Via dei Fori Imperiali is a road in central Rome built in 1932 to expose and make visible the Imperial fora—including the Forum of Trajan, Forum of Augustus, and Forum of Nerva—along with Trajan’s Market, all of which had been obscured by later buildings. The road runs in a straight line from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, with monuments visible on both sides of the thoroughfare and stone pines lining the street.
The construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali represented a significant archaeological and urban intervention, revealing layers of Rome’s classical past to modern visitors. Since the 1990s, further archaeological excavation has continued along the road and in its gardens, deepening understanding of the sites exposed during the original 1932 project.
Details
- Built: 1932
- Location: Rome, Italy, from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum
- Purpose: Reveal and make visible the Imperial fora and Trajan’s Market
- Monuments exposed: Forum of Trajan, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Nerva, Trajan’s Market
- Archaeological activity: Ongoing excavations since the 1990s
Frequently asked questions
Why was the road built?
Via dei Fori Imperiali was constructed in 1932 to uncover and display the Imperial fora, which lay hidden beneath centuries of urban development, making the classical monuments visible to the public.
What monuments can be seen from the road?
The Forum of Trajan, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Nerva, and Trajan’s Market are all accessible and visible from both sides of the road.
Has archaeological work continued there?
Yes, since the 1990s there has been renewed archaeological excavation along the road and in its gardens, expanding knowledge of the sites.