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Book Roman Forum tours
4.2(66K Ratings)
- Enjoy the flexibility to visit Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with combined entrance tickets and explore these ancient wonders at your own convenient pace.
- Experience unlimited time within the site's opening hours and stroll through the remnants of the Roman Empire, admiring incredible archaeological finds.
- Step into history on Palatine Hill and discover the ancient home of emperors. Soak up panoramic views of the Colosseum and more.
- Take in the grandeur of the Roman Forum walking by ruins of iconic temples and ancient landmarks from the Temple of Saturn to the Hut of Romulus.
- Get a ticket upgrade to include a hosted entry, 25-minute multimedia video, and assistance at the meeting point.
Inclusions
- Flexible entry or hosted entry to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
- 25-min multimedia video (optional)
- Assistance at meeting point (optional)
- Access to the Super sites
Exclusions
- Entry to the Colosseum
- Live guide
- Tip: There are 3 gates to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It's recommended to head to the entrance on Foro Imperiali, where queues are usually shorter.
- You must carry a valid ID with you and present it at the time of entry if requested. Should you fail to do so, venue authorities may deny you entry and such instances are not liable for reschedules or refunds.
- This entry ticket does not include entrance to the Colosseum.
- Note that the following are not allowed: bottles, glasses containers, alcoholic beverages, aerosols, large luggage or bags, and pets.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Unlock 3 landmarks that are Rome's shining pride and glory – the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Delve into the bloody past of the Colosseum with the option to include a multilingual audio guide or entry to Mamertine Prison.
- Immerse in ancient life at the Roman Forum. Discover the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus, and many other fascinating sites.
- At Palatine Hill, you'll be privy to some of the city’s best views. It was, after all, once known as the most prestigious neighborhood in Rome!
- Psst, want to stand in the footsteps of gladiators? Check out the arena access option and gain a new perspective of the amphitheater.
Inclusions
- Access to the Colosseum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Digital audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (optional)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (optional)
- Timed access to Mamertine Prison (optional)
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill, the Farnese Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.
- The digital audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.
- Families with children will be escorted to the entrance of the Roman Forum
- 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.
- You might be given a time slot 30 minutes earlier or up to 2 hours later than the one you picked, depending on what's available.
- The tickets for the Palatine and Forum 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.
- It is mandatory to carry a valid ID or passport with you and present it at the time of entry if requested.
- 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.
- Have your ID ready to qualify for free entry.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- On this guided tour, bypass queues efficiently to make the most of your time exploring the Colosseum, and even visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Expert guides will transport you back in time with captivating storytelling in 6 language options, unraveling the ancient secrets at these sites.
- Step into the extraordinary world of the Colosseum, where history comes alive amidst its breathtaking architecture and legendary stories.
- Get ready to uncover the past, create memories, and be part of history in ancient public spaces as you make your way through the Roman Forum.
- Stand atop Palatine Hill and take in awe-inspiring panoramas of Rome, an unforgettable backdrop that adds a touch of magic to your journey to the past.
Inclusions
- 3-hour tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill
- Expert local guide (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese or German)
- Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Headphones
- Group of up to 18 people
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
- Tip: Visiting in the summer months? Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you and make use of the free water fountains dotted around the area.
- The tour covers all 3 sites. However, the order of sites visited may be subject to change.
- The Palatine and Forum are a single site, and there is no option to skip the line. When entering these sites with a guide, there might be a slight delay.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users or baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Visit multiple Roman hotspots in one go with this guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill with exclusive access to the Arena.
- Skip ticketing queues and march into the Arena just like the gladiators did, stopping only to admire the Arch of Constantine.
- Explore and learn about the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in-depth, with expert multilingual guides telling you everything.
- Not a fan of crowds? Upgrade your experience to enjoy a small group tour with an expert English guide and no more than 15 guests.
Inclusions
- 2.5 - 3.5hrs tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Access to the Colosseum arena floor
- Entry to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Expert multilingual guide
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Pro Tip: Visiting during summer? Bring a water bottle and use the free water fountains dotted around the area.
- The guided tour is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, or German.
- Everyone must carry valid IDs.
- Some things are worth the wait, like the Palatine and Forum that don't offer skip-the-line access.
- Luggage and large backpacks are not allowed inside the Colosseum.
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Enjoy personalized and intimate experience on a small-group tour that lets you fully immerse in the rich history of 3 of Rome's architectural wonders.
- Beat the crowds and skip the lines to the Colosseum. Dive straight into the action and get to appreciate the intricate details up close!
- Be entertained and enlightened by passionate guides who will reveal the hidden legends of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Savor picture perfect moments and sweeping panoramic views from the city's best vantage points at the Palatine Hill.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Entry to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
- Small-group tour (15 guests or less)
- Expert & charismatic local tour guide
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly (making sure you don't miss a beat!)
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
- Tip: At the Roman Forum, ask your guide about the ancient religious practices in the House of the Vestal Virgins, once occupied by priestesses who tended the sacred fire of Vesta.
- All members of your party must carry a valid ID to present at the time of entry if requested. Should you fail to do so, venue authorities may deny you entry and such instances are not liable for reschedules or refunds.
- The Palatine and Forum is a combined site, with no possibility to skip the line, you may face a delay when entering these sites with the guide... but hey, sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for!
- The tour covers all 3 sites. However, the order of sites visited may be subject to change.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- With these entry tickets to Mamertine Prison (Carcer Tullianum museum), the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, you will explore the strongholds of Rome’s Imperial power.
- This visit allows you to admire the remarkable stratification of historical and artistic memories reflecting the life and development of ancient Rome.
- At Mamertine, use the help of a tablet in English, Italian, or Spanish, to guide you through Rome's oldest prison!
- The distinctive Colosseum, amphitheater of the ferocious games of Imperial Rome, has eons of history in its structures. Make sure to reserve your timings prior to your visit.
- Marvel at the remains of important buildings of the ancient regime at the Roman Forum.
- Explore the 4-sided plateau of Palatine Hill, one of the earliest parts of the city standing at the center of Rome’s famous 7 hills.
Inclusions
- Entry to Mamertine Prison with tablet guide in English, Italian & Spanish.
- Entry to the Colosseum
- Entry to Roman Forum
- Entry to Palatine Hill
- Reception & assistance by multilingual staff
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Your skip-the-line access allows you to bypass winding ticketing queues and head right into the wondrous Colosseum.
- Head to the Gladiator Arena, where you'll listen to tales about the ancient gladiators as you walk along the first and second tiers of the Colosseum with your tour guide.
- Visit the famous Colosseum Underground with this special access ticket and
- Head out to the Roman Forum, an old venue where public speeches, processions, and elections took place.
- Explore the ancient ruins and palaces as you discover the historic Palatine Hill.
Inclusions
Guided Tour
- 2.5 - 3 hours guided tour
- Languages: English/Italian/German/Spanish/French
- Skip-the-line access to the Colosseum's underground
- Access to Gladiator Arena, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
English Guided Tour of Underground Only
- Access to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is not included
- 1.5-hour guided tour in English
- Skip-the-line access to the Colosseum's underground
- Special access to the Gladiator Arena
This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:
- Guided Tour in English/Italian/German/Spanish/French
- English Guided Tour of Underground Only
- Tip: Make sure to ask your guide about legends about the secret tunnels in the Colosseum Underground that used to connect to the outside world.
- Please make sure to carry a valid ID card as you won't be able to access this tour without it.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Admire stunning views of the Roman Forum in the evening light from Capitol Hill as you are accompanied by an expert, English-speaking guide.
- See the impressive Colosseum all lit up like a stage, a spectacular sight made better by your guide regaling you with interesting tales about this Roman monument.
- Get exclusive access to the newly discovered graffiti and the Arena Floor on this evening tour in small groups of 12 or fewer.
###Tips & Information
- On this tour, some of the venues or parts of the venue may be subject to last-minute, unpredictable closures. When this occurs, we are happy to offer customers an extended tour in keeping with the advertised total length of the tour.
- Please note that children aged 0-5 are not permitted on this tour for security reasons.
Inclusions
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Small groups of 12 people or fewer
- Skip the line access to the Colosseum
- Entrance ticket & reservation fee for the Colosseum
- Headsets when appropriate
- 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.
