Roman Forum / Palatine Hill

Foro Romano / Palatino

The ruins of the political, religious, and commercial center of the Roman Empire over a thousand years: the Senate House, triumphal arches, temples, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. On the Palatine Hill are the emperors' palaces and the legendary site of Rome's founding.

The Roman Forum lies in the valley between the Colosseum and the Capitoline Hill. From the 7th century BCE, it was the public center of Rome. Temples, the Senate House, law courts, and triumphal arches crowded its sides. After the fall of the empire, it was buried under soil and became pasture. Systematic excavation began in the 19th century. Highlights along the Via Sacra include the Arch of Titus, with reliefs recording the capture of Jerusalem; the huge vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius; the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins; the remains of the temple where Caesar was cremated, where people still leave flowers; the Curia (Senate House); the Arch of Septimius Severus; and the eight stone columns and rostra of the Temple of Saturn. To the south, the Palatine Hill is where Romulus is said to have founded the city. Augustus and later emperors built their palaces here, and the word 'palace' itself comes from this hill. You can visit the frescoes of the House of Augustus, the ruins of the Domus Flavia, and the Farnese Gardens. The viewpoint at the top gives the best panorama of the Forum and the Circus Maximus. The terrace of the Piazza del Campidoglio, behind the Capitoline Hill, is a free viewpoint. The ticket is included in the Colosseum combined pass, which costs 18 euros and is valid for 24 hours. There are several entrances. Entering from Via dei Fori Imperiali beside the Colosseum or from Via di San Gregorio on the Palatine Hill usually means shorter lines. A visit takes 2 to 3 hours. The site is open-air and paved with gravel, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water and a hat. An audio guide app or paper map is essential, or the site will look like just a pile of stones. Colosseo station on metro line B is nearest.

Roman Forum / Palatine Hill

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