The forums the emperors built
The Imperial Forums are a series of monumental squares built between 46 BC and the 2nd century AD by the great figures of Roman history — from Julius Caesar to the emperors Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan — to expand and enrich the city's political and religious heart, by then far too crowded in the old Roman Forum. Each forum was an act of propaganda and prestige: a way to tie one's name to the grandeur of Rome.
Today the Imperial Forums stretch along the famous Via dei Fori Imperiali, the broad avenue linking Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, in the heart of ancient Rome. Much of the complex is visible for free from the street and the panoramic walkways, in one of the most striking archaeological panoramas in the world.
Imperial Forums or Roman Forum?
Many people confuse the Imperial Forums with the Roman Forum: these are different areas, close together but distinct. The Roman Forum is the original, Republican forum; the Imperial Forums are the later additions built by the emperors to expand the center of Rome. We clear up the difference in the guide Roman Forum or Imperial Forums.
What to see: a walk through five forums
You "read" the Imperial Forums by strolling along Via dei Fori Imperiali, where every stretch reveals a different forum. There are five in all — the Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan. 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.
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, where the spoils of the Jewish temple were displayed. Today you can see its remains, and the area preserves the famous Forma Urbis, the ancient marble map of Rome.
The Forum of Trajan
The Forum of Trajan is the largest and most majestic, with Trajan's Column (Colonna Traiana) and Trajan's Markets (Mercati di Traiano). Because it deserves a visit of its own, we cover it in a dedicated guide: Forum of Trajan and Trajan's Markets.
The walk and the views
Don't miss the simple pleasure of the walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali itself: 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.
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Tickets and opening hours
The good news: most of the Imperial Forums can be seen for free. As you walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali and the panoramic walkways, you look down over the Forum of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan — no ticket needed. It's one of Rome's most spectacular archaeological views, open to everyone at any hour.
Some parts, on the other hand, are visited with a ticket:
| Area | Access |
|---|---|
| Panoramic view from Via dei Fori Imperiali and the walkways | Free, any hour |
| Mercati di Traiano – Museum of the Imperial Forums | Ticketed (separate ticket; combined options exist) |
| Walking routes inside some of the fora, when open | Ticketed |
| "Viaggio nei Fori" multimedia evening shows | Ticketed, by reservation |
The Mercati di Traiano – Museum of the Imperial Forums is the only museum dedicated to the architecture of the Fora and usually has its own dedicated ticket; combined options also exist. See our guide to the Mercati di Traiano. Prices are indicative — always check the official website.
The "Viaggio nei Fori" evening shows
In the warmer months — usually spring through early autumn — the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Augustus host multimedia evening shows: with projections, lighting and narration, the ruins "come back to life" and reveal how they looked in antiquity. It's a striking experience, held in the evening, at set times, by reservation. Dates, times and prices change every year, so check availability on the official website.
How to get there
The Imperial Forums are one of the most central, instantly recognizable spots in Rome, and remarkably easy to reach on foot or by metro.
By metro. The easiest way:
- Colosseo (Line B) — at the southern end of Via dei Fori Imperiali: from here you walk the entire Forums area on foot. It's the most direct option.
- Cavour (Line B) — an alternative, just minutes from the Forums area.
On foot from Piazza Venezia. Via dei Fori Imperiali begins at Piazza Venezia. From here you stroll the whole Forums area down to the Colosseum: a walk of about 10–12 minutes, one of the most spectacular in the city.
By bus. Piazza Venezia is one of Rome's main bus hubs: dozens of lines pass through or terminate here, and from there the Imperial Forums are just steps away.
By car and the ZTL. Via dei Fori Imperiali is largely pedestrian or heavily traffic-restricted, and the whole area sits deep in the archaeological center, close to the ZTL zones, where parking is all but impossible. With a private driver (NCC) the problem disappears: they drop you as close as possible — at Piazza Venezia or the Colosseum — and handle the transfers and waiting, ideal for the evening shows or an airport transfer.
Practical tips
- How much time: a panoramic stroll along the Forums takes just 30–45 minutes; add the Museum of the Imperial Forums or an evening show and you can comfortably fill half a day or an evening.
- For a free visit: stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali, best at sunset, when the lit ruins are at their finest.
- Evening shows: book ahead — they're in high demand and seasonal.
- Combined ticket: consider the option that includes the Mercati di Traiano and other areas.
- Hat and water in summer: the walkways have no shade.
A suggested itinerary
Starting from Piazza Venezia toward the Colosseum:
- Forum of Trajan and the Colonna Traiana
- Forum of Caesar (Temple of Venus Genetrix)
- Forum of Nerva and the Colonnacce
- Forum of Augustus (Temple of Mars Ultor)
- Forum of Vespasian (Temple of Peace)
The Forums pair naturally with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine, as well as Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano. A private driver makes the route between the great sites of ancient Rome effortless.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Imperial Forums? They are the monumental squares built by the emperors (and by Julius Caesar) beside the Roman Forum, between 46 BC and the 2nd century AD: the Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan.
What's the difference from the Roman Forum? The Roman Forum is the original forum, from the Republican era; the Imperial Forums are the later additions built by the emperors to expand the center of Rome. They are close together but distinct areas.
Can you see them for free? Yes, most of the Imperial Forums is visible for free from Via dei Fori Imperiali. The Mercati di Traiano (Museum of the Imperial Forums), some interior routes and the evening shows require a ticket.
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.
Which metro stop is best? Colosseo (Line B), at the end of Via dei Fori Imperiali; alternatively Cavour (Line B). From either, the area is a few minutes' walk.
How much time do you need? About 30–45 minutes for the panoramic stroll along the Forums; more with the Museum of the Imperial Forums or an evening show.
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