The Forum (Rome)

Today the 'Forum Romanum' may resemble a haphazard collection of ancient ruins to the untrained eye, but on a little closer inspection it is possible to see all the grandeur and sophistication of early Roman architecture. This is one of Rome's most captivating tourist attractions, and was the political and administrative hub of the Roman Empire, virtually a self-contained city in its own right. This densely built up enclave boasts dozens of ruins from different eras, and on cheap city breaks here you can travel through several centuries of Roman history. It is made up of the ruins of numerous triumphal arches, pagan temples and basilicas.

 

From its inception in around 600BC, buildings were continually added for almost 1,000 years and nowhere else offers so much history in such a small area. There is a lot to take in and it is easy enough to walk around at leisure and soak it all up. However, on short breaks in Rome you will be more rewarding with a guided tour, where engaging commentary will bring many facets of Ancient Rome back to life with colourful stories and a few tall tales. Most people make straight for the Temple of Vesta, the infamous home of the Vestal Virgins, however just a few columns and foundations remain of this small round temple which housed the so-called eternal flame of Rome.

 

The largest known structure in the Forum is the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, which served as a law court and was the original home of the monumental statue of Constantine, now on display in the Capitoline Museums. Other highlights include the very well preserved Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Temple of Caesar, Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimus Severus. On weekend breaks in Rome, true archaeological buffs can easily spend several worthwhile hours exploring and will be just as fascinated watching current excavations still being carried out on the site.