Trajan's Market
A six-level complex cut into the hillside, its vaults and stairs still intact after nineteen centuries.
Sjaak Kempe from Groningen, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0 · Sjaak Kempe from Groningen, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0 · Sjaak Kempe from Groningen, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0 · Sjaak Kempe from Groningen, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0
Five fora built by successive emperors north of the old Roman Forum once the city had outgrown it: the fora of Caesar, of Augustus, the Temple of Peace, the Forum of Nerva and the Forum of Trajan. Each was a political statement in stone by a new emperor. The main thing to visit today is Trajan's Market: a six-level complex of around a hundred and fifty rooms cut into the flank of the Quirinal — sometimes called history's first shopping mall, though it was more likely administrative offices and distribution halls. The building itself is an engineering marvel: vaults, corridors and stairs still standing after nineteen centuries. Inside the market is the Museum of the Imperial Fora on the same ticket, holding original decorative fragments from each forum alongside models showing how they looked. The avenue cutting through them was driven by Mussolini in 1932 over ground that was never excavated — which is why the fora sit severed from one another today.
A six-level complex cut into the hillside, its vaults and stairs still intact after nineteen centuries.
Original decoration and architectural models showing each forum before ruin — it makes the rest of the walk legible.
A view down over all five fora and Trajan's Column — the best angle for understanding the layout.
Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome
Trajan's ForumThe last, largest and most ambitious of the imperial fora: opened in AD 112 to a1 minute walk4.6
Trajan's ColumnA thirty-metre marble column raised in AD 113, wrapped in a carved frieze that w2 minutes walk4.9
Altare della PatriaThe vast white marble mass you cannot miss in central Rome: the monument to Vict3 minutes walk4.7
Piazza del CampidoglioA square designed by Michelangelo in 1536 atop the Capitoline — holiest of Rome'3 minutes walk4.8
Roman ForumThis field of scattered columns and stubborn arches was the centre of the world 3 minutes walk4.7Looking for halal food near Imperial Fora? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Hotel BaroccoA four-star hotel looking directly onto Piazza Barberini and Bernini's Triton Fo13 minutes walk · $$$$4.9The St. Regis RomeRome's oldest grand hotel and its most historic: opened in January 1894 as the G16 minutes walk · $$$$4.8On a two-day trip, the free street-level view is enough. With three days or more, Trajan's Market earns ninety minutes — and it is far quieter.
The label is common but inaccurate. Scholars think it was more likely state administrative offices and distribution stores than shops — the commercial name came from the look of the ranked rooms.