Roman Forum

Roman Forum is an ancient structure that was built even before the age of Roman Imperators and the Roman history that we all know very well. Therefore, do not be deceived by the current look of this area, once it was a center of the known world. Here, like probably nowhere else in the world, every stone has a story to tell and when you know them all, you know Rome.

Forum is a typical ancient Roman structure. It is a city square or piazza that was once the center of public life in every Roman city. Usually it occupied a central position in a city. It was a marketplace and a gathering place of great social importance where political discussions and debates, meetings and rendezvous were held. Some would say that the Forum was the most prominent meeting place of all times, and this would not be far from the truth.

The square is situated between Palationo and Campidoglio, two out of seven famous hills of Rome. The area where the forum is located today used to be a swamp which was eventually drained and the first constructions started in the 7^th century BC. From this period onwards, there was a substantial increase in the number of buildings constructed for the purpose of religious, political, judicial, commercial and above all social life of the citizens.  

There are remains of many buildings and monuments here that have many stories to tell. In order to keep this article concise we just presented the tip of the iceberg through the interesting facts. Keep in mind though that the most preserved structures were once very important buildings of the Roman Empire. Because of their importance, the church repossessed these buildings, and this is the very reason why they survived till this day.

Ticket prices for Roman Forum
The ticket is valid also for Colosseum which is right next to the Roman Forum.
Regular ticket price is: 12 Euros (€).
Reduced ticket price is: 7.5 Euros (€), for citizens of European Union between 18 and 24 years old.
Free entrance: individuals younger than 18.
We advise you to check the ticket price before visiting on the official website of the Coliseum in Rome.

Working hours of Roman Forum
From the last Sunday in October to February 15^th working hours are: 8:30/16:30h (last entrance 15:30).
From February 16^th to March 15^th working hours are: 8:30/17:00h (last entrance 16:00).
From March 16^th to the last Saturday in March working hours are: 8:30-17:30h (last entrance 16:30).
From the last Sunday in March to August 31^st working hours are: 8:30-19:15h (last entrance 18:15).
From September 1^st to September 30^th working hours are: 8:30-19:00h (last entrance 18:00).
From October 1^st to the last Saturday in October working hours are: 8:30/18:30h (last entrance 17:30).

Closed: January 1^st, May 1^st, December 25^th.
We advise you to check the working hours before visiting on the official website of the Coliseum in Rome.


Interesting facts

• Lapis Niger- It is an area on the pavement covered with dark colored marble, from which it got its name. According to the legend, this marks the spot where Romolo (the founder of Rome) was murdered by senators. However, according to the studies it was definitely excluded as the burial site of Romolo.
• At the entrance to the Roman Forum there is the Arch of Titus. It was constructed by the Senate after the death of the imperator Titus in 81 AC. This is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victories of the imperator, including the victory in the siege of Jerusalem in 70AC when the Jewish temple was destroyed and the city devastated.
• Remains of Domus Publica are also visible. This was a dwelling of the pontefice massimo (supreme priest), therefore it was the home of Caesar ever since 62 BC till his assassination on March 15^th 44 BC.
• On this place there was even the House of Vestal Virgins, the remains of which are visible today. These virgins were priestesses of the goddess Vesta who had to maintain the sacred fire of Rome. They were so esteemed that they were the only women in the empire allowed to have a testament, they could testify without the oath, they could leave the enclosure and walk around freely and finally they could abolish a prisoner condemned to capital penalty. All of these privileges did not come without a cost, they had to remain virgins and serve for 30 years, but with the right to leave the cult and get married at any time. If the virgins had sex or allowed the fire to distinguish they would be whipped and then carried to a thumb where they would be buried with minimum provisions. The male accomplice in this affair would be sent to slavery.
• On the side opposite to the entrance there is another triumphant arch, this time dedicated to the Imperator Settimio Severo. It was built in 303 AD in order to celebrate his victory over the Kingdom of Parti. Severo had two sons, Caracalla and Geta. After Caracalla ordered the assassination of his brother, the name of the other son, Geta, was changed on the monument into “optimus fortissimisque pricipibus” – an excellent, strong prince.
• On the far end of the entrance there are 8 huge columns that once belonged to the temple of Saturn (Roman God of agriculture and natural cycles). This temple was constructed around 497 BC and reconstructed from the spoils of war in Syria in 42 BC.