10 лучших мест для посещения на Римском форуме: самостоятельная экскурсия

Welcome to the heart of ancient Rome! This self-guided tour will take you through the most significant monuments in the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of the Roman Empire. Follow these stops in order for the best experience, and don’t forget to grab a combo ticket that includes the Colosseum and Palatine Hill for maximum value.

1. The Arch of Titus

Your Grand Entrance

Start your journey at this magnificent triumphal arch built in 82 AD to commemorate Emperor Titus’s victory in Jerusalem. The arch features detailed reliefs showing the spoils of war, including the famous menorah panel.

What to Look For: The intricate marble carvings on both sides of the arch, particularly the procession carrying treasures from the Temple of Jerusalem.

Insider Tip: Visit early morning (8:30-9:30 AM) when the eastern light perfectly illuminates the reliefs. Most tourists rush past this arch, so take your time here for great photos without crowds.

2. The Temple of Vesta

Rome’s Sacred Flame

This circular temple housed the eternal flame of Rome, tended by the Vestal Virgins for over 1,000 years. The current structure dates to the 3rd century AD but sits on much older foundations.

What to Look For: The unique round design (most Roman temples were rectangular) and the partial reconstruction that gives you a sense of its original grandeur.

Insider Tip: The adjacent House of the Vestal Virgins has a peaceful courtyard garden perfect for a rest. Look for the statues of Vestal Virgins, some with their faces deliberately defaced for breaking their vows.

3. The Basilica of Maxentius

Engineering Marvel

These towering ruins represent one of the last great buildings of ancient Rome (306-312 AD). Originally 100 meters long with a soaring vaulted ceiling, it showcased Roman engineering at its peak.

What to Look For: The massive concrete vaults that still stand today, and imagine the original structure was three times larger than what remains.

Insider Tip: Stand inside the remaining vault and clap your hands to hear the incredible acoustics. Late afternoon light (4-5 PM) creates dramatic shadows perfect for photography.

4. The Roman Senate House (Curia Julia)

Where Empires Were Decided

This remarkably preserved building is where Roman senators debated the fate of the known world. Rebuilt by Julius Caesar and later by Diocletian, it’s one of the best-preserved structures in the Forum.

What to Look For: The original marble floor, the tiered seating arrangement, and the massive bronze doors (replicas of the originals now in Rome’s Lateran Basilica).

Insider Tip: The interior is often overlooked by tour groups rushing to the Colosseum. Step inside to experience the actual space where Caesar’s assassination was planned and where countless decisions shaped Western civilization.

5. The Temple of Caesar

Where It All Began

This circular altar marks the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated in 44 BC. Romans still leave flowers here, making it one of Rome’s most emotionally powerful sites.

What to Look For: The altar in the center of the temple ruins and the fresh flowers that locals continue to leave over 2,000 years later.

Insider Tip: Visit during the Ides of March (March 15th) when Romans gather here to commemorate Caesar’s death. Any time of year, take a moment for quiet reflection at this pivotal spot in world history.

6. The Arch of Septimius Severus

Imperial Propaganda in Stone

This triple arch from 203 AD celebrates military victories in Mesopotamia. It’s one of the best-preserved triumphal arches and offers insight into Roman imperial messaging.

What to Look For: The detailed battle scenes carved into the marble panels and the inscription at the top (originally included Emperor Geta’s name, later erased after his assassination).

Insider Tip: Climb the steps of the nearby Tabularium for an elevated view of the arch and perfect photos. The morning sun illuminates the northwestern face beautifully.

7. The Column of Phocas

The Forum’s Last Monument

This 13.6-meter column, erected in 608 AD, was the last monument built in the Roman Forum. It marks the end of the ancient world and the beginning of the medieval period.

What to Look For: The Corinthian capital and the inscription dedicating it to Byzantine Emperor Phocas – representing the shift from Roman to Byzantine rule.

Insider Tip: Use this central location as your orientation point. From here, you can see almost every major monument in the Forum, making it perfect for getting your bearings.

8. The Temple of Saturn

Rome’s Treasury

These eight towering columns are all that remain of ancient Rome’s treasury building. Saturn was the god of agriculture and wealth, making this an appropriate location for Rome’s financial center.

What to Look For: The massive Ionic columns and the inscription mentioning restoration by the Senate and People of Rome (SPQR).

Insider Tip: The area behind the temple offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire Forum. It’s also less crowded than the main pathway, perfect for contemplative moments.

9. The Rostra (Speaker’s Platform)

Democracy in Action

This reconstructed platform is where Roman orators, including Cicero and Mark Antony, addressed the people. The bronze rostra (ship prows) that gave it its name commemorated naval victories.

What to Look For: The speaker’s platform and imagine the crowds that would have gathered in the Forum square to hear political speeches.

Insider Tip: Stand on the platform (when accessible) and look out over the Forum to experience what ancient speakers saw. The acoustics carry your voice remarkably well across the space.

10. The Via Sacra

Rome’s Main Street

End your tour walking along the Sacred Way, the main street of ancient Rome that connected the Forum to the Colosseum. Triumphal processions, religious ceremonies, and daily Roman life all flowed along this route.

What to Look For: The original Roman paving stones (black basalt polygons) and the gradual incline toward the Colosseum.

Insider Tip: As you walk toward the Colosseum, turn back for one final panoramic view of the Forum. The late afternoon light (one hour before sunset) creates the most magical atmosphere for your final photos.

Essential Planning Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Early Morning (8:30-10:00 AM): Fewer crowds, better light for photography
• Late Afternoon (3:30-5:30 PM): Golden hour lighting, cooler temperatures
• Избегать: Midday (11 AM-2 PM) when crowds peak and shadows are harsh

Combo Ticket Strategy: Purchase the combined Forum-Colosseum-Palatine Hill ticket for €18 (valid 24 hours). Book online to skip entrance lines and consider the €5 audioguide for deeper historical context at each stop.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes (uneven ancient stones)
• Water bottle (limited shade in summer)
• Camera with extra battery
• Small backpack for personal items

Hidden Bonus Stops:

• Santa Maria Antiqua: Early Christian church with remarkable frescoes (requires separate ticket)
• Mamertine Prison: Where St. Peter was allegedly imprisoned (separate ticket)
• Palatine Museum: Artifacts from Forum excavations (included with combo ticket)

Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough visit, or 2 hours for highlights only. The Forum connects directly to both the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, making it easy to maximize your combo ticket value in a single day.

Pro tip: Download the official “Roman Forum” app for interactive maps and additional historical details that complement this guide.