Located between the Coloseum & Vittorio Emanuele II monument in Piazza Venezia, the forums were the heart of the late Roman Republic and of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Forum was the central area around which ancient Rome developed. It was a public square during the Roman Republic. People first began meeting in this forum around 500 BC. Today, much of the forum has been destroyed. Columns and stone blocks are all that remain of some temples.
At the side of the Roman Forum (across the road of Via Dei Fori Imperiali, except Caesar's Forum which is on the same side of the road) is the Imperial forums. The Imperial forums consist of a series of monumental public squares, constructed in Rome between 46 BC and 113 AD. The first of Rome's Imperial forum was built by Julius Caesar. Little remains of these buildings - the 130-ft Trajan's column to celebrate Trajan's victory over the Dacians, still exits, so too does parts of Caesar's and Augustus's forums and Trajan's Market (Mercati Traianei), amongst others.
While walking through these forums is very pleasant and gives one some idea of what it was like in Ancient Rome, it is best if you have a descriptive map of the forums so you know what you are looking at - there are no useful signs, although the Imperial Forums do have some signs. There is a vistors centre halfway down Via Dei Fori Imperiali.
Opening Hours
Generally Daily 9am to Sunset
Prices
12 Euro (also includes entrance to Palatino & Colosseum)
(You can get a free view of the Forums from the street!).
There is a museum with access to walk around Trajan's Market. Price around 7 euro.
Address
Via Dei Fori Imperiali
(between the Coloseum & Vittorio Emanuele II monument in Piazza Venezia)
Entrance to Trajan's Market at Via IV Novembre, 94.
How to Get There
Metro Blue B Line: Colosseo
External Links
Wikipedia - Roman Forum
Wikipedia - Imperial Forums
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 | | Trajan's Column |
 | | Part of the relief on Trajan's Column |
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