What is the most famous sight in the Roman Forum?

The Temple of Saturn, with its eight standing columns below the Capitoline Hill, is the most photographed. Close by, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Curia complete the classic view. The Arch of Titus at the other end is equally important historically because of its carved reliefs of Jerusalem’s spoils.

Is the Roman Forum worth it for first-time visitors?

Yes, if you go with a little context. Without it, the Forum can look like scattered stones. Read up on six or seven key sights, follow a simple route along the Via Sacra and finish on the Palatine terraces, where the whole valley makes sense from above. Allow at least two hours.

What to See in the Roman Forum: Highlights Explained for…

Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus at sunrise in the Roman Forum — The eight columns of the Temple of Saturn are the Forum’s most recognisable view.

What are the must-see sights in the Roman Forum?

If you only have an hour, see the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Curia (Senate House), the Temple of Caesar, the House of the Vestals and the Arch of Titus. Together they cover religion, politics, triumph and daily ritual — the four things the Forum was for.

Add the Basilica of Maxentius for scale and the Palatine terraces for the classic view down the valley.

Where did Roman politics happen?

The Curia Julia is the brick building near the Arch of Septimius Severus where the Senate met. In front stood the Rostra, the speakers’ platform. The Temple of Caesar marks where Julius Caesar’s body was cremated in 44 BC; it is one of the few spots in the Forum where visitors still leave flowers.

Which temples can you still recognise?

The Temple of Saturn (eight columns) housed the state treasury. The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina survived because a church was built inside it. The round Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestals recall the priestesses who kept Rome’s sacred fire burning.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Temple of Romulus and Basilica of Maxentius above the Forum — Churches built into ancient temples show how the Forum was reused over centuries.

Why are the triumphal arches important?

The Arch of Titus celebrates the capture of Jerusalem in AD 70; look for the menorah carved inside. The Arch of Septimius Severus, from AD 203, shows campaigns in the East. They frame the two ends of the Via Sacra, the route triumphal processions followed.

How do you get in?

Prices, ticket names and time slots are set by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo and change; check the official ticket page before buying.

Traveler showing a mobile ticket on a phone outside an ancient Roman site

Tiqets

Skip-the-line and last-minute Roman Forum tickets — resellers may still have availability; prices are usually higher.

Check prices A local guide showing a small tour group around the Roman Forum ruins

Klook

Guided tours with entry included — compare with official dates first; prices are usually higher.

Check prices The Roman Forum ruins with the Colosseum behind at sunset

Trip.com

Compare bundles and combo tickets — Colosseum plus Forum, Vatican or hop-on buses in one booking.

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Official sources

Reviewed October 2026. Ticket names, prices, hours and open areas change — always confirm on the official pages.

Parco archeologico del Colosseo: Roman Forum area

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous sight in the Roman Forum?: The Temple of Saturn, with its eight standing columns below the Capitoline Hill, is the most photographed. Close by, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Curia complete the classic view. The Arch of Titus at the other end is equally important historically because of its carved reliefs of Jerusalem’s spoils.
Is the Roman Forum worth it for first-time visitors?: Yes, if you go with a little context. Without it, the Forum can look like scattered stones. Read up on six or seven key sights, follow a simple route along the Via Sacra and finish on the Palatine terraces, where the whole valley makes sense from above. Allow at least two hours.

What to See in the Roman Forum: Highlights Explained for First-Time Visitors