Arch of Septimius Severus, Rome

Name: Arch of Septimius Severus
Address: Foro Romano, Rome, 00186, Italy

#52 among attractions in Rome

Arch, Monuments and statues, Historical place, Ruins

Gallery (18)

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 / Jean-Christophe BENOIST / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tepold / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / MiguelHermoso / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Jean-Christophe BENOIST / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Carlo Pelagalli / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rudolphous / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Alexander Z. / URL

Facts and practical information

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 Parthians. Located at the northwest end of the Roman Forum, the arch is a must-see historical landmark for any visitor to the Eternal City.

Crafted from marble, the Arch of Septimius Severus stands at approximately 23 meters in height, with an imposing presence that commands attention. The archway is richly decorated with intricate reliefs depicting scenes from the Roman-Parthian wars, showcasing the artistry and propaganda of the era. Inscriptions on the arch honor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, although references to Geta were removed after his death and damnatio memoriae by his brother Caracalla.

Visitors to the Arch of Septimius Severus can marvel at its detailed carvings and the grandeur of Roman architecture. As they stand beneath the arch, they are transported back nearly two millennia, imagining the triumphal processions that once passed through its grand archways.

The arch is easily accessible to tourists and can be viewed at any time. It is situated within walking distance from other notable Roman sites, such as the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, making it a convenient stop on any historical tour of the city. There is no entrance fee to view the arch, as it is located in an open, public area.

Local name: Arco di Settimio Severo Coordinates: 41°53'34"N, 12°29'5"E

Address

Foro RomanoCampitelliRome 00186 Italy

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Day trips

Arch of Septimius Severus – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Mamertine Prison, Temple of Caesar, Temple of Vespasian and Titus, Theatre of Marcellus.

~110 ftN
Museum, Historical place
Mamertine Prison, Rome
1 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...
~460 ftSE
Temple
Temple of Caesar, Rome
3 min walk • The Temple of Caesar, also known as the Temple of Divus Iulius or Temple of the Deified Julius Caesar, stands as an enduring testament to the reverence of Julius Caesar, one of history's most influential figures. Located in the heart of Rome, within the Roman Forum...
~220 ftW
Temple, Ruins, Historical place
Temple of Vespasian and Titus, Rome
2 min walk • Nestled among the ruins of the Roman Forum stands the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, a monument steeped in ancient history and architectural wonder. This Roman temple was constructed in the 1st century AD to honor the Flavian dynasty's emperors, Vespasian, and his son...
~1390 ftW
Roman theater with summer festival
Theatre of Marcellus, Rome
7 min walk • The Theatre of Marcellus is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and remains a significant archaeological site in the heart of the city. This ancient structure, which originally could house up to 20,000 spectators, stands as a remarkable example of early Roman...
~480 ftN
Church, Ancient Roman architecture
Basilica Argentaria, Rome
3 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...
~470 ftSE
Temple
Temple of Castor and Pollux, Rome
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome's bustling Forum, the Temple of Castor and Pollux stands as an enduring testament to the city's ancient grandeur. This Roman temple, dedicated to the twin brothers Castor and Pollux of Greek and Roman mythology, was originally constructed...
~500 ftW
Square
Clivus Capitolinus, Rome
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Clivus Capitolinus is a historic road that once served as the main artery linking the Roman Forum to the summit of the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. For those fascinated by the ancient world, a visit to this...
~480 ftN
Temple
Temple of Venus Genetrix, Rome
3 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.
~720 ftNW
Hiking trail, Hiking, Historic walking areas
Cordonata, Rome
4 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.
~220 ftSW
Temple
Temple of Saturn, Rome
2 min walk • The Temple of Saturn was an ancient Roman temple to the god Saturn, in what is now Rome, Italy. Its ruins stand at the foot of the Capitoline Hill at the western end of the Roman Forum.
~520 ftNW
Baroque architecture, Monuments and statues
Marforio, Rome
3 min walk • Marphurius or Marforio is one of the talking statues of Rome. Marforio maintained a friendly rivalry with his most prominent rival, Pasquin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Arch of Septimius Severus?

Nearby attractions include Vulcanal, Rome (1 min walk), Altar of Saturn, Rome (1 min walk), Comitium, Rome (1 min walk), Mamertine Prison, Rome (1 min walk).

How to get to Arch of Septimius Severus by public transport?

The nearest stations to Arch of Septimius Severus:

Bus

Fori Imperiali • Lines: 118, 51, 85, 87 (3 min walk)
Ara Coeli/P.za Venezia • Lines: 118 (4 min walk)

Tram

Venezia • Lines: 8 (7 min walk)
Parco Celio • Lines: 3, 8 (13 min walk)

Metro

Colosseo • Lines: B (10 min walk)
Cavour • Lines: B (13 min walk)

Ferry

Isola Tiberina • Lines: Battelli di Roma (13 min walk)
Ponte Cavour (25 min walk)

Train

Roma Termini (28 min walk)

Light rail

Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (28 min walk)
Termini Laziali • Lines: Fc1 (30 min walk)

Trolleybus

XX Settembre/Min. Finanze • Lines: 90 (28 min walk)
Volturno/Cernaia • Lines: 90 (29 min walk)