Imperial fora, Rome

Name: Imperial fora
Address: Rome, Italy

#42 among attractions in Rome

Museum, Archaeological museum

Gallery (18)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 2.0 / Sjaak Kempe / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Thesupermat2 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Angela Stefanoni / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Thesupermat2 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezarika1 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Sailko / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezarika1 / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Imperial Fora stand as a monumental testament to the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization. These sprawling public squares, built between 46 BC and 113 AD, were the center of political, religious, and social life in the Roman Empire. The forums were constructed over a period of 150 years, each commissioned by a different emperor, from Julius Caesar to Trajan.

The Imperial Fora consists of a series of five forums, including the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Temple of Peace, the Forum of Nerva, and the Forum of Trajan. Each forum was adorned with lavish temples, majestic arches, and grandiose basilicas, showcasing the emperors' wealth and power. The largest and most impressive of these is the Forum of Trajan, featuring the iconic Column of Trajan, which is adorned with intricate carvings depicting the emperor's victorious Dacian campaigns.

As a museum of the open sky, the Imperial Fora are a cultural treasure trove for visitors and historians alike. The ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Rome. While much of the original structure has been lost to time, the remnants still convey the impressive scale and ambition of the Roman builders.

Today, the Imperial Fora are a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. The site is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history of the Roman Empire, offering an unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary figures such as Julius Caesar and Trajan.

Local name: Fori Imperiali Coordinates: 41°53'40"N, 12°29'8"E

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MontiRome Italy

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Day trips

Imperial fora – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Altare della Patria, Mamertine Prison, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market.

~680 ftW
White marble memorial monument
Altare della Patria, Rome
4 min walk • The Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, is a grand edifice that dominates Piazza Venezia in the heart of Rome, Italy. This colossal structure is an emblem of Italian national unity and a museum that pays homage to the...
~550 ftSW
Museum, Historical place
Mamertine Prison, Rome
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Forum, lies the Mamertine Prison, a site steeped in ancient history and somber tales. This ancient prison, known in Italian as Carcere Mamertino, is one of the oldest in the world and has served as a silent witness...
~620 ftNW
Roman triumphal column and public platform
Trajan's Column, Rome
3 min walk • Trajan's Column stands as a monumental tribute to the Roman Emperor Trajan and his military victories in the Dacian Wars. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, this towering marble pillar reaches a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet), excluding its pedestal.
~450 ftN
Restored Roman city forum complex
Trajan's Market, Rome
3 min walk • Trajan's Market, nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, is a remarkable testament to ancient Roman engineering and commercial life. This sprawling complex, often considered the world's oldest shopping mall, was constructed between 100 and 110 AD during the reign of...
~630 ftS
Triumphal archway dating from 203 AD
Arch of Septimius Severus, Rome
4 min walk • Standing proudly in the heart of Rome, the Arch of Septimius Severus is a monumental triumphal arch that has withstood the test of time. Erected in 203 AD, this ancient structure commemorates the Roman victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons against the...
~680 ftW
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, Rome
4 min walk • Perched atop the Capitoline Hill, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli stands as a serene testament to Rome's layered history. This beautiful church, which dates back to the 12th century, is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of art and history...
~670 ftW
Temple
Temple of Concord, Rome
4 min walk • The Temple of Concord, situated in the heart of ancient Rome, Italy, is a historic shrine that once epitomized Roman efforts to maintain harmony among its citizens. Although the original structure no longer stands in its complete form, the site remains a significant...
~110 ftW
Historical place
Foro di Cesare, Rome
1 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Foro di Cesare, or Forum of Caesar, stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and its enduring legacy. This historical landmark, inaugurated in 46 BC by Julius Caesar himself, was the first of the Imperial forums...
~340 ftW
Church, Ancient Roman architecture
Basilica Argentaria, Rome
2 min walk • The Basilica Argentaria is a lesser-known yet historically significant site nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy. This ancient structure, whose roots date back to the Imperial era, was once a bustling center of commerce. Today, its remains offer a unique glimpse into...
~240 ftSW
Temple
Temple of Venus Genetrix, Rome
2 min walk • The Temple of Venus Genetrix is a ruined temple in the Forum of Caesar, Rome, dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus Genetrix, the founding goddess of the Julian gens. It was dedicated to the goddess on September 26, 46 BCE by Julius Caesar.
~940 ftW
Hiking trail, Hiking, Historic walking areas
Cordonata, Rome
5 min walk • The cordonata is a sloping road interrupted at regular distances by low steps in the form of transversal stripes made of stone or bricks. It has a form almost similar to a flight of steps, but allows the transit of horses and donkeys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Imperial fora?

Nearby attractions include Foro di Cesare, Rome (1 min walk), Temple of Venus Genetrix, Rome (2 min walk), Basilica Argentaria, Rome (2 min walk), San Giovanni Battista dei Cavalieri di Rodi, Rome (2 min walk).

How to get to Imperial fora by public transport?

The nearest stations to Imperial fora:

Bus

Fori Imperiali • Lines: 118, 51, 85, 87 (2 min walk)
Magnanapoli • Lines: 117 (4 min walk)

Tram

Venezia • Lines: 8 (7 min walk)
Arenula/Cairoli • Lines: 8 (13 min walk)

Metro

Colosseo • Lines: B (10 min walk)
Cavour • Lines: B (11 min walk)

Ferry

Isola Tiberina • Lines: Battelli di Roma (15 min walk)
Ponte Cavour (23 min walk)

Train

Roma Termini (25 min walk)

Light rail

Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (25 min walk)
Termini Laziali • Lines: Fc1 (28 min walk)

Trolleybus

XX Settembre/Min. Finanze • Lines: 90 (25 min walk)
Volturno/Cernaia • Lines: 90 (26 min walk)