Name: Trajan Forum
Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: 06 0608
Rating: 4.7

Remains of the Roman square, built in the 2nd-century, with a column celebrating victory over Dacia.

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The Forum of Trajan was built by Emperor Trajan, starting in 107 AD, and was inaugurated in 112 AD.

Construction Start

Trajan's Column, a key part of the Forum, stands at an impressive 98 feet tall and is adorned with detailed friezes depicting the Dacian Wars.

Trajan's Column Height

The statue at the top of Trajan's Column is not of the emperor, but of Saint Peter, added by Pope Sixtus V in 1587.

Column's Statue

The Forum of Trajan originally included two libraries flanking Trajan's Column, and the remains of one can still be seen today.

Original Structures

The Basilica Ulpia, an administrative center, was part of the Forum, and its foundations and some granite columns are visible near Trajan's Column.

Administrative Center

Trajan's Markets, a semi-circular structure built within the Forum, are a major attraction, with their brick walls standing in the heart of Rome.

Star Attraction

While initially thought to be a shopping center, recent evidence suggests Trajan's Markets may have played a more financial or administrative role.

Market's Purpose

The Forum of Trajan is located near the center of Rome, with the nearest metro station being at the Colosseum, a 5-minute walk south.

Nearby Metro Station

The Trajan Forum, a magnificent complex in the heart of Rome, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Built by Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, it was designed to commemorate his military victories and serve as a public space for the citizens of Rome.

The forum's centerpiece is the towering Trajan's Column, a 125-foot-tall marble monument adorned with intricate carvings depicting Trajan's Dacian Wars. The column's spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the forum and the surrounding city.

Adjacent to the column stands the Basilica Ulpia, a vast hall with a soaring vaulted ceiling and rows of marble columns. This grand structure served as a law court and a meeting place for the Roman Senate.

Beyond the basilica lies the Trajan Market, a complex of shops and offices arranged around a central courtyard. This bustling marketplace was a hub of commerce and social activity in ancient Rome.

The Trajan Forum is a masterpiece of Roman architecture and engineering. Its innovative use of concrete, its intricate carvings, and its harmonious proportions have inspired architects and artists for centuries. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire.

One fascinating aspect of the Trajan Forum is the hidden chamber beneath Trajan's Column. This secret room, discovered in the 19th century, is believed to have housed Trajan's ashes and a collection of his personal belongings.

Another intriguing detail is the intricate carvings on Trajan's Column. These carvings depict not only scenes of battle but also everyday life in Roman society, offering a glimpse into the past.

The Trajan Forum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rome. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and hidden secrets make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Introduction

The Trajan Forum, the last and most magnificent of the Imperial Fora, stood as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire. Built by Emperor Trajan between 107 and 113 AD, it was financed by the spoils of his Dacian conquest. The forum's sheer scale and grandeur were awe-inspiring, showcasing the empire's wealth and power.

Unlike other imperial fora, Trajan's Forum did not have a central temple. Instead, it featured a vast open space flanked by two porticoes and adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs. The Basilica Ulpia, a magnificent structure housing state archives and libraries, stood prominently within the forum. Its towering columns and intricate decorations reflected the forum's grandeur.

The Column of Trajan, a spiral column adorned with reliefs depicting the emperor's Dacian victories, stood as a symbol of Trajan's military prowess. Its inscription revealed that its height corresponded to the amount of earth excavated to create the forum, highlighting the immense effort involved in its construction.

The Trajan Forum served as a political and cultural center, hosting public events, legal proceedings, and commercial activities. Its libraries housed a vast collection of scrolls and codices, reflecting the empire's commitment to knowledge and learning. The forum's intricate design and rich ornamentation showcased the architectural brilliance of the Roman Empire, making it a marvel of its time.

Today, the Trajan Forum stands as a testament to the Roman Empire's architectural achievements. Its ruins, though weathered by time, still evoke the grandeur and magnificence of this once-thriving center of power and culture. The forum's legacy continues to inspire awe and admiration, reminding us of the enduring impact of Roman civilization.

Imperial Forum

Trajan's Forum: A Masterpiece of Roman Architecture

Trajan's Forum, constructed between 107 and 113 AD, stands as a testament to the grandeur and innovation of Roman architecture. Built by Emperor Trajan to commemorate his victory in Dacia, the forum was not merely a public space but a complex architectural marvel.

One of the most striking features is the Basilica Ulpia, a vast, five-aisled basilica that served as a law court and a meeting place. Its soaring columns, intricate Corinthian capitals, and coffered ceilings showcased the mastery of Roman engineering. The basilica's design influenced countless public buildings throughout the empire, demonstrating its lasting impact on Roman architecture.

Another architectural marvel is Trajan's Column, a 38-meter-tall monument adorned with a continuous spiral frieze depicting the Dacian Wars. This intricate narrative, carved in exquisite detail, offers a unique glimpse into Roman military history and artistic prowess. The column's innovative use of continuous narration and its prominent placement within the forum solidified its status as a masterpiece of Roman architectural storytelling.

The Trajan's Markets, a complex of vaulted chambers and courtyards, showcased the Romans' ingenuity in urban planning and commercial architecture. The markets' design, with its efficient use of space and natural light, influenced the development of commercial centers throughout the Roman world.

Beyond its individual elements, Trajan's Forum represents a culmination of Roman architectural achievements. The complex's harmonious integration of various architectural styles, including Greek and Egyptian influences, reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Roman culture. The forum's grand scale and meticulous detailing embodied the power and prestige of the Roman Empire at its peak.

Today, Trajan's Forum stands as a powerful reminder of Roman architectural brilliance. Its innovative design, intricate details, and enduring influence continue to inspire architects and historians alike, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Roman architectural legacy.

Roman Architecture

The Trajan Forum in Roma, Lazio, Italy, stands as a testament to Roman Emperor Trajan's triumph over the Dacians in the Dacian Wars. This magnificent complex, built between 106 and 112 AD, commemorates Trajan's military prowess and the vast wealth acquired from the conquered territories.

At the heart of the forum lies Trajan's Column, a towering monument adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Dacian Wars. The column spirals upwards, narrating the story of Trajan's campaigns, from the initial skirmishes to the decisive Roman victory. Each scene is meticulously carved, showcasing the bravery of Roman soldiers, the ferocity of the Dacian warriors, and the strategic brilliance of Trajan's leadership.

The forum also houses the Basilica Ulpia, a vast hall that served as a court of law and a center for public gatherings. Its towering columns and intricate mosaics further emphasize the grandeur of the Roman Empire and its dominance over the Dacians.

Beyond the architectural marvels, the Trajan Forum housed a library containing scrolls and documents detailing the Dacian Wars. These writings provided valuable insights into the conflict, shedding light on the strategies employed by both sides, the challenges faced by the Romans, and the ultimate triumph over the Dacians.

The Trajan Forum in Roma, Lazio, Italy, is not merely a collection of buildings; it is a living testament to the Dacian Wars. Every inscription, every sculpture, every architectural detail whispers the story of a conflict that shaped the Roman Empire and left an indelible mark on history.

Dacian Wars

Trajan's Column: A Monumental Beacon in the Heart of the Trajan Forum

Towering over the ancient Trajan Forum in Rome, the Trajan's Column stands as a testament to the emperor's military prowess and the grandeur of Roman architecture. This 38-meter-tall marble column, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting Trajan's Dacian Wars, is not merely a decorative element; it is an integral part of the forum's narrative.

The column's placement within the forum is deliberate. It stands at the center of the square, directly opposite the Basilica Ulpia, the forum's main administrative building. This positioning underscores the column's role as a symbol of imperial power and authority. As visitors entered the forum, their gaze would naturally be drawn to the column, reminding them of Trajan's military victories and the vastness of the Roman Empire.

The bas-reliefs on the column's shaft provide a detailed visual account of Trajan's campaigns against the Dacians. These intricate carvings depict scenes of battle, negotiation, and triumph, offering a glimpse into the Roman military's strategies and tactics. The reliefs also showcase the suffering of the Dacians, highlighting the brutality of war and serving as a cautionary tale against rebellion.

The column's interior holds another secret: a spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform at the top. This unique feature allowed visitors to ascend the column and gain a panoramic view of the forum, further emphasizing its grandeur and the emperor's power.

Today, the Trajan's Column remains a powerful symbol of Roman history and artistic achievement. Its intricate carvings offer a window into the past, while its imposing presence continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors to the Trajan Forum. As you stand before this monumental structure, imagine the bustling activity of the forum in its heyday, with merchants, officials, and citizens gathering beneath the watchful gaze of Trajan's Column, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire.

Trajan Forum

Did You Know?

Construction Start

Trajan's Column Height

Column's Statue

Original Structures

Highlights from Reviews

Location