Imperial Rome Tour: Roman Forum and Exterior of the Colosseum

We begin at Trajan’s Market, where your guide will bring the splendor of Trajan’s Forum to life among ancient columns and the remains of Roman shops. Just a few steps away stands Trajan’s Column, a towering marble monument carved with 155 scenes that depict the Dacian campaigns.

Next, we head to the Forum of Nerva, the most intimate of the Imperial Forums. Designed as a passageway between the Forums of Augustus and Trajan, it still reveals traces of arcades and the orderly layout of imperial gardens.

From there, we walk to the majestic Piazza Venezia, dominated by the “Altar of the Fatherland” dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II. Its natural viewpoint offers a unique panorama of the city and its many historical layers.

Following Via dei Fori Imperiali, we climb to Piazza del Campidoglio, a masterpiece by Michelangelo. Here you’ll discover the star-shaped pavement, statues of Roman emperors, and the façade of the palace that preserves the legacy of Roman civilization.

We then descend toward the Church of Santi Cosma e Damiano, located beside the ruins of the Temple of Romulus. Inside, you’ll find a striking contrast between medieval mosaics and early Christian remains, reflecting the shift from pagan worship to Christianity in the first centuries of our era.

To finish, we arrive at the evocative Theatre of Marcellus, commissioned by Augustus and the oldest of Rome’s grand theaters. Here we explore, with humor and detail, how performances were organized and the role nightlife played in ancient Roman society.

Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. The entire tour is done on foot.

Please arrive to the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the tour's starting time.