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Trying to find a destination where you can see a lot in a small amount of time?
Rome is your city!
There are so many things in a close proximity, it is easy to fill your days in a productive way.
Three things that you can check off your list in one area (and one the same ticket) are the Roman Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Colosseum is a huge draw and may result in waiting in line for some time, however, capacity restrictions are not as stringent for the neighboring Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can see some of the best ruins and some of the best views. After checking out the famed site of gladiator battles, head on over for a glimpse at the area where ancient Roman citizens utilized for their every day life.
The Roman Forum today, showcases the ruins of several important ancient government buildings and was once a marketplace and site of victory processions, elections, public speeches and criminal trials. Many locals and visitors presently utilize the plaza between the Colosseum and the Forum as a meeting point, however, this rectangular forum was probably the most famed meeting place in the world and in history.
Some of the oldest and most important structures were located in the Forum, including the earliest shrines, temples, the royal residence and government offices (including the Senate House) and many of these architectural fragments and excavations can be examined at close range.
Entering the complex near the Arch of Titus, we discovered many paths throughout to survey the area in its entirety, encompassing the two basilicas, Fulvia Aemilia, a 100 meter public hall with a two-story porticoed facade dating back to 179 BC and Basilica Julia, built by Julius Caesar on the site of Basilica Sempronia in 54 BC. The Tempio di Antonino e Faustina, erected in AD 141 and transformed into a church in the 8th century (Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda) and the Temple of Romulus are two of the most intact buildings on the premises. Near the Temple of Romulus, you will find the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building on the forum, originally measuring 100 meters by 65 meters.
The Via Sacra, the Forum’s main thoroughfare brought us to many of the main sights, including the Tempio di Giulio Cesare, built by Augustus in 29 BC, the site where Julius Caesar was cremated and the Curia, the original seat of the Roman Senate which was converted into a church in the Middle Ages. Here, we were able to check out the large piece of black marble in front of the Curia, the Lapis Niger, which is said to cover the tomb of Romulus, a mythological figure.
Also on the Via Sacra, we discovered the Casa delle Vestali, the home of the virgins who tended the sacred flame in the Tempio di Vesta. These priestesses, aged between six and ten years, were selected from aristocratic families to serve in the temple for thirty years. So great was the responsibility of keeping both the flame and their virginity intact that the penalty of flogging and/or death was imposed for those who did not adhere to the orders. The statues which honor these virgins line the Via Sacra and though most are in good condition, a many are missing their heads.
At the end of the Via Sacra, we came upon the Arco di Settimio Severo, a 23 meter high structure, built in AD 203 and dedicated to the emperor and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta. The arch commemorated the Roman victory over the Parthians.
The remains of the Rostri could be seen in front of the arch. This elaborate podium was the site of Mark Antony’s famous, “Friends, Romans and countrymen…” speech. Facing the Rostri is the Colonna di Foca (Column of Phocus) which fronts what once was the Forum’s main square.
Behind the Colonna, we spied eight granite columns which are all that remain of the Temple of Saturn, an important temple that also acted as the state treasury.
Other notable structures are the ruins of the Tempio della Concordia, the Tempio di Vespasiano and the Portico degli Dei Consenti as well as the 6th century Chiesa di Santa Maria Antigua, the oldest and most important monument in the Roman Forum. This church is occasionally opened for temporary exhibitions and showcases early Christian art from the 6th through 9th centuries, including one of the earliest icons in existence of the the Virgin Mary and Child. In front of the church you can find the, now inaccessible, Imperial Ramp which was an underground passageway that allowed the emperors to access the Forum privately.
Palatine Hill is connected to the Forum and at the center of the seven hills of Rome. Standing above the Forum, it was once the place where Imperial palaces were built. Heading uphill, we made our way through the grounds.
Included with admission to the Colosseum and the Forum, this archaeological site is worth a visit for the monuments located here as well as for the views, which not only include the Forum, but Circus Maximus on the far side. If you are versed in mythology, then you will also be aware that this is believed to be the site of the cave where Romulus and Remus were found and cared for by the she-wolf, Luperca.
The Palace of Domitian is the main structure at this location and it is located at the far side of Palatine Hill. Also known as the Flavian Palace, it was built as Domitian’s imperial palace.
Since many of the structures are mainly ruins, it was a bit difficult to make sense of what was there, however, some areas and buildings are well preserved. The Stadium of Domitian resembles a hippodrome, yet, there has been debate on whether it was used for that purpose or as the emperor’s gardens.
The Houses of Augustus and Livia, are still standing and in good condition and house some impressive art and frescoes. Tours of both of these impressive structures are available, however, advance tickets were required and we were not in possession. If you can secure them ahead of time, it is worth the effort in order to check out Augustus’ private study.
The Palatine Museum is also open to the public and contains a display of Roman statuary and findings from the hippodrome, however, being the end of our day, we decided that this would have to wait until another visit.
The most important thing to see at the Palatine, however, are the views! Though we were not as prepared as we could have been, I think next time, I would bring a picnic and enjoy this area for a little longer…taking in the Roman landscape spread out before Palatine Hill, from Circus Maximus, to Aventine Hill and the spectacular ruins of the Forum, the Colosseum and the Capitoline Hill.
Rome never disappoints!
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Roman Forum
- http://www.turismoroma.it/cosa-fare/fori?lang=it
- Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 0830-1900, daily
- Admission: Combined ticket with Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine, Adults, 12€. European Union members (18-24 years), 7.50€. Children, under 17, free. Seniors, over 65, free.
- Getting There: Take the “B” Line Metro and exit at the Colosseo station. Take the “A” Line Metro and exit at the Manzoni station to take Tram 3, two stops south. Bus #s 51, 75, 85, 87 and 118 run to the Colosseum. Taxis and Uber will drop you across Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Palatine Hill
- Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30
- Hours: 0830-1900, daily
- Admission: Combined ticket with Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine, Adults, 12€. European Union members (18-24 years), 7.50€. Children, under 17, free. Seniors, over 65, free.
- Getting There: Take the “B” Line Metro and exit at the Colosseo station. Take the “A” Line Metro and exit at the Manzoni station to take Tram 3, two stops south. Bus #s 51, 75, 85, 87 and 118 run to the Colosseum. Taxis and Uber will drop you across Via dei Fori Imperiali.