Forum of Augustus
Forum of Augustus
4.5
About
Built in celebration over Augustus' victory over the murder of Caesar in 42 BC, this ancient site is dominated by the remains of the Temple of Mars.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Centro
How to get there
- Fori Imperiali-Colosseo • 7 min walk
- Colosseo • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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MFaro
Italy2,893 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Located laterally in Via dei Fori Imperiali and then in the historic center of Rome, the Forum of Augustus, is a building that brought prestige and magnificence to Ancient Rome. It remains to date not much but in fair condition. Great for souvenir photos.
Automatically translated
Written July 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,096 contributions
Jun 2022
This was the second of the imperial fora which was built by the Emperor, Augustus over a period of almost 40 years and was inaugurated in 2 BC. I found the forums confusing (and I don’t think I’m alone). There are several. Caesar had one. So did Nerva and Trajan and they are all clustered together. It can be hard to tell where one ends and one starts. To complicate matters, what’s left is mainly ruins. For the most part, what you see are chunks of columns, missing statues, patches of flagstones and discarded blocks of marble and stone.
Nevertheless it is worth a look mainly because it is very close to the Colosseum and can be easily seen from the public footpath. If you are walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali (the street of the Imperial Forums) towards the Colosseum, you’ll pass right by Augustus’ Forum, on the left hand side.
There are a number of decent information panels in both Italian and English which help a lot and it’s worth stopping and taking the time to read them. They give a good insight into the grandeur of what originally stood here and helps you understand how it all functioned. Once the centre of city life in ancient Rome, ceremonies of state and public meetings were held here, the senate met to declare both war and peace and the law courts operated. The forum included an open plaza lined on its long sides by colonnades with niches. Rows of statues lined the niches but largest of all was a colossal 14m tall statue of Augustus, glorifying the emperor. In the middle of the square, Augustus was represented on a majestic triumphal chariot. Built with exotic marbles, the ancient historian, Pliny called the forum ‘one of the most beautiful buildings in the world’.
The best preserved structure in Augustus’ forum is the Temple of Mars Ultor, dedicated to the Roman god, Mars the Avenger which stood as tall as a 9-storey building. An elevated path leads through the middle of the forum and gives you close-up view. It also makes you realise just how far below today’s ground level, ancient Rome sat. I’d highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to follow this short path.
NOTE: A night-time sound and light show at the Fora of Augustus started on 10th June. We weren’t in Rome long enough to catch it but it looked like an interesting way to see the forum areas.
Nevertheless it is worth a look mainly because it is very close to the Colosseum and can be easily seen from the public footpath. If you are walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali (the street of the Imperial Forums) towards the Colosseum, you’ll pass right by Augustus’ Forum, on the left hand side.
There are a number of decent information panels in both Italian and English which help a lot and it’s worth stopping and taking the time to read them. They give a good insight into the grandeur of what originally stood here and helps you understand how it all functioned. Once the centre of city life in ancient Rome, ceremonies of state and public meetings were held here, the senate met to declare both war and peace and the law courts operated. The forum included an open plaza lined on its long sides by colonnades with niches. Rows of statues lined the niches but largest of all was a colossal 14m tall statue of Augustus, glorifying the emperor. In the middle of the square, Augustus was represented on a majestic triumphal chariot. Built with exotic marbles, the ancient historian, Pliny called the forum ‘one of the most beautiful buildings in the world’.
The best preserved structure in Augustus’ forum is the Temple of Mars Ultor, dedicated to the Roman god, Mars the Avenger which stood as tall as a 9-storey building. An elevated path leads through the middle of the forum and gives you close-up view. It also makes you realise just how far below today’s ground level, ancient Rome sat. I’d highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to follow this short path.
NOTE: A night-time sound and light show at the Fora of Augustus started on 10th June. We weren’t in Rome long enough to catch it but it looked like an interesting way to see the forum areas.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada9,226 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The Forum of Augustus is nearby several other forums that are in a state of ruin. This forum was excavated in the 1900s and you can see the outlines of the former buildings on the bricks to the back of it. There are signs in the area to explain the history of the area that show drawings of the buildings that used to exist. It is likely that the stones from this forum were used to construct other items in the area. It is very close to the Colosseum and we spent about an hour looking at all the forum ruins and reading the signs in the area. You can buy a ticket to go down and walk through the ruins but it seems a tad expensive and you can see most of it from above.
Written April 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,863 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
As you stroll along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, you are able to see the ruins of the Imperial Forums. These can all be seen for free. As Rome grew beyond the original Forum, emperors would build their own forum with each of these forums having their own government, religious and commercial buildings. The Forum of Augustus was completed in 2 BC and built by Augustus Caesar otherwise known as Octavian. The highlight of the forum in the ruins of the Temple of Mars which can be identified by the structure with the four Corinthian columns.
Written December 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dapper777
Monaco68,498 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
The Forum of Augustus, in a chronological order, was the second to be built (after that one of Caesar).
What we see today are three columns of the temple dedicated by Emperor Octavian Augustus to the god Mars Ultor (central part of the bottom of the forum).
Augustus had promised to erect a temple after Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Caesar who was his adoptive father, were defeated in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.
He made it entirely at his own expense and inaugurated it in 2 BC.
The Forum was needed, in a city that was expanding rapidly, to give more space to court cases and commercial activities.
The works lasted a long time (several decades) and ended in 2 BC.
The dimensions of the Forum were 125 meters long and 118 meters wide.
To clearly divide the Forum from the popular neighborhoods behind it (the Suburra and the slopes of the Quirinale) and create a barrier to fires, he enclosed it with a mighty wall of peperino blocks (at the bottom of the temple) which has remained until today.
At the head of the northern portico of the temple there was a distinct room which housed a colossal statue of the emperor.
Also noteworthy is the Arco dei Pantani, still visible today.
This arch, today in via Tor de' Conti, in the Rione Monti, is an arch with a single arch without any ornament that connected the Suburra to the Pantani area, an area so called because it is subject to flooding of the Tiber and malaria.
It was formed with large rectangular blocks, and, in the times it was created, it was of great importance, because it connected the Forums with the Suburra (which was a disreputable area of Rome, and which is now in the current Monti district).
Visiting this incredibly spectacular and interesting site is an experience not to be missed.
What we see today are three columns of the temple dedicated by Emperor Octavian Augustus to the god Mars Ultor (central part of the bottom of the forum).
Augustus had promised to erect a temple after Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Caesar who was his adoptive father, were defeated in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.
He made it entirely at his own expense and inaugurated it in 2 BC.
The Forum was needed, in a city that was expanding rapidly, to give more space to court cases and commercial activities.
The works lasted a long time (several decades) and ended in 2 BC.
The dimensions of the Forum were 125 meters long and 118 meters wide.
To clearly divide the Forum from the popular neighborhoods behind it (the Suburra and the slopes of the Quirinale) and create a barrier to fires, he enclosed it with a mighty wall of peperino blocks (at the bottom of the temple) which has remained until today.
At the head of the northern portico of the temple there was a distinct room which housed a colossal statue of the emperor.
Also noteworthy is the Arco dei Pantani, still visible today.
This arch, today in via Tor de' Conti, in the Rione Monti, is an arch with a single arch without any ornament that connected the Suburra to the Pantani area, an area so called because it is subject to flooding of the Tiber and malaria.
It was formed with large rectangular blocks, and, in the times it was created, it was of great importance, because it connected the Forums with the Suburra (which was a disreputable area of Rome, and which is now in the current Monti district).
Visiting this incredibly spectacular and interesting site is an experience not to be missed.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam C
Poznan, Poland906 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The Forum of Augustus is the next area on the way to the Colosseum. Although it's hard to say what the goal is - everything, everywhere you look, is worth attention. There is only one disadvantage, apart from the number of tourists, of course - time. You cannot go through and appreciate everything in one day.
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy32,981 contributions
Nov 2019
Started in 42 BC this forum includes the Temple of Mars, the Roman God, after the murder of his adopted father Julius Caesar, Augustus became emperor in 27 BC.
Written November 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob t
Irmo, SC40 contributions
May 2014 • Family
This was one of our high points of Rome - multimedia projection on the ruins telling the entire history of Rome. English and other narration. About 45 minutes. Well worth the cost. I believe it will be there until October.
Written May 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela O
Rome, Italy18 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
You can spend a wonderful summer evening by imaging the history of the Augustus's forum through the reconstruction of Pietro Angela e Paco Lanciano. It is really an impressive show of about 40 minutes for all people: even for children. The audio guide allows to choice between 7 different languages. You can buy your tickets by internet or directly near the access to the historical show, at the Augustus's forum. Three shows each evening: at 9:00; 10:00 and 11:00 pm. I suggest it to all
Written June 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VasilisVr
Athens, Greece73 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We went in this show following recomendations of a local friend. It was amazing. All these ancient high walls and columns became alive. My kids were excited too. There are 3 night shows, at 9-10-11. Don't miss it. It was one of our best nights in Rome.
Written August 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich334
Southington, Connecticut
Where is the box office located to by tickets to the Augustus Light Show? Are the show times still 9, 10 and 11 pm?
Written April 12, 2019
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Rich,
for the Forum of Augustus show, box office is located in Via Alessandrina, Largo Corrado Ricci side: you can buy tickets only for the show of the day and subject to availability.
Tickets can also be purchased online (viaggioneifori), calling the Contact Center +39 060608 (open daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm at the cost of a local call) or at Tourist Information Points.
Opening times Forum of Augustus
From 17 April to 30 April: h8.20pm – 9.20pm – 10.20pm
From 1 May to 31 August: h9.00pm – 10.00pm – 11.00pm
From 1 September to 30 September: h8.00pm – 9.00pm – 10.00pm
From 1 October to 3 November : h7.00pm – 8.00pm – 9.00pm
The ticket office opens 1 hour before
Duration of the show: 40 minutes
Enjoy the show!
Best regards,
Website Staff Viaggioneifori
Written April 15, 2019
Cristina S
Province of Foggia, Italy
Ciao potendo visitare solo uno dei due,tra Augusto e Cesare,quale mi consigliate?
Written September 15, 2018
VacationButterfly
Springfield, Massachusetts
Looking for recommendations for a guided tour of the Coliseum that does not include the Forum, something we can book ahead. We’d like to do the Forum (light show) separately at night.
Written March 29, 2018
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Mr/Mrs, for the light show "Viaggi nell'antica Roma" you can purchase your ticket online (official website viaggioneifori) or through the Contact Centre +39 060608 and Tourist Information Points.
Enjoy Rome!
Best regards
Web Area
Written April 5, 2018
Laura D
Toronto, Canada
If we decide to not do the light show, is this simply a walk by attraction open at all hours?
Written January 24, 2018
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear, the access to the site of Augustus is possible in occasion of the show "Viaggio nei Fori".
While spacing on various aspects of the Roman world, the story is still anchored to the site of Augustus, creatively using the remains of the Forum to try to let the stones “speak” for themselves. Besides the faithful reconstruction of the area, with special effects of all kinds, the story focuses on the figure of Augustus, whose giant statue, over 12 meters high, dominated the area next to the temple.
For further information please visit the official web site Viaggio nei Fori
Best regards
Web Area
Written January 24, 2018
Laura D
Toronto, Canada
Hi there,
I will be traveling with my baby to Rome and we were wondering whether there is storage in Foro di augusto for a stroller or does the baby need to be in the carrier?
thank you,
Laura
Written January 23, 2018
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Laura,
in occasion of the show "Viaggio nei Fori" through special audio systems with headphones the spectators will listen to music, special effects and the story narrated by Piero Angela in 8 languages (Italian, English, French, Russian, Spanish and Japanese, German and Chinese).
The spectators will be accompanied by the voice of Piero Angela and by some amazing videos and reconstructions that show places as they looked like at the time of Augustus: a thrilling representation which combines historical and scientific rigor with entertainment. Babies do not need a carrier. During the show "Foro di Augusto" spectators will remain seated.
Best regards
Web Area
Written January 24, 2018
elortondo1
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola compañeros, me gustaría saber sus opiniones del espectáculo nocturno que se da en el Foro de Augusto y en el Foro de César!! Vale la pena pagar tanto?
Muchas gracias
Written April 22, 2017
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Sally,
The single show (Forum of Caesar or Forum of Augustus) costs:
Full price € 15,00
Concessions € 10,00
Forum of Caesar + Forum of Augustus combined tickets:
Full price € 25,00
Concessions € 17,00
Tickets can be purchased:
• Online (viaggioneifori)
• Contact Center +39 060608 (open daily from 9.00 to 19.00 at the cost of a local call)
• Box Office:
Forum of Augustus Via Alessandrina, Largo Corrado Ricci side: only for the show of the day and subject to availability. The box office opens 1 hour before the first show on the same day
- Forum of Caesar Forum of Trajan, near Trajan’s Column: only for the show of the day and subject to availability. Opening hours of the box office: 30 minutes before the first show on the same day.
Best regards
Staff
Written April 10, 2017
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Sally,
The area of the Roman Fora can be seen for free from Via dei Fori Imperiali.
"VIAGGI NELL’ANTICA ROMA, Forum of Caesar" is a show with a night walk in the heart of the Imperial Fora. "VIAGGI NELL’ANTICA ROMA, Forum of Augustus" is a show that thanks to videos and reconstructions describes places as they looked like in ancient Rome.
The single show (Forum of Caesar or Forum of Augustus) costs:
Full price € 15,00
Concessions € 10,00
Forum of Caesar + Forum of Augustus combined tickets:
Full price € 25,00
Concessions € 17,00
Tickets can be purchased:
• Online (viaggioneifori)
• Contact Center +39 060608 (open daily from 9.00 to 19.00 at the cost of a local call)
• Box Office:
Forum of Augustus Via Alessandrina, Largo Corrado Ricci side: only for the show of the day and subject to availability. The box office opens 1 hour before the first show on the same day
- Forum of Caesar Forum of Trajan, near Trajan’s Column: only for the show of the day and subject to availability. Opening hours of the box office: 30 minutes before the first show on the same day.
Best regards
Staff
Written April 10, 2017
Zètema Progetto Cultura
Rome, Italy
Dear Karen,
the show "Viaggio nei Fori" will be held in 2017, starting from April to November.
Best regards
Written November 23, 2016
Buonasera ho letto che si passa in un tunnel io soffro di claustrofobia volevo avere informazioni grazie
Written September 28, 2015
Per quanto riguarda il foro di Augusto non si passa in nessun tunnel. Si entra e ci si siede su degli spalti all'aperto e ci si gode lo spettacolo audio-visivo, non si cammina affatto. Forse il passaggio di cui parla riguarda il foro di Cesare,
Written September 29, 2015
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