Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a rectangular plaza surrounded by ruins of ancient government buildings at the center of Rome. For centuries it was the heart of daily life: site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches. Today it is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and archaeological excavations, attracting millions of sightseers yearly.

Don't miss

• The Arch of Titus at the southeast end of the Forum
• The Basilica Aemilia (179 BC) on the north side
• The Basilica Julia on the south side, built by Julius Caesar
• The Temple of Vesta (7th century BC) and the House of the Vestal Virgins
• The Curia Julia, the rebuilt Senate house
• The travertine paving from the reign of Augustus, still visible

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Roman Forum

Cheapest way inColosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour4.8★ · 175 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedRome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour4.5★ · 25,110 travelers~3 hoursFrom$40 per personSee dates →Top ratedColosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with Guided Tour4.8★ · 579 travelers~3 hoursFrom$41 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• Wear comfortable shoes; the site is a sprawling ruin of uneven ground and archaeological excavations.
• There is little shade, so bring sun protection and water, especially in warmer months.
• The Forum is a major tourist attraction, with 4.5 million or more sightseers yearly; expect crowds.

A bit of history

Originally a marshy lake, it was drained in the 7th century BC by the Cloaca Maxima sewer. Over centuries it developed organically, with temples like the Temple of Saturn (497 BC) and Temple of Castor and Pollux (484 BC) added during the Republic. The last major expansion was the Basilica of Maxentius (312 AD) under Constantine the Great.