Trajan's Forum

Trajan's Forum

Introduction Built in 107 AD, Trajan's Forum was constructed to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victorious campaign in Romania. The site comprises two massive libraries, two grand halls, the still-standing Trajan's Column celebrating his victory, and rows of statues, making it the most spectacular area in the city at the time. The design of the forum drew inspiration from the architecture of Eastern monarchies, featuring not only axial symmetry but also a multi-layered, deep spatial arrangement. Across nearly 300 meters in depth, several tiers of buildings were arranged. Indoor and outdoor spaces alternate; spatial dimensions vary in width, height, openness, and lighting; and sculptures interplay with architectural elements.

Trajan's Column: Located at the westernmost end of the forum, it commemorates the emperor’s military achievements in the conquest of Romania. The 30-meter-high column, constructed from 18 blocks of Greek marble, is covered in elaborate reliefs depicting scenes of the Dacian Wars. With over 2,500 figures intricately carved, the relief narrative spans a total length of 200 meters from bottom to top.

This area was also ancient Rome’s version of a “shopping mall,” housing around 150 shops offering a wide variety of goods, including flowers, spices, fruits and vegetables, seafood, as well as tailor shops and cobblers. It is said that during the ancient Roman period, grain was sold to citizens at low prices, but during Emperor Trajan’s reign, to further win public favor, this large market was established to distribute grain, wine, olive oil, and other staples to the people. Transportation Address: Via IV Novembre 94, located on the left side of the road leading from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. Tickets / Opening Hours

Tickets: Free Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00, 16:30 in winter, closed on Mondays. Phone: (06) 67103613

Rome, Italy