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Book Roman Forum tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Experience the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace! Visit as many or as few attractions as you like.
- Fan of DIY Travel? Combine visiting the Temple of Saturn and the goddess Vista, or the palaces of Flavian and Augustine emperors at the Palatine Hill.
- Enhance your experience with a 25-minute multimedia video with graphical illustrations of ancient Rome and the reconstruction of the Eternal City.
- Let the explorer in you out as you imagine the heart of the Roman political, social, and religious life at the Forum
- Fun fact: The Roman Forum was once home to a zoo that contained exotic animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles.
Experience the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace! Visit as many or as few attractions as you like.
- Fan of DIY Travel? Combine visiting the Temple of Saturn and the goddess Vista, or the palaces of Flavian and Augustine emperors at the Palatine Hill.
- Enhance your experience with a 25-minute multimedia video with graphical illustrations of ancient Rome and the reconstruction of the Eternal City.
- Let the explorer in you out as you imagine the heart of the Roman political, social, and religious life at the Forum
- Fun fact: The Roman Forum was once home to a zoo that contained exotic animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Multimedia Video
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum
- Guide
- Tip: Don't miss out on the Panoramic views from Farnese Gardens! Be sure to head there when exploring the Palatine Hill ...
- Names are mandatory for Palatine and Forum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Keep in mind that guests will need to collect the ticket from the office to enter Palatine Hill and the Forum.
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line.,
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Dive straight into the action with timed entry to the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most visited and iconic sites.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum within 24 hours of your Colosseum entry.
- Enhance your visit with an optional audio guide, offering rich insights and stories to bring the ancient sites to life.
- Upgrade for exclusive arena floor access and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, experiencing the Colosseum from the vantage point of ancient Romans.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Dive straight into the action with timed entry to the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most visited and iconic sites.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum within 24 hours of your Colosseum entry.
- Enhance your visit with an optional audio guide, offering rich insights and stories to bring the ancient sites to life.
- Upgrade for exclusive arena floor access and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, experiencing the Colosseum from the vantage point of ancient Romans.
Inclusions
- Timed entry to the Colosseum (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (as per option selected)
- Entry to Mamertine Prison (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
- Access to Colosseum tiers 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill look out for the Farnese Gardens, a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
- The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
- After booking the ticket, you’ll receive information on how to download the digital audio guide app on your smartphone. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget to bring your favorite headphones!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Step into ancient Rome with a guide who brings history to life at every turn.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - hit all the hotspots of ancient Rome on this 3-hour guided tour.
- Timed entry lets you walk right into the Colosseum and focus on uncovering its history with your expert guide.
- Follow your guide as they reconstruct Rome’s glorious past— from the lively Forum, teeming with traders and priests, to Palatine Hill’s royal residences.
- Don't let language barriers spoil your adventure! Catch every detail of Rome's foundation story, in the language of your choice.
- Looking for a more intimate group? Upgrade to a small group tour. With fewer photobombers around, your snaps of the Colosseum will truly shine!
Step into ancient Rome with a guide who brings history to life at every turn.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - hit all the hotspots of ancient Rome on this 3-hour guided tour.
- Timed entry lets you walk right into the Colosseum and focus on uncovering its history with your expert guide.
- Follow your guide as they reconstruct Rome’s glorious past— from the lively Forum, teeming with traders and priests, to Palatine Hill’s royal residences.
- Don't let language barriers spoil your adventure! Catch every detail of Rome's foundation story, in the language of your choice.
- Looking for a more intimate group? Upgrade to a small group tour. With fewer photobombers around, your snaps of the Colosseum will truly shine!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Access to Colosseum tier 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Access to the Colosseum Museum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground & arena
- Tip: The Colosseum tours involve lots of climbing steps and walking. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to prevent fatigue!
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip the lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. - Just a heads-up: the order of the tour might change, so it's a good idea to check for updates before your visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Visit three iconic landmarks, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with timed entry for a seamless experience across ancient Rome's important sites.
- Get access to the Arena floor and stand where the gladiators once fought animals and public executions took place.
- Enjoy a deeper understanding of Rome’s landmarks with a guide who provides detailed narratives and answers all your questions.
- Not a fan of crowds? Opt for a small group and enjoy a more personalized tour full of tidbits on Roman religion, governance, and architecture.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Visit three iconic landmarks, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with timed entry for a seamless experience across ancient Rome's important sites.
- Get access to the Arena floor and stand where the gladiators once fought animals and public executions took place.
- Enjoy a deeper understanding of Rome’s landmarks with a guide who provides detailed narratives and answers all your questions.
- Not a fan of crowds? Opt for a small group and enjoy a more personalized tour full of tidbits on Roman religion, governance, and architecture.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena floor
- Access to Colosseum tier 1 & 2
- Access to the Colosseum Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
- Tip: Don't miss out on your chance to see the Arena floor up close. Book in advance to get the best choice of starting times for your travel schedule!
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- Rain or shine, this tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. Photo IDs are mandatory for minors and adults.
- The order of attractions visited might be subject to change. Your guide will help you navigate all 3 sites daily of the crowds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Why Visit the Roman Forum?
- See the stunning architecture: Reconstructed many times during its existence, the Roman Forum is a wonderful example of how various forms of architecture from different eras merge together.
- Learn about Roman history: Several structures inside the Roman Forum take you through the glorious past of the Roman Empire.
- Learn about ancient gods: The Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Temple of Vespasian were all important places of worship for Ancient Romans.
- The center of politics: The Roman Forum lies in the heart of the city of Rome. Many buildings like the Curia and the Rostra tell you how politics played an important role in how the area was built.
Plan your visit to the Roman Forum
Opening hours
Location
Faciities
Visitor tips
March 1 to 30, 2024: 9am – 5:30pm
Last entry: 4:30pm
31 March 31 to 30 September: 9am – 7:15pm
October 1 to 26: 9am – 6:30pm
27 October to 31 December: 9am – 4:30pm
The Roman Forum is closed on public holidays of January 1 and December 25. It will close early on March 29.
Address: Via Della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Roman Forum is just 592 meters away from the mighty Colosseum.
How to Get There
By Metro: Colosseo and Circo Massimo are the two closest metro stations to the Roman Forum. You will just have to walk a few minutes to get here.
By Bus: Bus numbers 118, 170, 190F, 51, 628, 80, and C3 stop at the nearest bus top, just a 4-minute walk to the Roman Forum.
By Taxi: You can also take a taxi directly to the Roman Forum. It is easy to find one at Piazza del Popolo.
- Elevators
- Private Wheelchairs
- Toilets
- Buy your Roman Forum entry tickets in advance. If you wait to buy them on arrival, you might have to wait in long queues and lose a lot of time.
- You will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure you're wearing comfortable footwear.
- Keep a bottle of water with you. You will need it, especially if you're going in the afternoon.
- Take a guided tour to understand the history behind each building inside the Roman Forum.
- Go on a weekday. The Roman Forum is one of the most visited places in Rome. It is crowded during weekends and holidays.
Roman Forum highlights
Senate House
Also called Curia, the Senate House was the official meeting spot for the senators. Throughout history, the Curia has been built many times, the most famous being Curia Julia, built by Julius Caesar. It was later converted to a church in around 630 AD.
Temple of Saturn
Shielded by eight majestic columns, this temple was a place of worship dedicated to Saturn. Made with Egyptian granite, travertine rocks, and Thasian marble, the Temple of Saturn is among the most visited structures inside the Roman Forum.
Temple of Jupiter
Located on Capitol Hill, the Temple of Jupiter was a shrine for the god Jupiter. Made using tuff, terracotta, and marble, the Temple of Jupiter was one of the most culturally significant temples for the people. However, less of the original construction remains today.
Arch of Titus
The Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the first Roman-Jewish war in which Emperor Vespasian and his elder son, Titus, emerged victorious. In honor of this victory, Vespasian younger son and Titus's brother, Domitian, built the Arch of Titus.
Temple of Vesta
The Temple of Vesta was built for the Vestal Virgins, a group of women who pledged never to get married. It was believed that if the eternal flame of the temple went out, the Roman Empire would come to an end.
The Rostra
Originally, the Rostra was a podium for leaders to address the public. It was built by Julius Caesar and later completed by his nephew, Caesar Augustus. Standing 5 meters high and 30 meters wide, it was decorated with ship rams from defeated ships.
Temple of Castor and Pollux
The ancient Romans had erected a temple for Jupiter's twin sons, Castor and Pollux. What was once a massive structure, only the primary three columns and the inner podium survived over the years.
The Via Sacra
The Sacred Way, or Via Sacra, was a pathway leading to Capitoline Hill. It was used for public processions, triumphant marches, and religious celebrations. Many Roman emperors were also deified at the Via Sacra, which was considered a religious street.
The Regia
The Regia was the residence of the Roman kings and their families. It later became the official residence of the highest priest of the church, known as the Pontifex Maximus. It lies at the center of the Roman Forum.
Temple of Vespasian
The Temple of Vespasian celebrated the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It deified both Vespasian and Titus, as was common in ancient Rome. Brick, concrete, and marble were used to construct the temple.
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Right opposite the Regia, the temple was initially built by Emperor Antoninus Pius for his wife and Roman Empress Faustina the Elder in 141 AD. After Antoninus' death in 161 AD, Marcus Aurelius rebuilt the temple as a shrine to both Antoninus and Faustina.
Basilica Julia
The construction of Basilica Julia was started by Julius Caesar and later completed by his nephew and successor, Augustus. It was used as a public building for government meetings. The structure was later converted into a church.
House of Vestal Virgins
Functioning as the residence of Vestal Virgins, the House of the Vestal Virgins is located behind the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum. Presently, only the statues of the Vestals remain in the Atrium Vestae.
Arch of Septimius Severus
Located at the northwest end of the Roman Forum, the Arch of Septimius Severus is a striking, white marble triumphal arch. Constructed to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus, the arch was built in 203 AD.
Roman Forum architecture & design
In all the ruins of various structures inside the Roman Forum, you will find that Greek architecture was the main source of inspiration for architects. Most of the buildings classify under the architectural styles of Ancient Roman architecture and Paleochristian architecture.
Common elements like arches, domes, and columns are similar across the buildings. There was also the use of raw materials like tuff, limestones, bricks, and marbles.
Brief history of the Roman Forum
Pre-Roman period
753 to 716 BC
Owing to its low-lying location, the area served as a great location for people to build houses. Fresh water was drawn easily from the Tiber River, and the people grew their food at the banks of the river.
Roman Kingdom
625 to 510 BC
After laying the foundations of the Roman Empire, Romulus named the city Rome and the Roman Forum area was at the center of his kingdom. He also built a wall along Palatine Hill that would shield the city from flooding.
Roman Republic
509 to 27 BC
During this period, many important structures inside the Roman Forum were constructed as it became a public plaza where all official government businesses were conducted. The Curia, the Rostra, the Comitium, and Basilica Julia were built.
Roman Empire
64 to 476 AD
From the early settlements to an official government center, the Roman Forum had become an important area by this time. Triumphal processions, religious ceremonies, and many other events of importance were held at the Roman Forum.
Medieval Times
476 AD to 14 Century
By the Medieval Era, the Roman Empire had begun to topple due to constant invasions by the Barbarian tribes. The area was plundered and the Roman Forum became nothing but an area where cattle were taken to graze the fields.
Renaissance
14 to 17 Century
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance Era emerged, starting in Florence, Italy. During this period, the ruins of the Roman Forum were discovered. Many buildings were reconstructed and turned into Roman Catholic churches.
Excavation
19 to 20 Century
In 1803, it was archaeologist Carlo Fea who rediscovered the lost land of the Roman Forum. The area was excavated. Owing to its size, it took 100 years to complete the excavations and gather artifacts that gave a glimpse into the life of ancient Romans.
Frequently asked questions about Roman Forum tours
What is the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum was a public plaza in ancient Rome that was used for proceedings, cultural and religious events, open-air markets, criminal executions, and gladiator combats (before the Colosseum was built) and as a center for government affairs.
Where can I buy Roman Forum tickets?
You can buy tickets to the Roman Forum online. It is best advised to get your entry tickets online as the Roman Forum is a popular tourist attraction in Rome. You can buy your tickets here.
Can I visit the Roman Forum with Colosseum tickets?
Entry to the Roman Forum is usually guaranteed with your Colosseum tickets. These tickets also give you access to Palatine Hill.
Who built the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum has not been built by one person, but by different Roman rulers over the years. It started with Romulus, the founder of Rome. Roman Emperors like Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, and their successors built different structures inside the Roman Forum.
Why was the Roman Forum so important?
The Roman Forum is one of the oldest places in Rome. It has many structures that give a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Romans. It is a historically significant area in Rome that has ruins dating back to 500 BC.
What was life like in the Roman Forum?
The Romans held all important events at the Roman Forum. Religious festivals were held at different temples inside the Roman Forum. Local merchants also held open-air markets to sell their goods regularly. The Roman Forum was also the seat of the Roman Senate, where public addresses and official government affairs were held.
What is the Roman Forum famous for?
There are many structures inside the Roman Forum that people from all around the world come to see. It has the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Jupiter, the Arch of Titus, the Curia, the Rostra and the Temple of Vespasian, among others. It has the ruins of all these structures that serve as a brilliant example of Roman architecture.
Does the Roman Forum exist even today?
Despite dating back to 500 BC and being destroyed by natural and man-made causes, the Roman Forum exists even today. Although it is in ruins, there are many buildings that have been preserved over the years. You can visit the Roman Forum and marvel at its glory simply by purchasing Roman Forum tickets.
Can visitors gain Roman Forum admission?
Yes, visitors are allowed inside the Roman Forum. You can enter it for free if you have entry tickets to the Colosseum.
Where is Roman Forum located?
The official address of the Roman Forum is Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. It is just about 500 metres away from the Colosseum.
Is Roman Forum near the Colosseum?
Yes, the Roman Forum is just about 500 metres away from the Colosseum. You can enter the Roman Forum for free with your Colosseum tickets.
How is Roman Forum connected to the Colosseum?
The Roman Forum is just a walking distance away from the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. It served as the government headquarters in ancient Rome while the Colosseum was used for annual games. Now, you can enter both attractions with Colosseum and Roman forum tickets.
Is the Roman Forum a religious site?
The Roman Forum used to be a religious site but now it is just an archaeological area. The Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of the Deified Caesar, the Mamertine Prison, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Romulus and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina were all important places of worship for ancient Romans.
Is there a dress code to enter the Roman Forum?
There is no dress code to enter the Roman Forum as it is not a religious area. You should, however, wear comfortable footwear as you will be doing a lot of walking to explore the area.
How can I get to the Roman Forum?
There are many ways to get to the Roman Forum. You can take the metro and get down at Colosseo or Circo Massimo metro stations, depending on from where you will be entering the Roman Forum. You can also take buses 118, 170, 190F, 51, 628, 80 and C3 and get down at the nearest bus stop, which is just about 4 minutes away from the Roman Forum on foot. There are direct taxis you can find all around the city, the easiest place being Piazza del Popolo.
What can I expect to see at the Roman Forum?
You will find ruins of some of the most important buildings in ancient Rome that are stellar examples of Roman architecture. The Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vespasian, the Curia, the Rostra, the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Caesar and the Via Sacra are among the must-see places inside the Roman Forum.
