A walk through five forums

You "read" the Imperial Forums by strolling along Via dei Fori Imperiali, where every stretch reveals a different forum. Here's what to look for, forum by forum.

The Forum of Caesar

The first to be built was the Forum of Caesar (Forum Iulium), commissioned by Julius Caesar. Its standout feature is the three surviving columns of the Temple of Venus Genetrix, the goddess from whom Caesar's family claimed to descend. It was an exercise in political prestige as much as a new public space. A statue of Caesar along the avenue honors the founder.

The Forum of Augustus

The Forum of Augustus is dominated by the remains of the Temple of Mars Ultor ("the Avenger"), built by Augustus after he avenged Caesar's assassination at the Battle of Philippi. Note the towering stone wall that separated the forum from the crowded neighborhood behind it, still standing today. It's one of the most imposing and most legible of the forums.

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The Forum of Nerva and the Colonnacce

The Forum of Nerva (or Transitorium, since it served as a passageway) was narrow and elongated. What remains of it are the famous "Colonnacce" (the big columns): two tall columns with a richly carved entablature and a relief depicting Minerva, among the most photographed details of the Forums. They're all that's left of the Temple of Minerva that once dominated the forum.

The Forum of Vespasian (Temple of Peace)

The Forum of Vespasian housed the Temple of Peace, built to celebrate the conquest of Jerusalem. The spoils of the Jewish temple were displayed here. Today you can see its remains, and the area preserves the famous Forma Urbis, the ancient marble map of Rome.

Via dei Fori Imperiali and the views

Don't miss the simple pleasure of the walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali: from the walkways and railings you get extraordinary views over every forum, with the Colosseum in the background. At sunset, with the ruins lit up, it's one of the finest panoramas in Rome. For the Forum and Markets of Trajan, see the guide Forum of Trajan and the Markets of Trajan.

How to plan your visit

Starting from Piazza Venezia toward the Colosseum:

  1. Forum of Trajan and the Colonna Traiana
  2. Forum of Caesar (Temple of Venus Genetrix)
  3. Forum of Nerva and the Colonnacce
  4. Forum of Augustus (Temple of Mars Ultor)
  5. Forum of Vespasian (Temple of Peace)

In 30-45 minutes you can cover the whole area from the outside; longer with the Museum of the Imperial Forums.

Frequently asked questions

Which Imperial Forums should I see? The Forum of Caesar (Temple of Venus Genetrix), the Forum of Augustus (Temple of Mars Ultor), the Forum of Nerva (the Colonnacce), the Forum of Vespasian (Temple of Peace) and the Forum of Trajan (with the Column).

What are the Colonnacce? Two tall columns with a richly carved relief (depicting Minerva), all that remains of the Forum of Nerva: one of the most photographed details of the Imperial Forums.

What was the Temple of Peace? The temple of the Forum of Vespasian, built to celebrate the conquest of Jerusalem; the spoils of the Jewish temple were displayed there.

Can you see the Forums from the street? Yes: from Via dei Fori Imperiali and the walkways you get a free, spectacular view over every forum, with the Colosseum in the background.

How much time do you need to see everything? About 30-45 minutes for the scenic walk along the Forums; more if you add the Museum of the Imperial Forums at the Markets of Trajan.

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Article #360 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026