Rome, also known as the Eternal City, not only has the highest concentration of cultural and architectural assets in the world, but its streets are home to the highest expression of the historical and artistic heritage of the Western world.
The center of the Italian capital is home to a vast complex of forums built by different emperors representing the main ruins of ancient Rome. Three main zones can be distinguished, in addition to the highly recognized Coliseum.
The Roman forum
It is the archaeological zone located between Piazza Venezia and the Coliseum. In ancient times, it was the meeting point of the public, economic, religious and cultural life of the Roman Empire and the republican era. The ruins that can be seen today are the testimony of the stories of civilization and the lifestyle of that time and it is really impressive to see that the remains of some temples, arches and other constructions are intact, proof of the eloquent use of the urban spaces during the Roman Empire.
Definitely, a visit to the Roman forum represents a cultural enrichment from any point of view, since its great attraction is based on the opportunity to relive history in the places where the events actually occurred. The Roman Curia, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins These are just some of the places that you should take into account if you are planning a tour of this important area of Rome.
The Palatine Hill
It is located over the valley of the Roman Forum and is the most central of the seven hills of Rome. Roman mythology assigns him the name of Lupercal, place where Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were suckled by a she-wolf. Thanks to this legend the Palatine has been considered the sacred mountain.
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It is made up of important archaeological sites that correspond to the area of the imperial residence of the main emperors of Rome. Today it is possible to appreciate the ruins of some courtrooms, underground galleries, mosaics and gardens. However, the most outstanding tourist attraction of this place are the wonderful views it offers of the city thanks to its strategic location on the Tiber.
The Imperial Forums
These are extensions of the Roman forum that were built by the emperors of Rome during the transition period between the republican era and the imperial era. The complex of the imperial forums is formed by the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva and the Forum of Trajan. From a tourist point of view, the latter represents one of the greatest attractions of the place, since it was a large semicircular building where the Trajan’s Market was located. Currently, it is possible to visit the Museum of the Imperial Forums to visit the different preserved areas of the market that today retain an important part of their original appearance.
Beyond all the tourist places that Rome has to offer, it houses an infinity of testimonies of the beginnings of Western culture and there is no better way to get to know it than to walk on it and see with your own eyes what it was once capital of the world!