The monument that tells the story of a war

Trajan's Column is one of antiquity's most extraordinary monuments: a marble column standing roughly 30 metres tall, raised in 113 AD to celebrate Emperor Trajan's victory in the wars against the Dacians (modern-day Romania). What makes it so remarkable is the continuous spiral frieze wrapping around it from base to summit, recounting the military campaigns like a colossal "comic strip carved in stone."

A story told in 2,500 figures

Unrolled, the frieze stretches over 200 metres in length, carved with thousands of figures: soldiers, encampments, battles, and scenes from the daily life of the Roman army. It is a unique historical and iconographic source, studied by archaeologists and historians worldwide to understand Roman military and society. Emperor Trajan appears dozens of times, always at the heart of the action.

The statue of St. Peter at the top

A statue of Trajan originally crowned the column. In 1587, by order of Pope Sisto V, it was replaced with a statue of St. Peter, which still dominates the monument today. It is a perfect example of how Rome has continually reinterpreted its ancient symbols through a Christian lens.

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An imperial tomb

Few people know that the base of Trajan's Column served as the emperor's tomb: the ashes of Trajan (and those of his wife Plotina) were laid to rest in a chamber built into the pedestal. An exceptional honour, since burials were normally forbidden within the city.

Where to see it (for free)

The good news for visitors is that Trajan's Column can be admired for free from the street, along Via dei Fori Imperiali and from Via Quattro Novembre, beside Trajan's Markets. For a close-up view from above, the terraces of Trajan's Markets offer the best vantage point. Bring binoculars to catch the details of the frieze in its highest registers.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Trajan's Column? About 30 metres (just under 40 if you count the pedestal). It is decorated from top to bottom with a spiral frieze recounting Trajan's Dacian Wars.

What does the frieze on Trajan's Column depict? Emperor Trajan's military campaigns against the Dacians, with thousands of carved figures: soldiers, battles, encampments, and scenes from Roman army life, just like an ancient comic strip.

Who stands at the top of Trajan's Column? Today it is a statue of St. Peter, placed there in 1587 in the spot of Trajan's original statue.

Can you see Trajan's Column for free? Yes, it is perfectly visible from the street along Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via Quattro Novembre. The terraces of Trajan's Markets (with a ticket) offer the best close-up view.

Is it true that Trajan's Column is also a tomb? Yes: a chamber was built into its base to hold the ashes of Emperor Trajan, a rare honour within the city walls.

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Article #276 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026