The Roman Forum, nestled in a valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, stands as an open-air museum that once served as the “Times Square” of the Roman Empire.
This historic area was once filled with government buildings, temples, and statues of prominent Roman leaders.
Today, the Roman Forum, once a bustling epicenter, is a rectangular expanse adorned with the ruins of its former glory, a living link to the birth of Roman history.
It remains a testament to the cultural, political, and religious heart of ancient Rome, which received an annual footfall of about 4.5 million.
Roman Forum: A quick glance
Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Founded in: 8th century BC – AD 608
Direction from Colosseum: West
Important structures/ruins: Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia (the Senate House), and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Arena: 4.9 acres
What is the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, originally a marshy area, was drained and transformed into a central hub that functioned for approximately 1,400 years during the Roman Empire.
This historic site has undergone numerous changes over time, including the construction and subsequent ruin or reconstruction of various structures.
Some ancient buildings have vanished entirely, while others exist only as fragments, alongside churches from the later Christian era.
Serving as the heart of ancient Rome, the Forum was the point from which all distances in the city were measured.
It was a bustling center of trade, business, legal proceedings, triumphal processions, political gatherings, and markets.
Opening hours
The Roman Forum opens everyday at 9 am and closes at 7.15 pm, with the last entry at 6.15 pm.
It is closed on 25th December and 1st January.
Roman Forum tickets
All Colosseum tickets include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Some tickets offer a guided tour of only the Colosseum, after which you can explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill independently.
For a richer experience, we recommend choosing a guided tour for all three sites. Your guide will highlight key ruins and structures, offering insights into what was once the world’s most powerful civilization.
Standard entry guided tour
This budget ticket is perfect for you to go on a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
After exploring the Colosseum, continue your journey to the Roman Forum with a guide to discover several significant ancient Roman government buildings.
Guided tour with access to Arena & Forum
When visiting the Colosseum and its tiers, the Arena Floor is a must-see location that significantly enhances your experience. For a small additional fee, you can access this exclusive area, offering a unique perspective of the Colosseum’s grandeur.
This guided tour of the Colosseum Arena ticket also includes visits to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, allowing you to explore the ancient ruins in depth.
Guided tour with Underground access & Forum entry
The Underground access tour of the Colosseum gives you a comprehensive experience of the Colosseum, Arena, Underground, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, with a guide accompanying you to all the sites.
Roman Forum entry points
There are four points of entry to the Roman Forum – near the Arch of Titus, Largo Corrado Ricci, near Mamertine prison, and Via Foro Romano.
Near the Arch of Titus
This entry to the Roman Forum is the closest to the Colosseum, accessible directly from the attraction. You can follow the path to the right of the Arch of Constantine, which leads directly to the Arch of Titus. As you walk along the Via Sacra, you will come to the entrance of the Roman Forum, where the queue splits into two: the left line is for groups, and the right line is for individuals.This also serves as the entrance and exit points for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (left).
Largo della Salaria Vecchia
This is located near the intersection of Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via Cavour. This entrance also has a ticket counter for the Roman Forum. It is also called Largo Corrado Ricci entrance.
Near Mamertine prison
To get to this entry point, you can either ascend the stairs from Capitoline Hill, which will lead you next to the Mamertine Prison or walk from Via dei Fori Imperiali. This entry point is on the left side of the prison.
Via Foro Romano
This new entry point, formerly used only as an exit gate, provides another access route to the Roman Forum. Located 1.4 km from the Colosseum, it offers a convenient spot to purchase tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Get Directions
Must-see highlights
- Basilica of Constantine or Maxentius
- Temple of Romulus
- Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
- Temple of Vesta
- House of the Vestal Virgins
- Temple of Castor and Pollux
- Santa Maria Antiqua
- Temple of Julius Caesar
- Basilica Aemilia (Emilia)
- The Curia or Senate House
- Forum Main Square
- Column of Phocas
- Arch of Septimius Severus
- Rostrum or Rostra
- Temple of Saturn
Where to start
If you are on a self-guided tour of the archeological park, which includes the Roman Forum, we recommend starting with Palatine Hill.
Seasoned travellers begin their exploration from here because the area is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed start.
The uphill walk from the Palatine Hill entrance is gradual and shaded, making it a comfortable experience.
After exploring Palatine Hill, you’ll enjoy a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Roman Forum as you descend. This route offers a stunning scene.
Following this path, you can then explore the Roman Forum. The entrance of the Colosseum is right next to the exit of the Forum.
Starting at Palatine Hill, which is 40 meters above ground level, and moving through the Roman Forum can significantly reduce wait times and enhance your overall experience.
Tips before visiting
The Roman Forum spans nearly 4.9 acres, and navigating the ancient roads can be overwhelming, especially since they aren’t very walker-friendly.
Avoid carrying large or heavy bags, wear comfortable footwear, and carry water in steel bottles with you to beat the heat.
Since there is a lot of walking on uneven roads, in warm weather, toddlers or infants can get irritable.
However, if you’re a history buff, this place will captivate you with its rich historical significance and fascinating ruins.
FAQs
Can we visit the Roman Forum before visiting the Colosseum?
You can start your visit at the Roman Forum and then proceed to the Colosseum. However, since your Colosseum tickets are timed, be sure to arrive at the entrance on schedule.
What should we bring when we go to the Roman Forum?
Wear comfortable shoes and carry enough water in steel bottles to keep yourself hydrated. Plastic and glass bottles are not allowed inside.
Are Roman Forum tickets timed?
All Roman Forum tickets come with access to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, but entry to only the Colosseum is timed. After exploring the Colosseum at the time mentioned on their tickets, tourists have either 24 hours or 48 hours (depending on their ticket) to explore the Forum and Palatine Hill. However, note that once you exit the Forum, reentry is not permitted.
Can we enter the Roman Forum for free?
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month.
