Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum), Rome

Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum), Rome

Trajan's Forum was the final Imperial forum to be constructed in ancient Rome. Designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, it was commissioned by Emperor Trajan using the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which concluded in 106 AD.

Construction began between 105 and 107 AD, and the forum was inaugurated in 112 AD, with Trajan's Column being erected and inaugurated in 113 AD. The creation of this grand complex necessitated extensive excavations, including the removal of a ridge that connected the Quirinal and Capitoline Hills. Over 300,000 cubic meters of soil and rock were excavated and deposited outside the Porta Collina.

The layout of Trajan's Forum comprised a series of open and enclosed spaces. It commenced with a vast piazza lined with porticoes and featuring exedrae on two sides. The primary entrance was situated at the southern end of the piazza, marked by a triumphal arch at the center that commemorated the Dacian Wars. The arch was adorned with friezes and statues depicting Dacian prisoners.

Tall walls constructed from blocks of Peperino tuff entirely clad in marble enclosed the forum on three sides. The western and eastern walls featured exedrae, and outside these exedrae, separated by streets, were concentric-shaped markets. On the northern side of the piazza stood the Basilica Ulpia, and beyond that was a smaller piazza housing a temple dedicated to the deified Trajan. Trajan's successor, Hadrian, added a philosophical school adjacent to the piazza, which included the Temple of Trajan.

In modern times, only a section of the markets and Trajan's Column remain visible. Some of the columns that originally formed the Basilica Ulpia have been re-erected on-site. However, during the construction of the Imperial Forum Road in 1933, a number of these columns were covered, although they can still be seen beneath the arches supporting the road.

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Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum) on Map

Sight Name: Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum)
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

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.
Holy Sites Walking Tour

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.

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"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
Trastevere Walking Tour

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.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour

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

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