Roman Forum: Guide and Tips

One of the most iconic places of the city that would transport you directly to the ancient times of the Roman Empire and many other historical events that took place in the Metropolis is, without a shadow of a doubt, THE ROMAN FORUM.

Hence, the centre of Rome has been declared UNESCO “World heritage” in 1980.

If you are planning to visit the Roman Forum, here below you will find a guide with all the tips that you need to know so you won’t miss a thing.

Table of contents

What is the Roman Forum?

The Roman Forum was the centre of the whole Empire. It was the core of the Ancient Rome, as it was the place where all public, economic and religious activities took place, in other words, everything would happen at the ancient Roman Forum.

Together with the Colosseum, it is one of the most attractive sights to visit in the eternal city, as you can still experience the magnitude of the Roman empire.

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Official Colosseum Ticket Tour Rome Roman Forum: Guide And Tips 3

What can I visit at the Roman Forum?

Here you have a list of roman forum rome ruins that you shouldn’t miss:

  1. Arch of Septimius Severus: It was erected in the year 203 A.D, honouring the Roman Emperor Severus and commemorating all his victories.
  2. Arch of Titus at the Roman Forum: This roman masterpiece was built shortly after the death of the emperor Titus.
  3. Via Sacra: It was the main road in the ancient Rome, where the most important religious procession and festivities took piece. According to legend, it is called Via sacra (sacred road) because it was where Romulus and Titus Tazio made peace, as Romulus and Titus had already sign a peace agreement after the rape of the Sabine Women.
  4. The basilica of Maxentius: it’s construction started under the reign of the emperor Maxentius and finished with Constantine I, it is one of the most important building of the Roman Forum  as it was destined to administering justice and designed as well as a place for imperial receptions.
  5. The basilica Julia: Named after Julius Caesar who built it in 54 B.C. It was destroyed by a fire but rebuilt and enlarged for Augustus in 12 D.C
  6. The Basilica Emilia: It’s the only civil basilica from the republican times that, even though it was destroyed many times, we still can find in the Roman Forum.
  7. The temple of Saturn: It was built between 501 and 498 B.C. It is one of the most important, ancient and well-preserved constructions that we can find at the Roma Forum.
  8. The Temple of Dioscuri: Built in the V century B.C. From the ancient structure it is remained its three columns, on of the most characteristic elements of the Roman Forum.
  9. The house of Vestals: it was the official residency of the vestal virgins of Rome who were entitled to protect Vesta’s holy fire.
  10. The Curia Julia: it is the third named curia within the comitium, that was used as a Senate house. It is also one of the few roman structures that remain intact.
  11. The orator’s tribune: it is where the most important speeches in the history of Rome took place.
  12. The temple of Julius Caesar: Its construction started in 42 B.C, by Augustus after the senate deified Julius Caesar after his death.

Roman Forum Map

As you can see on the map, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have two different entrances. With your roman forum ticket you can also visit the Colosseum.

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(Source: pinterest.com)

Tips when visiting the archeological area at the Forum

The best way to discover the Roman Forum is booking a guided tour with skip-the-line access. If you decide to go without a professional guide you will probably miss many important monuments.

  • Respect the temples and monuments.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • In the Roman Forum there are just few places with shade, so it is very important you carry a bottle of water with you and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

We hope you enjoy your stay in lovely Rome!

If you want visit the Palatine don’t miss this post.

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