Basilica Emilia (Basilica Aemilia), Rome
The Basilica Aemilia was a prominent civil basilica located in the Roman Forum. Although only the plan and some rebuilt elements remain today, this grand structure left a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of ancient Rome.
Built in 179 BC by censor Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, the basilica was initially named Basilica Fulvia. However, after Nobilior's death, his colleague Marcus Aemilius Lepidus took charge of completing the construction. Subsequently, the basilica underwent frequent restoration and redecoration by members of the Aemilian gens, leading to its renaming as the Basilica Aemilia.
In 55 BC, Lucius Aemilius Lepidus Paullus initiated the construction of a new edifice to replace the Basilica Fulvia. His son inaugurated the completed structure in 34 BC. The new basilica shared similar architectural lines with its predecessor but featured a reduced length and a second nave instead of the back portico.
The Basilica Aemilia boasted a length of 100 meters (328 ft) and a width of about 30 meters (98 ft). Its sides were adorned with two orders of 16 arches, creating a grand and imposing façade. Visitors could access the basilica through one of three entrances, adding to its sense of grandeur.
The central nave of the basilica showcased columns made of African marble, adorned with Corinthian capitals and friezes depicting significant events from the history of Republican Rome. The second row of columns featured cipolline marble, while the external columns boasted Ionic capitals, adding a touch of architectural elegance to the structure.
Throughout its history, the Basilica Aemilia experienced various modifications and renovations. In 14 BC, after a devastating fire, Augustus heavily restored the edifice to preserve its splendor and significance.
Built in 179 BC by censor Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, the basilica was initially named Basilica Fulvia. However, after Nobilior's death, his colleague Marcus Aemilius Lepidus took charge of completing the construction. Subsequently, the basilica underwent frequent restoration and redecoration by members of the Aemilian gens, leading to its renaming as the Basilica Aemilia.
In 55 BC, Lucius Aemilius Lepidus Paullus initiated the construction of a new edifice to replace the Basilica Fulvia. His son inaugurated the completed structure in 34 BC. The new basilica shared similar architectural lines with its predecessor but featured a reduced length and a second nave instead of the back portico.
The Basilica Aemilia boasted a length of 100 meters (328 ft) and a width of about 30 meters (98 ft). Its sides were adorned with two orders of 16 arches, creating a grand and imposing façade. Visitors could access the basilica through one of three entrances, adding to its sense of grandeur.
The central nave of the basilica showcased columns made of African marble, adorned with Corinthian capitals and friezes depicting significant events from the history of Republican Rome. The second row of columns featured cipolline marble, while the external columns boasted Ionic capitals, adding a touch of architectural elegance to the structure.
Throughout its history, the Basilica Aemilia experienced various modifications and renovations. In 14 BC, after a devastating fire, Augustus heavily restored the edifice to preserve its splendor and significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Basilica Emilia (Basilica Aemilia) on Map
Sight Name: Basilica Emilia (Basilica Aemilia)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour
As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome’s best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...