Roman Forum
The Roman Forum: Discover the social centre of ancient Rome!
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What awaits you on site
Visit one of the most famous open-air museums in the world: the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was once the social centre of Rome with many public buildings and monuments. Together with the Palatine Hill, it is now one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Rome dating back to ancient times. At the end of the imperial era, the Roman Forum was a densely built-up complex that had developed over the centuries, with countless temples and religious buildings as well as political and commercial buildings. The last building to be constructed was the Column of Honour erected for Emperor Phocas in 608 A.D. After that, the ancient buildings slowly fell into disrepair and churches and fortresses were built on the site. Finally, the Forum Romanum served only as a quarry and cow pasture until excavations began in 1803.
The Roman Forum – a glimpse into the world of antiquity
Remains of the once magnificent buildings of the Roman Forum can still be seen today at the highest point of the Forum. At the beginning of Via Scara, the widest main street on the Roman Forum, is the Arch of Titus. The 15 metre high (49 feet), marble Arch of Victory was built in honour of Emperor Titus, who conquered Jerusalem as a general. The oldest religious building in the Roman Forum is the Temple of Saturn, dedicated in 498 BC.
Visitor information
2 January – 28 February: 9 am – 4.30 pm
1 March – 26 March: 9 am – 5.30 pm
27 March – 31 August: 9 am – 7.15 pm
1 September – 30 September: 9 am – 7.00 pm
1 October – 30 October: 9 am – 6.30 pm
31 October – 31 December: 9 am – 4.30 pm
Via della Salara Vecchia 5,
600186 Rome, Italy
