What & where to eat in Rome: il Foro Romano
What to do & where to eat in Rome: il Foro Romano
Foro Romano: a little bit of history
The Roman Forum (Latin: Forum Romanum, Italian: Foro Romano) is a rectangular area rich in ancient ruins.
Here it was the centre of political and economic life of Ancient Rome. For centuries triumphal processions and elections, public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches, took place here. The Foro Romano was the center of Roman public life and commercial affairs.
Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, it shows ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archaeological excavations. In other words, it was the biggest meeting place of all ancient times.
The southeastern edge hosts the Roman kingdom’s earliest shrines and temples. Most important are the Regia (8th century BC), and the Temple of Vesta (7th century BC). Not to mention the surrounding complex of the Vestal Virgins.
Remains from several centuries are shown together, due to the Roman practice of building over earlier ruins.
Caius Julius Ceasar tomb is here.
Today.
Nowadays we can admire just ruins of the ancient City. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.
Moreover, archeological excavations continue along with constant restoration and preservation. Long a major tourist destination in the city, the Forum is open for foot traffic along the ancient Roman streets which are restored to the late Imperial level.
Is one of the most viisted archaeological site in the world, attracting 4.5 million sightseers yearly.
When to go
The best period of the day to come and walk around the forum is late afternoon, when the sun goes down. Certainly this is a fascinating moment, the entire street of Via dei Fori Imperiali becomes red and orange. Amazing views everywhere and a lovely and super romantic atmosphere indeed.
Where to eat: the best restaurants near the Roman Forum
The best restaurant around this site is La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (Via Della Madonna dei Monti, 9), if you want to taste some amazing Roman recipes, with home made desserts and cakes
A very good place, where you can enjoy an old style fancy atmosphere, is Angelino “Ai Fori” dal 1947 (Via dei Fori Imperiali 25). Its name talk a lot: working since 1947. If you want to have the perfect aperitivo head to Fafiuche (Via Della Madonna dei Monti 28).Enjoy a wonderful aperitivo with the amazing view of the forum.
A recommendation: Monti area is not far from here. Do you know there is a great way to visit the area tasting the best roman food specialties?
How to reach it
This street is today a pedestrian area, so you have to come here by walking. However there are buses running till Piazza Venezia. In the same vein , subway stop (the blue line) “Colosseo” is not far.
