The last great imperial forum
Trajan's Forum is the last and the grandest of Rome's Imperial Forums, inaugurated in 112 AD and funded with the spoils of the Dacian Wars. Beside it stand the famous Trajan's Markets, an imposing multi-level complex on the slopes of the Quirinale, often described as "the world's oldest shopping mall" — though in reality the spaces housed mostly offices and administrative activities rather than retail.
Together they form one of the most fascinating sites of imperial Rome, dominated by the magnificent Trajan's Column, an absolute masterpiece of ancient sculpture.
The complex was designed by Apollodoro di Damasco, the greatest architect and engineer of the age, in the service of the emperor Trajan. His work married function with magnificence: monumental squares, the great Basilica Ulpia, two libraries (one Greek, one Latin) and the multi-storey markets, ingeniously built into the slope of the hill. It was commissioned by the emperor and completed in the early 2nd century AD.
What to see
Trajan's Markets are far more than a museum: they're an entire Roman district, beautifully preserved and spread across multiple levels. Here's what you can't miss.
The Grande Aula
The monumental heart of the complex is the Grande Aula, an imposing multi-storey covered hall often called the "shopping arcade" of antiquity. Its vaults and soaring spaces instantly capture the scale of Roman engineering. Today it houses the museum's main exhibition.
The Via Biberatica
One of the most evocative experiences here is walking the Via Biberatica, the ancient paved street that threads through the markets, lined with the spaces that once held shops and workshops. It's one of the rare chances in Rome to walk an ancient road that survives almost completely intact.
The Museum of the Imperial Forums
Inside the markets unfolds the Museum of the Imperial Forums (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), the only museum dedicated to the architecture of the Imperial Forums. It displays original fragments, sculptures, decorative pieces and reconstructions that let you picture Trajan's Forum and the other Imperial Forums in all their former glory — combining the experience of the original spaces with a high-quality museum itinerary.
The view over the Forums and the Basilica Ulpia
From the terraces and openings of the markets you'll take in an extraordinary view over Trajan's Forum and the remains of the magnificent Basilica Ulpia, the largest civic building in the Forum, used for judicial and commercial business, with its long rows of columns. It's one of the finest vantage points over ancient Rome.
Trajan's Column
Looking out over the Forum, you'll see Trajan's Column rising high — standing roughly 30 metres tall and entirely decorated with a spiral frieze that tells, like an ancient comic strip, the story of Trajan's military campaigns against the Dacians. At the top, since 1587, stands a statue of San Pietro that replaced the original one of the emperor. It is one of the most extraordinary works to have survived from antiquity, and we devote a separate guide to it, Trajan's Column.
Want to discover Trajan's Forum without worrying about parking and the ZTL?
My Rome Driver takes you into the centre with a private driver, pairing the Imperial Forums with the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Fixed price, door to door.
Check availability and request a quote
Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before
Tickets and opening hours
Tickets: how much it costs
Admission to Trajan's Markets – Museo dei Fori Imperiali requires an inexpensive ticket (indicative price, check the latest rates on the official website), with a reduced fare for the eligible categories and free entry for resident minors and other groups. Prices may change during temporary exhibitions.
The museum is part of Rome's Musei in Comune network: if you hold the MIC Card (for residents) or a dedicated tourist card, you may qualify for discounts.
What's included in the ticket
The ticket covers access to the grand halls of Trajan's Markets and the route through the Museum of the Imperial Forums, with fragments, sculptures and reconstructions of the Forums. Trajan's Column and part of the Forum, on the other hand, can be seen for free from the street (Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via Quattro Novembre).
Opening hours
Trajan's Markets are generally open every day, with continuous hours from morning to evening (indicative times, check the official website). Last admission is usually about an hour before closing. The museum may close on certain public holidays (for example, December 25 and January 1).
Free entry
Several free-admission days are offered throughout the year (initiatives run by the City of Rome). These are the best-value occasions, but also the busiest: arrive at opening time to skip the lines.
| Ticket | Inexpensive; reduced fare and statutory free entry; price may rise during temporary exhibitions |
|---|---|
| Opening days | Generally every day, continuous hours from morning to evening |
| Last admission | About 1 hour before closing |
| Likely closures | Certain public holidays (e.g. Dec 25, Jan 1) |
| Free days | Several throughout the year (City of Rome) — very crowded |
| Free from the street | Trajan's Column and part of the Forum |
How to get there
Trajan's Markets (Museo dei Fori Imperiali) has its entrance on Via Quattro Novembre 94, on the slopes of the Quirinale, just steps from Piazza Venezia and the Imperial Fora. Trajan's Column and Trajan's Forum sit just below, along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
By metro
The handiest metro stop is Colosseo (Line B) — about a 10–12 minute walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali, a stunning stroll through the Fora. Alternatively, Cavour (Line B) is roughly a 12–15 minute walk away.
By bus
Piazza Venezia is one of Rome's main public-transport hubs: countless bus lines terminate there or pass through. From Piazza Venezia, Trajan's Markets are just a few minutes uphill on foot.
Walking from the centre
Trajan's Markets sit right in the heart of Rome and are an easy walk:
- Piazza Venezia — 3–5 minutes.
- Colosseum — 10–12 minutes along the Fora.
- Fontana di Trevi — about 10 minutes.
By car and the ZTL
The area lies deep in the historic centre, inside the ZTL, and Via dei Fori Imperiali is largely pedestrian or restricted-traffic. Parking nearby is practically impossible. With a private driver (NCC) the problem disappears: he drops you as close to the entrance as possible and handles the transfers and the waiting — ideal with luggage, kids, or a transfer to or from the airport.
Practical tips
- Buy online to skip the ticket-desk line on peak days, especially on free days or in high season.
- Comfortable shoes: the route runs across several levels and changes in elevation.
- Pair your visit with a look from outside at Trajan's Column and the Forum, free of charge.
- How much time: the museum and the markets take about 1–1.5 hours at an easy pace. Add a look at the Column and the Forum from outside, and perhaps Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano right next door, and you can comfortably fill half a day in the heart of ancient Rome.
If you're short on time, follow this order:
- Grande Aula and the museum route
- Via Biberatica
- The terraces overlooking the Forums and the Basilica Ulpia
- Trajan's Column (from the Forum, free)
A recommended itinerary
Trajan's Markets pair perfectly with the nearby stops:
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine (along Via dei Fori Imperiali).
- Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano.
- Fontana di Trevi and the Quirinale.
A private driver keeps your itinerary flowing smoothly between the great sites of ancient Rome.
Frequently asked questions
What is Trajan's Forum? It is the last and largest of Rome's Imperial Forums, inaugurated in 112 AD and designed by Apollodoro di Damasco, with the Basilica Ulpia, two libraries and the famous Trajan's Column.
What are Trajan's Markets? An imposing complex of multi-level Roman buildings, constructed on the slopes of the Quirinale in the early 2nd century AD. Today they house the Museum of the Imperial Forums, and are often described as "the world's oldest shopping mall".
What is there to see at Trajan's Markets? The multi-storey Grande Aula, the ancient Via Biberatica, the Museum of the Imperial Forums with its fragments and reconstructions, and stunning views over Trajan's Forum and the Basilica Ulpia.
How much is a ticket to Trajan's Markets? The cost is modest, with reduced fares and statutory free entry; temporary exhibitions may change the price. Check the latest rates on the official website.
What are the opening hours? They are generally open every day with continuous hours from morning to evening; last admission is about an hour before closing. They may close on certain public holidays.
When is entry free? On certain free-admission days promoted by the City of Rome. They're great value but also crowded.
Which metro stop is closest? The handiest is Colosseo (Line B), about a 10–12 minute walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali; alternatively, Cavour (Line B).
Where is the entrance? On Via Quattro Novembre 94, on the slopes of the Quirinale, just steps from Piazza Venezia.
Can you reach Trajan's Markets by car? The area is inside the ZTL and Via dei Fori Imperiali is largely pedestrian, with parking almost impossible. A private driver sidesteps the problem by dropping you near the entrance.
How much time do you need to visit? About 1–1.5 hours for the Grande Aula, the Via Biberatica, the museum and the panoramic terraces; more if you add the Forum, the Column and nearby attractions such as Piazza Venezia.
Book a driver for the Imperial Forums
Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door