Elevated view of the Roman Forum, with the Temple of Castor and Pollux columns, the Arch of Septimius Severus and churches.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The old center of Roman public life, among temples, arches and platforms, with the Palatine just above: the hill that legend ties to Romulus, the city's first king.

  • Antiquity
  • Suggested time:2 to 3 hours
  • Area:Ancient Rome

About Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is where people voted, held trials, gave speeches and paraded after military victories. Today what remains are loose columns, pieces of temples and plenty of uneven stone paving, and that jigsaw puzzle is what makes the walk fun. Look for the Temple of Caesar, built by Augustus on the spot where Julius Caesar's body was burned in front of the crowd.

Then climb the Palatine. From up there, the Forum turns into a map and the Colosseum appears in the distance. Shade is scarce across the whole area, so in summer a hat and a water bottle stop being suggestions.

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