been killed. Before this event, there existed a sanctuary and a stone chapel dedicated to the god of fire, Vulcan (Greek: Hephaestus).
An inscription on a stone warns the unwary that:
“Anyone who violates this place will be condemned by the infernal gods.”
Unfortunately, the inscription is incomplete, and a significant portion of the text is missing. According to legends, the missing text was a powerful curse. Consequently, in the early Christian centuries, the church ordered the stone to be broken, hiding the part containing the curse from people. Allegedly, it is now stored in the deepest recesses of the Vatican.
The navel of the world in the Roman Forum
The navel of the world is the name given to a small brick monument standing near the Arch of Septimius Severus. It marked the centre of Rome and, according to ancient legends, also the centre of the world. Additionally, it was believed to be a place where two worlds met – the world of the living and the world of the dead. Supposedly, one could feel the presence of great legionaries who fell on the battlefields fought by Rome in this location.
Via Sacra, the main road of Rome
Via Sacra is the main road leading through Rome and the Roman Forum. It ran from the city gates to the Capitol, passing the Roman Forum. This is the route where all ceremonial processions, as well as great commanders and distinguished soldiers returning from countless wars, passed through.
The above-mentioned monuments are just a part of the incredible ancient relics at the Roman Forum that you can see while strolling through the site, once considered the centre of the world.
Certainly, many of the historical buildings haven’t survived to our times; in their place, there are spaces or inconspicuous ruins. However, historical records have preserved information, allowing our imagination to reconstruct them and restore their former beauty.
The Roman Forum practical information
I have heard many opinions from people who were disappointed when visiting the Roman Forum. This is probably due to the rich history of the place and vivid descriptions of the incredible buildings that once adorned this part of Rome. The current state of the Forum may indeed be disappointing, but remember that this place is over 2,000 years old, and what you see is only a shadow of its former glory. So, before you step through the gate into the ancient world, engage your imagination and enjoy the fact that you, too, have managed to stand in the very centre of the world.
The address of the Roman Forum is: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
You can visit the Roman Forum from April to September, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and from October to March, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day of the week. However, keep in mind that Rome may have holidays and unforeseen events that could change the opening hours of the Roman Forum, as well as other monuments. Therefore, it’s essential to check everything properly before your trip. Nothing hurts more than standing in front of a closed gate without a plan B for the rest of the day.
As always, I advise you to go sightseeing in the morning to avoid traffic, queues, crowds, and congestion, and also to take better photos.
It’s worth reserving a whole day for the trip to the Forum because the nearby Palatine Hill is an equally interesting attraction, and since they share the same entrance, combining the exploration of both places is recommended. There is a restaurant and a café on the Forum premises, as well as toilets and various amenities for people requiring assistance.
The average time for exploring the Roman Forum is about 2 hours, but that’s just walking the paths from entrance to exit. For a more thorough exploration, you should reserve at least 4 hours.
Pets are not allowed in the Roman Forum! The same goes for alcohol, drugs, and glass containers, which is quite obvious.
The Roman Forum ticket prices
To visit the Roman Forum, you need to purchase a ticket, and you can do so through various websites. Keep in mind that the purchased ticket is valid for the next two consecutive days, so if your time slips on the first day, all is not lost.
The Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum share the same entrance, so the ticket for both attractions is combined and cannot be separated. It’s a different story for the Colosseum; there you can enter separately.
Ticket prices for entry to the Roman Forum vary depending on the period of your visit, the ages of accompanying individuals, and additional attractions included.
The most popular tickets are:
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum with a film included are priced at 30 euros per person, or the same option with skip-the-line access is priced at 36 euros per person.
- The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a film are priced at 26 euros per person.
- The Colosseum with access to the arena, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with a guide is priced at 77 euros per person.
Roman Forum in Rome information and curiosities
- The Roman Forum in Rome literally means the Roman marketplace.
- It was the oldest square in Rome, located between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills.
- A relatively accurate, in line with contemporary knowledge, description of the Forum Romanum can be found in Sienkiewicz’s book “Quo Vadis.”
- Within the Forum Romanum area, there were also baths and therms, serving as unofficial meeting places for politicians and important figures.
- Roman Forum is situated between six of the seven hills surrounding Rome.
- During its heyday, the Roman Forum had a rectangular shape.
- The Roman Forum served as the main square in the city for over 1400 years.
- Most of the buildings in the Forum were constructed during the time of Caesar.
- According to legend, the Roman Forum is the site of the death and burial of the founder of Rome, Romulus.
- Despite archaeological work on the Roman Forum lasting for over 200 years, scientists continue to discover new treasures buried by time.
Our other recommended attractions in Rome
- The Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is a unique monument.
- The Church of St. Ignatius in Rome and its greatest attraction, the Pozzo fresco.
- The Colosseum in Rome is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in the Eternal City.
- The Roman Forum in Rome is the coolest place in ancient Rome.
- The Spanish Steps are one of the more popular landmarks on the tourist map of Rome.
- The Pantheon is a monument that I particularly wanted to visit while in Rome.
- The Palatine Hill is the name of one of the seven hills of Rome
- The Palatine Museum, the oldest part of ancient Rome.
- The Temple of Romulus in Rome, renamed by Christians as the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
- The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the most beautiful fountains in the eternal city.
- The Mouth of Truth in Rome is an ancient artifact in Rome.
- Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
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