The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) is the central square of Ancient Rome. The place where all the important events in the public life of the city took place. Unfortunately, this area has been quite poorly preserved to this day and now the Roman Forum is only a large archaeological excavation area. There are quite a few intact structures left here.
View of the Palatine Hill from the Forum
The Roman Forum is located in the historical center of the city, between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. In the east, the Roman Colosseum is adjacent to the Forum. In the west is the Capitol Hill with the monument Vittoriano located on it.
Behind the Forum you can see the Capitoline Hill and the Vittoriano monument
Initially, the site of the forum was a swampy lowland, however, after the drainage of this area, local residents organized a market square here. Over time, this square acquired important political and social functions. Temples, basilicas (places of public meetings), and houses of famous aristocratic families began to be built here. The Curia was also built here (the meeting place of the Senate – a kind of Parliament). During the heyday of the Roman Empire, various solemn memorial monuments began to be built at the Forum – triumphal arches, sculptures, columns…
Christian churches in the Forum are organically integrated into the ancient ruins.
After the decline and collapse of the Roman Empire, the Forum fell into disrepair. Later, a number of Christian churches were built here, but they did not play much importance in the life of the city. In the end, the Roman Forum began to be dismantled stone by stone for the construction of other structures and for souvenirs. As a result, the city authorities were forced to limit this area with a fence and create an archaeological reserve here.
Sights of the Roman Forum
Map of the Roman Forum
The location of all the main attractions of the Forum can be seen on our map. Despite the fact that this part of Ancient Rome was greatly destroyed, several ancient monuments and buildings are still well preserved here. First of all, tourists here can see the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine – the largest building of the Roman Forum. The triumphal arches of Septimius Severus, Titus and Tiberius are well preserved. Christian churches, organically integrated into ancient Roman ruins, are also of interest. Well, the famous symbol of the Roman Forum are the majestic columns of the Temple of Saturn.
The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is the largest building of the Roman Forum.
Tickets to the Roman Forum
In order to get to the territory of the Roman Forum, you need to buy a single entrance ticket “Forum – Palatine”, which allows you to enter both the territory of the Forum and the Palatine Hill, where the chambers of the emperors of Ancient Rome were located. This ticket in 2016 – 2017 cost 12 euros. The main entrance to the Forum is located next to the Colosseum. Another entrance is at the foot of the Palatine Hill (it is also located east of the Forum, it takes about 5 minutes to walk there from the Colosseum). You can also buy a single ticket for the Forum, Palatine and Colosseum. Find out the current price and buy a beater Online tickets can be here. MashaPasha visited the Forum using a three-day tourist card Roma Pass. Despite the fact that it costs 38 euros, it allows you to visit two museums for free, and it also gives you free travel on public transport. It turns out profitable. There are different versions of this card (for 2 and 3 days). Current prices and conditions can be found at the link above.
The archaeological zone of the Forum – Palatine is open to the public every day from 8:30 am to 17:00 – 17:30 pm. Address: Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6. Nearest metro station: Colosseum.
Christian church and antique columns. Interesting synthesis of architecture
MashaPasha’s general impression of visiting the Roman Forum: if you are interested in the history of Ancient Rome, then you should definitely visit this place. Otherwise, an ordinary tourist may not come here. Most of the buildings of the Forum are badly destroyed; you will not see the grandiose Forum that existed here many centuries ago. You can simply limit yourself to visiting the Colosseum.
Also advice from MashaPasha.com: buy tickets online in advance and do not go to the ticket office near the Colosseum. There’s always a huge queue there. All tickets can be purchased at the box office located at other entrances; there will be much fewer people there.
