Imperial Fora & Via dei Fori Imperiali
Walk through Rome's monumental Imperial Fora, a vast archaeological area connected by the iconic Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Imperial Fora & Via dei Fori Imperiali
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through Rome's monumental Imperial Fora, a vast archaeological area connected by the iconic Via dei Fori Imperiali.
"Experience the magic of illuminated ancient ruins and the Colosseum under the stars."
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori Imperiali
Enjoy this historic avenue, often closed to traffic, offering stunning views of ancient ruins and the Colosseum.
🏛️ Visit Trajan's Markets
Don't miss this ancient shopping complex, now a museum, offering a glimpse into Roman daily life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trajan's Markets
Via IV Novembre, 94
Explore the 'world's first shopping mall,' a remarkably preserved ancient complex with shops and administrative offices.

Via dei Fori Imperiali at Night
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Experience the magic of illuminated ancient ruins and the Colosseum under the stars for a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Forum of Augustus
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Marvel at the imposing Temple of Mars Ultor and the remains of this grand public square dedicated by Emperor Augustus.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Imperial Fora
Tickets and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori Imperiali
Enjoy this historic avenue, often closed to traffic, offering stunning views of ancient ruins and the Colosseum.
🏛️ Visit Trajan's Markets
Don't miss this ancient shopping complex, now a museum, offering a glimpse into Roman daily life.
🌃 Experience by Night
The illuminated ruins create a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography and a unique perspective.
🎟️ Check Ticket Integration
Understand if Imperial Fora access is included with Roman Forum/Palatine Hill tickets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori Imperiali
Enjoy this historic avenue, often closed to traffic, offering stunning views of ancient ruins and the Colosseum.
🏛️ Visit Trajan's Markets
Don't miss this ancient shopping complex, now a museum, offering a glimpse into Roman daily life.
🌃 Experience by Night
The illuminated ruins create a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography and a unique perspective.
🎟️ Check Ticket Integration
Understand if Imperial Fora access is included with Roman Forum/Palatine Hill tickets.
🗺️ Plan Your Entry
Access can be via Via dei Fori Imperiali or through the Roman Forum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the sheer scale and historical significance of the Imperial Fora, particularly the atmospheric night views and the well-preserved Trajan's Markets. Some find the Via dei Fori Imperiali's modern road cutting through ancient sites jarring, and ticket integration with the Roman Forum can sometimes be confusing.
"Lots and lots of history. So easily I get turned around, but I still recommend doing this one on your own. WATCH YOUR STEP. Tricky footing on uneven ground!"
Ann Christopherson
"breathtaking views of ancient Roman ruins. It's a wonderful place to walk and soak in the history and beauty of Rome."
Yong Choi
"One of the most epic streets in Rome! It connects Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, and it goes right through ancient ruins from the Roman Empire. I walk here a lot after doing early morning or sunset photoshoots at the Colosseum.
The view is unreal, especially when the light is soft it feels like you’re in a movie.
This road was built under Mussolini in the 1930s, but the ruins on both sides are from 2,000 years ago.
Perfect place to walk, take photos, and feel the history of ancient Rome."
Mojtaba Razaghi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Imperial Fora are centrally located in Rome. You can reach them by metro to the Colosseo station (Line B). Many bus routes also stop nearby. Walking from other central attractions like the Colosseum is also very common.
No, the Via dei Fori Imperiali is frequently closed to vehicular traffic, especially on Sundays and for special events or summits. This makes it a pleasant pedestrian zone.
Yes, there is a tunnel connecting the Roman Forum to the Imperial Fora, offering a seamless transition between these ancient sites.
Walking is the best way to experience the Via dei Fori Imperiali, allowing you to stop and admire the ruins at your own pace. Consider visiting during the evening for a magical illuminated view.
Parking in this central Rome area is very limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk to reach the Imperial Fora.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali itself is free and open to the public. However, to enter specific museums like Trajan's Markets, you will need a ticket.
Historically, Trajan's Markets have been a separate ticketed site from the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, though integrated ticketing options can sometimes be available. Always check the official ticketing website for current information.
Tickets for Trajan's Markets (Museo dei Fori Imperiali) can typically be purchased online through official ticketing partners or at the ticket office on-site. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Opening hours vary for specific sites like Trajan's Markets. Generally, they are open during daylight hours, with extended hours for special evening events. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is an access point via a tunnel from the Roman Forum, which can be convenient if you are visiting both sites.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Imperial Fora include several monumental public squares like the Forum of Caesar, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Nerva, and Forum of Trajan, which houses Trajan's Markets and Column.
Absolutely! Many visitors find the illuminated ruins incredibly atmospheric and beautiful, offering a different perspective than daytime visits.
To walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali and explore Trajan's Markets, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you're also visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, plan for a full day.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, offering in-depth historical context and insights into the ruins. Some tours combine the Imperial Fora with the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Trajan's Column, located in the Forum of Trajan, is a magnificent spiral bas-relief depicting Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. It's a masterpiece of Roman art and propaganda.
📸 📸 Photography
The Via dei Fori Imperiali offers panoramic views of the ruins and the Colosseum. Trajan's Column and the Forum of Augustus are also highly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed inside Trajan's Markets, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the artifacts. Always check signage.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Evening visits offer dramatic shots with the ruins illuminated.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in most historical areas of Rome, including the Imperial Fora, due to regulations protecting cultural heritage and public safety.
For night photography, use a tripod, a wider aperture (lower f-number), and a higher ISO. Experiment with longer exposure times to capture the illuminated ruins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around the Imperial Fora has many restaurants, cafes, and trattorias. You can find options ranging from quick bites to more formal dining experiences.
You'll find traditional Roman cuisine, including pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, as well as pizza and other Italian specialties.
Yes, look for smaller trattorias or pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) for more affordable meals. Gelaterias are also plentiful for a sweet treat.
Some restaurants and rooftop bars in the vicinity offer views of the Imperial Fora and the Colosseum, providing a memorable dining experience.
It depends on your schedule. Many visitors prefer to eat before or after their visit to maximize time exploring the ruins. There are also cafes within Trajan's Markets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Imperial Fora
The construction of the Via dei Fori Imperiali, initiated by Benito Mussolini, was intended to create a monumental axis connecting the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia. This project involved significant demolition of medieval and Renaissance structures that had been built over the ancient ruins. While it provided a dramatic visual connection to the Colosseum, it also physically divided and, in some views, damaged the integrity of the ancient Imperial Fora.
Today, the Via dei Fori Imperiali serves as a powerful reminder of Rome's layered history. The juxtaposition of the Fascist-era road with the remnants of imperial grandeur offers a unique perspective on the city's evolution. Efforts are ongoing to better preserve and present these incredible archaeological sites, with parts of the Via often closed to traffic to allow for better public access and appreciation.
Exploring Trajan's Markets
Today, Trajan's Markets is home to the Museo dei Fori Imperiali, which offers a comprehensive look at the history and architecture of all the Imperial Fora. Visitors can walk through the ancient corridors, explore the various levels, and see artifacts that bring the past to life. The museum provides excellent context for understanding the scale and function of these once-vibrant public spaces.
The highlight for many is the opportunity to see the remarkably preserved structure of the markets themselves, offering insights into Roman commercial and civic life. The views from the upper levels over the Forum of Trajan and the surrounding ruins are also spectacular, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Roman history and architecture.
The Via dei Fori Imperiali: A Controversial Axis
This grand avenue, often closed to traffic, now serves as a pedestrian promenade, allowing visitors to walk amidst the ruins of ancient Rome. The experience of strolling along the Via, with the Colosseum at one end and the imposing Altare della Patria (Victor Emmanuel II Monument) at the other, is a powerful one. It offers unparalleled views of the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Trajan, and other remnants of imperial Rome.
Despite its controversial origins, the Via dei Fori Imperiali has become an iconic part of the Roman landscape. Its frequent closures to traffic transform it into a vibrant public space, ideal for leisurely walks, photography, and soaking in the historical atmosphere. It’s a place where different eras of Rome converge, offering a unique urban experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit