Located on the most important archaeological site in Rome, the Roman Forum is a must-see monument: we explain how!
Nestled in a valley between the hills Mont Palatin ( Monte Palatino ) and Capitol ( Campidoglio ) in Rome, the Roman Forum is always impressive, just as it had to be centuries ago when it was at the heart of Roman public life.
For more than 900 years, buildings, temples and monuments were built in the Forum which served as a political, commercial and religious centre in ancient Rome. Many of the most important buildings in Rome such as the Curia (Senate House), the Saturn Temple, and the Severe Septime Arch were located on the Roman Forum.
History of the Roman Forum
The place of the forum was, for a time, the central place of the surrounding villages. The area, swampy, is then dried and sanitized. Several development work is then undertaken.
Many elaborate festivities were organized at the Forum. It was the final destination for the military parades called Triomphes, which entered the city by passing under the arc of triumph, made the tower of Mount Palatin and continued in the Forum.
The importance of the forum finally declined after the fall of the Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century. The site fell in ruin and was looted, not by the invaders, but by the Romans themselves. Marbles and precious stones were stolen from the Forum and used for the construction of new palaces, monuments and churches. The site later became known as Campo Vaccino ("Cow Field") after serving as pasture during the Middle Ages.
The interest in the Roman Forum comes back during the Renaissance, when architects and artists have been interested in classical antiques to inspire themselves. The excavations began during the 18th and 19th centuries and are still underway.
What to see and do at the Roman Forum?
There are so many amazing things to see when you come to visit the Roman Forum... So here are some monuments that stand out on which you have to stop:
-
Arco di Settimio Severo (Severe Septime Arch): This marble construction was erected in 203 AD to glorify the military victories of Emperor Septime Severe and his sons.
-
Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Caesar, or whatever else): This temple is dedicated to the worship of Comet of Caesar, considered to be the manifestation of the soul of the divine Caesar who was murdered.
-
Basilica Æmilia : Built to protect passers-by from the weather, it also served as shelters for many activities of the Roman Forum.
-
Temple of the Dioscures: dedicated to the cult of twins Castor and Pollux
-
Temple of Saturn: Dedicated to Saturn, it is one of the oldest Roman temples built around the Roman Forum of Rome
-
Column of Phocas: Last monument added to the Roman Forum, the Column of Phocas is a memorial column.
But of course you will see other interesting vestiges if you come to visit the Roman Forum!
How to get to the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum is located in the centre of Rome, not far from Colosseum You can't miss it. There are several ways to visit the Roman Forum:
- By metro: Line B station Colosseo
- By bus: No. 51, 75, 81, 85, 87 and 118
- In tram: Number 30
Rates & times of the Roman Forum
HORARI
- 8:30 – 16:30 last Sunday from October to February 15
- 8.30 am - 5 pm from February 16 to March 15
- 8:30 – 17:30 from March 16 to the last Saturday of March
- 8:30 – 19:15 last Sunday from March to August 31
- 8:30 – 7:00 pm from 1 to 30 September
- 8:30 am – 6:30 pm from October 1st to October last Saturday
- Friday Saint : 8h30 - 14h
- 2 June 13:30 - 19:15
Good to know: Access to the Roman Forum is no longer possible 1 hour before closing. The site is closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
RATES
- Colosseum, Forum Romain and Mont Palatin: 12 €
- Combined ticket Colosseum + Arenas, Roman Forum and Mont Palatin : 14 €
For more information on discounts and the application of the free, click here .
Note that it is really interesting to visit the Roman Forum with a guide or rent an audioguide (5€) to understand what you see.
Loading comments ...