.webp)
Wandering through the Roman Forum is like flipping through the dusty pages of a living history book. The cracked marble under your feet, the shadow of triumphal arches above, the whispers of ancient debates, betrayals, and triumphs - it’s all still here.
Tucked between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the Forum is the beating heart of Ancient Rome. And once you’ve walked it with StoryHunt’s immersive audio walk in your ears, you'll never look at history the same way again.
Let’s unpack what makes the Roman Forum such an unforgettable (and underrated) stop in Rome.
What is the story behind the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, was once the bustling epicentre of Roman public life. It was the stage for everything: political debates, criminal trials, religious ceremonies, and imperial parades. If something important happened in Ancient Rome, it likely happened right here.
Originally a swampy marshland, the area was drained in the 7th century BCE and transformed into a civic hub. Over centuries, emperors built basilicas, temples, and monuments here to flaunt their power. Picture senators in togas shouting policy, traders hawking goods, and Vestal Virgins tending sacred flames. Even now, standing amid the ruins, the echoes feel real.
Take the audio walk with StoryHunt and hear these spaces come alive.
What is the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum is an open-air archaeological site that spans roughly 250 by 170 meters. It’s located between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills and surrounded by some of Rome’s most iconic ruins.
Key landmarks inside the Forum include:
- The Temple of Saturn (with its tall standing columns)
- The Arch of Septimius Severus
- The Curia Julia, where the Roman Senate once met
- The Temple of Vesta, home of the Vestal Virgins
Walking through the Forum is not a quick in-and-out. It’s a layered, complex area where temples overlap with triumphal arches and fragments of daily Roman life.
Why is the Roman Forum so destroyed?
It’s a fair question. The once-mighty Forum now looks like a city after a particularly long earthquake season. The truth is: time and humans both played a role.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum fell into disuse and disrepair. Many of its buildings were stripped of marble and metal for reuse in medieval and Renaissance construction. Earthquakes, looting, and even flooding buried much of it under centuries of debris.
By the Middle Ages, the Forum was literally called the Campo Vaccino - the cow field. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that serious excavations began.
Is Julius Caesar buried in the Roman Forum?
Yes, in a way. Julius Caesar’s remains are said to lie beneath the Temple of Caesar, a structure built by Augustus in 29 BCE to honour his adoptive father. The altar you see today, with flowers often left by visitors, marks the spot where Caesar was cremated after his assassination in 44 BCE.
While it's unlikely all of Caesar’s remains stayed there (Romans weren’t known for neat burial traditions), this site is as close as we get to a “Caesar’s Tomb.”
Why is the Colosseum broken?
Since the Colosseum is just steps away, most Forum visitors ask this next. The answer? Earthquakes and scavengers.
A massive quake in 1349 caused much of the southern side to collapse. Over centuries, the Colosseum was stripped for its stone and iron, which were repurposed for churches, palaces, and even the Vatican. Today’s Colosseum is a skeleton of its former self, but its grandeur is unmistakable.
And yes, it’s part of the StoryHunt audio walk.
What is the best time to visit the Roman Forum?
Early morning, hands down. Not just for the softer light and cooler temperatures, but for the peace. Rome gets hectic, and the Forum is best enjoyed when it's quiet enough to hear your own thoughts.
Tips for visiting:
- Arrive before 9 AM for minimal crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes: Ancient cobblestones are unforgiving.
- Buy a combo ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Forum (valid for 24 hours).
- Bring water; there’s a public fountain at the Forum’s entrance.
How long does it take to explore the Roman Forum?
You’ll want at least 90 minutes to 2 hours if you’re walking it with intention. It helps you slow down and notice things you might otherwise miss— - like the scorched floor of the Basilica Julia or the original Roman street level hidden beneath layers of time.
The Forum is not a race. It’s a ramble through thousands of years of history.
Is it worth seeing the Roman Forum?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Rome. Unlike the Colosseum, which is often overrun and overly restored, the Forum feels raw and real. It requires imagination, but that’s the beauty of it.
Pair it with the StoryHunt audio walk and you’ll gain a sense of emotional connection to the place that no guidebook can match.
What else is nearby the Roman Forum?
You’re in the historical bullseye of Rome, so nearby treasures abound. Just outside the Forum:
- The Colosseum: You can't miss it, both literally and figuratively. The gladiator stories alone are worth a dedicated hour.
- Palatine Hill: Overlooks the Forum and is one of the original Seven Hills of Rome. Myth has it Romulus founded the city here.
- Victor Emmanuel II National Monument: A massive white marble palace nicknamed “the wedding cake.” Love it or hate it, it’s unforgettable.
- Il Facchino (The Talking Statues): A quirky, often-missed gem that reveals the Roman tradition of anonymous public satire.
Explore them all with StoryHunt and turn your Roman holiday into a layered, immersive journey.
