Visitor guide
The Roman Forum
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and legendary thinkers through the beating heart of ancient Rome.
The Roman Forum is the monumental centrepiece of the city — a sprawl of ancient temples, basilicas and government buildings that tell the story of a great civilisation. Every step here is a lesson in history and culture, and a deeper look at the origins of modern Rome. Below is what you’ll find on your visit, numbered to match our free illustrated map.
- Mamertine (Tullianum) Prison — an ancient prison said to date to the 7th century BC, where enemies of Rome such as Jugurtha and Vercingetorix were held.
- Temple of Saturn — one of the oldest temples in the Forum, its surviving columns among the most photographed ruins in Rome.
- Arch of Septimius Severus — a triumphal arch celebrating the emperor’s victories, standing at the north-west end of the Forum.
- Column of Phocas — the last monument added to the Forum, a lone column raised in the 7th century AD.
- Curia Iulia — the Senate House of ancient Rome, remarkably well preserved.
- Basilica Iulia & Basilica Aemilia — the great civic halls where business and justice were conducted.
- Temple of Castor and Pollux — three soaring columns dedicated to the twin protectors of Rome.
- Temple of Antoninus and Faustina — later converted into a church, which is why its columns still stand tall.
- House of the Vestals — home of the priestesses who guarded Rome’s sacred flame.
- Basilica of Maxentius — the largest building in the Forum, its vast vaults still awe-inspiring.
- Arch of Titus — the triumphal arch that inspired countless others, marking the eastern gateway to the Forum.
- Temple of Venus and Rome — once the largest temple in the city, overlooking the Colosseum.
Get the full illustrated map with every monument numbered, plus photo spots and entrances.