Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva), Rome

The Forum of Nerva, known as the Forum Transitorium, is the second-to-last of the Imperial forums built in Rome. The eastern section of the Forum Transitorium was uncovered during extensive excavations conducted by the Fascist regime during the construction of Via dell'Impero, now known as Via dei Fori Imperiali.

The construction of the Forum of Nerva was initiated by Emperor Domitian before the year 85 AD, but it was officially completed and inaugurated by his successor, Nerva, in 97 AD, hence its official name. This forum was the fourth and smallest of the imperial forrums. It replaced the former street known as the Argiletum, which had served as a market area, particularly for booksellers and cobblers. The new forum continued to function as both a thoroughfare and a grand entrance to the larger Roman Forum.

The layout of the Forum of Nerva is elongated and narrow, featuring protruding columns adorning the walls instead of arcades. At the western end, there was a prominent temple dedicated to Minerva, situated behind which stood a monumental entrance.

After the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area fell into disuse and became marshland. In the 9th century, several houses were constructed on the site, using materials salvaged from the ruins. The temple of Minerva remained relatively intact until Pope Paul V ordered its demolition in 1606. Today, only a portion of the columns known as Le Colonnacce survives along the side of the Temple of Minerva. These Corinthian columns are situated just 1.75 meters away from the wall. The wall itself is constructed using blocks of peperino, which were originally covered with marble.