Roman Forum

I visited the Roman Forum on a solo trip to Rome, as it’s one of those things you ‘just have to do’. I bought a combination ticket with the Colosseum and went straight from one to the other. I feel this is an unpopular opinion, but I don’t really think enough of the Roman Forum still stands intact for it to be the revered tourist attraction that it is. Whereas the Colosseum is still largely in one piece and you walk round, able to imagine it as it was in its heyday, the Forum is essentially a few crumbling walls and solitary pillars in a field. You wander round with no real sense of what you’re looking at (not helped by the lack of info signs and signposting - what little there is is worn away to nothing). Even though my guidebook had quite detailed illustrations, it was hard to match them with the sparse remains of the buildings. Basically, you’re paying for the privilege of knowing that you’re in close proximity to something that was once incredibly impressive but is now largely gone. Not so much of a problem when the Forum was free to wander at your leisure, but I left not quite sure what I’d actually paid for. As others have said, it’s difficult to navigate and very few shady places to stop, so going in the middle of the day in summer was probably not the best idea. Maybe going on a guided tour would be a different experience, but overall I’d say it wasn’t really worth it.

skyfluff1

A big site and lots to see and take in. We walked down from Palatine Hill which was a good way to enter the site as RF is in a dip. It was a little busy and hot (August) but a big space so lots to see. Take comfy footwear, water bottle and hat! Worth reading up on the site before you go as signage/info isn't extensive.

helenrM9001TF