THE ROMAN FORUM
PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO
The Forum was the centre of political and civic life in ancient Rome. It was here where the great and good of Roman society came to dirty their hands with the brutal, often life-or-death business of running the empire. Archaeologists believe the site started out as a burial site in the 7th century BCE for the Etruscans
Over hundreds of years, as Rome grew and grew, so too did the Forum. Churches, basilicas and the original seat of the Roman senate were all built there and additions continued to be made until the decline of the city.
Over time it was stripped of its marble and left to decay. Even for the keenest of history buffs this vast collection of buildings from various different eras can seem unwieldy and overwhelming – so much so that hiring a private tour guide and taking several hours to explore the grounds is highly recommended.
The Forum is open from 8.30am until one hour before sunset. An adult combined ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine is 12€.