By Vicky · Published Mar. 14th, 2024 · Updated Mar. 15th, 2024
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This guide with map shows you the best things to see in both the Roman Forum and up on Palatine Hill. You don’t want to miss these top sites, so read on to find out more!
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Tickets to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are one site, not two, so you have to get a ticket to both. Once you’re inside, there’s no barrier between the two.
How much are tickets to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill?
You can get a ticket to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill that excludes the Colosseum (€18), but most people also visit the Colosseum so get a combined ticket (€18+). The most standard ticket is €18 and includes the basic parts of the Colosseum, and the Forum & Palatine. It’s valid for 24 hours, with one entrance allowed to each of the Colosseum and Forum & Palatine sights. This ticket does not include the SUPER sites (see below).
What are the SUPER sites?
The SUPER sites are several buildings/areas within the Forum & Palatine complex that you can only visit with a ticket that specifically includes them. Some of the top sights in the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill area such as the Curia Julia, Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua and Cryptoporticus are SUPER sites. To visit these it’s only €4 more than the standard ticket, so €22 in total. However, for just €2 more, you can also visit either the Arena Floor or Attico of the Colosseum, plus your ticket is valid for 48 hours. A great benefit is that you can visit both the Colosseum and the Forum & Palatine area first thing in the morning, the best time to visit both.
What’s the best ticket to get for the Colosseum and Roman Forum & Palatine Hill?
The basic standard ticket is €18 and is recommended if you are slightly pressed for time. However, overall the best ticket is the Full Experience Arena + Underground Ticket, which is only €6 more (so €24 in total). With this ticket you can enter the Arena and Underground areas of the Colosseum, plus the SUPER sites in the Forum & Palatine. Additionally, it’s valid for 48 hours so you can visit the Colosseum one day, and the Forum & Palatine the next. Unfortunately, this ticket often sells out far in advance, so you might have to make do with the next best tickets – the Full Experience with either the Arena or the Attico.
If the tickets are sold out on the official website, or you want a guided tour, get tickets from GetYourGuide*.
Map of the top things to see in the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Information for a Visit to Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Where is the entrance to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill?
There are two entrances to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. The first and most used is opposite the Colosseum. The second is on the northern side of the complex along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the road between the Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. This entrance is the much better one to use if the queues are too long at the main entrance. Whichever entrance you choose, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance.
What time of day is best to visit the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The best time of day to visit the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill is as early in the day as possible. The complex opens at 9 am throughout the year, so ideally aim to join the entrance queue at least 10 minutes before this, or up to 30 minutes beforehand in the busy summer months. Arriving early means the entrance queue is short, plus there will be fewer people inside while you’re wandering around, which creates a better atmosphere. Additionally, you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day. Once inside, visit the Roman Forum first, then head up to the Palatine Hill which is always less busy.
What to Wear to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The most important thing to wear to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are comfortable shoes for walking. You’ll walk at least several kilometres, mostly on cobbles, dirt and ancient Roman roads. Trainers (sneakers) are highly recommended. Regarding clothes, you can wear what you like, but a top that covers your shoulders will help against sunburn, and a sunhat is recommended as there’s not much share. Remember sunglasses and sunscreen too.
Should I go on a guided tour?
It depends. If you haven’t researched the Forum & Palatine beforehand, then a visit can be overwhelming and you won’t understand what you’re seeing. Unlike the Colosseum, the Forum & Palatine area is very large and there are many places to visit, with the best things to see sometimes a bit hidden. If you don’t want to research, then a guided tour* is a good idea, else you’ll be a bit lost and won’t get so much out of your visit.
More Tips for Visiting the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- If you visit quickly you could spend just 2 hours here, but for a fuller experience allow at least 5 hours to wander the area and take everything in.
- There’s no place to buy food inside, so bring something with you else you’ll get very hungry.
Top Things to See in the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The best things to see, and sights definitely not to miss, in the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are:
- Arch of Titus
- Temple Of Venus
- Basilica of Maxentius
- Via Sacra
- House of the Vestal Virgins
- Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
- Curia Julia
- Arch of Septimius Severus
- Temple of Saturn
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua
- Farnese Gardens
- Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino
- Cryptoporticus
- Domus Augustana
- Hippodrome Stadium Of Domitian
- Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens
If you prefer, take a guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill* to be shown around by a knowledgeable guide who can explain the history and significance of the ruins.
1. Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus was built in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian in homage to his brother, Titus, for dealing with a Jewish Revolt. If you take a closer look at the reliefs, you can see soldiers sacking Jerusalem and looting holy objects.
2. Temple Of Venus Colosseum Viewpoint
Emperor Hadrian built the Temple Of Venus around 135 AD. A large earthquake in the 9th century destroyed much of the temple and the pope ordered a new church be constructed upon the ruins. From outside the temple, there’s a great viewpoint of the Colosseum.
3. Basilica of Maxentius
The Basilica of Maxentius is the largest building in the Forum. Built around 315 AD, citizens came here to discuss legal and financial matters. The word Basilica, now used for churches, was originally used by the Romans to describe a public building with several functions normally built near the town’s Forum.
4. Via Sacra
The Via Sacra, or sacred way, is the main walking route through the Roman Forum. It’s Rome’s oldest road, leading from the Arch of Titus to the Capitoline Hill, and in most parts it’s paved with large basalt cobbles. Many of the top sights in the Roman Forum are dotted along this street.
5. House of the Vestal Virgins
The House of the Vestal Virgins was reserved for one of Rome’s most venerated cults. The six priestesses who lived here, all from prestigious families, all worshipped Vesta, the Goddess of the hearth. The priestesses had to make sure the sacred flame never went out, as this flame symbolised the life force of Rome’s great empire.
6. Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is one of the best-preserved temples in the Roman Forum. This is because around the seventh century, it was converted into a church, which now adjoins the temple. Emporer Antoninus dedicated this temple to his deified wide, Faustina, and originally a large statue of her would have taken centre stage.
7. Curia Julia
Julius Caesar built the original Curia Julia, or meeting place, here around 44 BC. Roman Senators would meet here to discuss the important matters of the day, and roughly 300 senators could fit inside. Over the centuries the building has been remodelled several times, but remains very well preserved because like the temple above, it was also converted into a church in the 7th century AD.
8. Arch of Septimius Severus
The Arch of Septimius Severus is a well-preserved triumphal arch at the end of the Roman Forum, and one of the top sights. It was erected to celebrate the Emporer’s victorious Middle Eastern campaigns.
9. Temple of Saturn
The Temple of Saturn has mainly disappeared, though several impressive Ionic columns remain to give an idea of its grandeur. Saturn was an agricultural god, who ruled over the harvests. In Roman times, the population celebrated the festival of Saturnalia around the winter solstice. Several traditions we now associate with Christmas probably stem from this pagan festival, such as gift-giving, eating lots of food, and festive decorations.
10. Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua
The Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua (a SUPER site) is an old church from the 5th century AD at the foot of the Palatine Hill. It’s both the oldest and most important Christian monument within the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill complex. Early frescoes line the walls, and today they’re well-lit, giving the church a peaceful, ancient feel. In the 9th century, an earthquake buried the entire building. This sealed off the church for over a thousand years, and it was only rediscovered in the 20th century.
11. Farnese Gardens
The Farnese Gardens were built over the ruins of Emporer Tiberius’s palace in the 16th century. The Farnese family also had a summer home built here, with the surrounding gardens full of elegant pavilions, terraces, fountains and ancient sculptures. Today there are great views from the gardens, which are still full of beautiful plants and lovely aromas wafting through the air.
12. Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino
The Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino is one of the best viewpoints in not only the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill area but in the entirety of Rome itself. From here you have a great overview of all the ancient Roman ruins in the heart of Rome, from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum. It’s worth walking up the Palatine Hill for this view alone.
13. Cryptoporticus
The Cryptoporticus (SUPER site) is a series of underground corridors. They originally led all the way from Palatine Hill to Nero’s Golden House on the other side of the Colosseum. Previously covered in stucco reliefs, just a few of the original decorations remain in these tunnels. Sometimes there’s a light display depicting the original colourful walls.
14. Domus Augustana
The Domus Augustana, despite the name, is not related to Emperor Augustus but was the palace of Emperor Domitian (92 AD). The palace had multiple stories with private and public wings, courtyards filled with water, and all the luxuries of the time. On the other side of the palace is a viewpoint over the Circus Maximus, now a park outside the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill complex.
15. Hippodrome Stadium Of Domitian
The Hippodrome Stadium Of Domitian was just next to his palace. Although the name suggests it was used for horse and chariot racing, today experts think it was too small for racing and was probably an extravagant sunken garden. If you visit the nearby Palatine Hill Museum, most of the statues inside come from this garden.
16. Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens
The Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens are a very quiet and peaceful area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and one of the best places for a sit-down. On the far side of the gardens is a good viewpoint of the Colosseum. There’s also a little-used but lovely route down from here back to the Forum.
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FAQS: Visiting the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
It takes at least 2 hours and up to 5 hours to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. I’d recommend budgeting around 4 hours, and bringing in food with you as you can’t buy any inside.
Yes, you need a ticket to visit the Roman Forum area. All tickets to the Colosseum include a visit to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill areas.
You can see a general overview of a part of the Roman Forum from the outside by walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali. However, it’s no substitute for being inside where you can walk among the ruins and admire the ancient temples in detail.
If you’re visiting Rome, it’s definitely worth visiting the Roman Forum, one of the city’s highlights. There’s so much history here and so many lovely ruins that it would be silly not to visit when you’re in Rome.
Yes, all tickets to the Colosseum include entrance to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. So if you visit inside the Colosseum, you already have a ticket to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are connected, and this large complex requires a ticket. In contrast, you can see the Imperial Forums (of Trajan, Julius & Augustus Ceasar) best from the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the road between the Capitoline and the Colosseum. It’s free to walk along this road, which has signposts on either side explaining the details of what you’re looking at.
It’s best to visit the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill as early as possible during the day. The advantages are a shorter queue to get in, fewer people inside, and the relatively cooler morning temperatures.
The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are two areas of the same complex. The same ticket gets you into both, and there’s no barrier between the two. The Roman Forum is the flat section with the most important temples, while the Palatine Hill is the adjacent hill containing more ruins, though these are slightly less impressive.
The Roman Forum developed over several centuries, with no one person building all the temples and monuments inside. Many emperors, including Nero, Domitian, Julius & Augustus Caesar, all left their mark. Already in the 8th century BC important palaces and shrines occupied the site, with the last major addition, the Basilica of Maxentius, built in 312 AD, roughly 1000 years later.
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