Roman Forum

古罗马广场 · Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Photo: Wolfgang Moroder · CC BY-SA 3.0

The ruins of the centre of ancient Rome's political, judicial and religious life, where the Senate House, triumphal arches, temple platforms and basilica remains line the Via Sacra; it shares a single archaeological park with the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

Know before you go

Do not climb on stones or walls
do not take stone fragments away

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Stories & people

Legend

Romulus and the Forum

According to Rome's founding legend, the city was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus, who were suckled by a she-wolf, and the she-wolf with the twins remains a symbol of Rome today. Legend also credits Romulus himself with founding the Comitium and the Vulcanal in the Forum.

Source: Wikipedia: Roman Forum

History

Early Rome in the layers

Archaeology shows that people were already active here in the Final Bronze Age (about 1200 to 975 BC), and in the 10th century BC part of the area was used as a cemetery. The earliest finds at the Comitium and the Vulcanal are votive offerings, and the area gradually became a centre of religious and public life.

Source: Wikipedia: Roman Forum

History

From "cattle field" to archaeological site

In the Middle Ages most of the Forum's monuments lay buried under debris, and the site was known as the Campo Vaccino, the "cattle field". During the Renaissance the ruins suffered heavy plundering, especially between 1540 and 1550; in 1803 Carlo Fea began clearing the debris from the Arch of Septimius Severus, and in 1898 the Italian government officially began excavations.

Source: Wikipedia: Roman Forum

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

The Roman Forum lies in the centre of Rome, in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills. Triumphal processions once came down the Via Sacra into the Forum, and remains such as the Senate House (Curia), the Rostra and the Temple of Vesta can still be made out today. The area became Rome's public space in the 8th century BC, and in the Republican period it was the centre of the city's judicial and political life; the Senate, and Republican government itself, began here. In the imperial period arches and columns were added, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus, dedicated in AD 203 to commemorate victories over the Parthians. From the 8th century AD onwards, the Forum was gradually neglected.

Local customs

Walk the Via Sacra from end to end, using the site signs to pick out the Senate House, the Rostra and the Temple of Vesta
climb the Palatine Hill for a panoramic view over the Forum
you can plan the neighbouring Colosseum and the Forum on the same day.

Etiquette & taboos

Rules that apply here

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersCountry-wide guidance · 意大利

Rome's Spanish Steps: no sitting, eating or drinking

Do

Walk up the steps and keep moving after your photo

Don’t

Sitting, resting, eating or drinking on the steps

Banned by Rome's urban police regulations since 2019; media report fines of €250, rising to €400 for dirtying or damaging the steps.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: ANSA: Rome bans sitting on the Spanish Steps (2019)

Don’t DON'T

Do not climb on stones or walls
do not take stone fragments away

Locals appreciate DO

Follow the route signs in the archaeological area
keep quiet in church and museum spaces

Plan your visit

Practical info

Travel tips

The ground in the ruins is uneven and the summer sun is fierce, so wear flat shoes and bring water. The combined ticket usually includes the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill
prices and entry time slots are subject to official information. Advance booking is recommended for busy times.
Take the metro to Colosseo station and walk from there. Several bus routes in the city centre serve the Via dei Fori Imperiali area, and inside the ruins you can only walk. Spring and autumn are best for long outdoor visits
summer is hot, so go in the morning or late afternoon
winter brings fewer visitors and is good for looking closely at the ruins and museums.

Photos