Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Colosseo station (Line B).
• Entrances: Enter via Via della Salara Vecchia or Via di San Gregorio.
• Ticket: Included in the Colosseum combined ticket.

The story of the Roman Forum

For centuries the Roman Forum was the centre of public life: elections, trials, speeches, markets and religious ceremonies. Its temples, basilicas and the Senate House still stand in ruins along the Sacred Way.

Above it rises the Palatine Hill, where legend says Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC. Emperors later built their palaces here; the word "palace" itself comes from Palatine. The hill offers views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Start on the Palatine Hill for the best views over the Forum.
• Visit the Palatine viewpoint over the Forum.
• Use an audio guide or map to understand the ruins.

What's around the Roman Forum

• ColosseumNext door.
• Capitoline MuseumsAncient art on Capitoline Hill.
• Circus MaximusAncient chariot-racing stadium.
• Altare della PatriaHuge white monument with rooftop views.

Questions travellers ask