The Imperial Fora are a complex of ancient buildings located in the center of Rome, near the Colosseum.
Built between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD, the Fora were the political, religious, and social center of ancient Rome.
The main monuments of the Archaeological Area include the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva, and the Forum of Trajan, all comprised of temples, basilicas, and statues commemorating the victories and successes of the various Roman emperors.
We recommend visiting them during the day to fully appreciate their beauty and history and hiring a tour guide or at least renting an audio guide to better understand the site’s history and significance.
Forum of Augustus
The Forum of Augustus is one of the Imperial Fora of Rome, located between the Capitoline Hill and the Quirinal Hill. It was built by Emperor Augustus in 2 BC, designed by his son-in-law and architect Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
The Forum of Augustus served as the political, religious, and commercial center of ancient Rome and housed various public buildings and monuments, including a temple dedicated to the Divine Julius (the deification of Julius Caesar), the Curia of Augustus (the meeting place of the Senate), the basilica, and the equestrian statue of the emperor.
The Forum of Augustus is also famous for being the place where the celebrations in honor of Mars, the god of war, were held every January 20.
During these festivals, gladiatorial shows were exhibited, and Emperor Augustus’s military triumph was celebrated.
Forum of Nerva
Within the archaeological area of the Imperial Fora, we also find another Forum built by Emperor Nerva between 97 and 98 AD.
At the center of the Forum is a large open area surrounded by porticoes and columns, used for public meetings, ceremonies, and political discussions.
The complex also includes the Curia of Nerva, which was the building where the Roman Senate met to discuss the political issues of the time. Besides the Curia, there are also remains of temples and other religious structures in the Forum of Nerva.
Forum of Trajan
The Forum of Trajan was built by Emperor Trajan between 107 and 112 AD and is one of the largest and best-preserved imperial fora in Rome.
The Forum was used as the political, religious, and social center of the city and included a series of monumental buildings, including the famous Trajan’s Column, erected to celebrate the emperor’s victories over the Dacians.
The Imperial Fora through the centuries
The first of the Imperial Fora was the Forum of Caesar, built by Julius Caesar in 46 BC as an extension of the Roman Forum. Subsequently, Augustus commissioned the construction of new Fora to celebrate his military victories and consolidate his power, including the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva, and the Forum of Trajan.
The Imperial Fora were connected by a series of roads and covered passages known as the “Via dei Fori Imperiali”, allowing easy access and circulation between the various complexes.
These spaces were used for public events, religious and political ceremonies, while the buildings housed government offices, markets, and courts.
During the medieval period, the Imperial Fora fell into ruin and were progressively abandoned, with many of their stones used to construct new buildings in the city.
Only in the 19th century, with the process of restoration and archaeological excavation, were the Imperial Fora brought to light and made accessible to the public.
Today, the Imperial Fora represent one of the main archaeological sites in Rome and offer a precious testimony to the greatness and power of the Roman imperial period.
Hours and tickets to see the Imperial Fora in Rome
Access to the archaeological area of the Imperial Fora is regulated and organized to allow a constant and controlled flow of visitors, avoiding overcrowding and allowing everyone to fully enjoy the beauty and majesty of these ancient monuments.
Access to the Imperial Fora is permitted every day, Monday through Sunday, at the following hours:
9 am – 5.30 pm: from March 1 to March 30
9 am – 7.15 pm: from March 31 to September 30
9 am – 6.30 pm: from October 1 to October 26
9 am – 4.30 pm: from October 27 to February 28
Last entry is one hour before closing.
The full ticket price is € 18.00.
We recommend booking tickets in advance on the official website to avoid long lines.
It is advisable to dedicate at least a couple of hours to the visit to be able to explore the entire archaeological complex.
After visiting the Imperial Fora, we recommend taking a walk along the Roman Forum and climbing the Palatine Hill for a spectacular panoramic view over Rome.
Hotel near the Imperial Fora in Rome
If you plan to visit the Imperial Fora and the Colosseum during your stay in Rome, the best solution is to book a room at the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, located a few minutes by foot from the archaeological area and also from the Altare della Patria (Victor Emmanuel II National Monument).
Thanks to its strategic location, the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino is the perfect choice for those who wish to explore the wonders of Rome conveniently and easily.
Book now your room and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Roman history.