Apartments in Rome

Imperial Fora is a place of extraordinary archaeological richness and a great testimony of what was the power of the Roman Empire.

At the end of the republican period, when Rome was the capital of a great republic extended from Gaul to Minor Asia, the ancient Forum became inadequate and Julius Caesar began the construction of a new square that suited better to host the administrative center of Rome.

Initially a simple extension of the Republican Forum, the Forum of Caesar was the starting point of a serie of Fora following Emperors built up.  All this archaeological area is an organic complex renamed in the modern era Imperial Fora, which extends between the Capitol and the Quirinal.

Imperial Fora are therefore a number of squares that from that moment emperors built up in the heart of ancient Rome (between 46 BC and 113 AD). The Forum was not only the seat of the legal and administrative functions, but the center of the city life, and somehow of the whole Empire’s spirit. It was the place where people gathered to attend meetings, carry out their businesses and participate in religious life.

With the recognition of the freedom of worship and the advent of Christianity some of its monuments were transformed into churches, others were no longer used and the entire area, through the centuries, fell into a state of poverty and neglect.

It was only during the Fascist period Imperial Fora were brought to light and they built the Via dei Fori Imperiali, much discussed street connecting the area.

The visit is free: starts from 9.00 am until just before sunset. For a full path, you need a whole day, given the enormous amount of archaeological remains to be seen. The route starts on the spectacular terrace of the Capitol.

ROUTES
- Roman Forum
- SS Cosma and Damian Church
- Via dei Fori Imperiali
- Basilica of Massenzio
- Arch of Constantine
- Domus Aurea *
- Trajan's Forum *
- Colosseum + Palatine Museum *
* With ticket

Credits Pics Flickr Gallery: Il Conte di Luna - ScriS - Simone Ramella