Via dei Fori Imperiali

Via dei Fori Imperiali is one of the most scenic streets in Rome, which connects Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. Walking along it, you can admire on both sides of the street the Forums of Caesar, Trajan, Augustus and Nerva.

SHORT HISTORY

After Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870, large connecting roads began to open, such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Nazionale. In the regulatory plans of the city from 1873, 1883 and 1909, a street between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum was planned.

The idea of the road reappeared in the Fascist period. At first, during its construction, the street was named Via dei Monti, then, when it was inaugurated, was called Via dell’Impero.

The architect Antonio Muñoz was responsible for the general project, while Raffaele De Vico was in charge with the arrangement of the green areas, and Corrado Ricci with the excavation and arrangement of the archaeological areas.

Via dei Fori Imperiali was built between 1924 and 1932, and was inaugurated by Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1932, as part of the celebrations for the tenth anniversary of the March on Rome.

In 1945, after the end of the Second World War, the street took its current name of Via dei Fori Imperiali.

DESCRIPTION

In addition to the Imperial Forums, the street overlooks other famous monuments and buildings: the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, the National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Vittoriano), the Trajan’s Column, the Trajan’s Markets, the Church of San Luca and Santa Martina, the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Basilica of Maxentius, and last but not least, the Colosseum.

Along its course, the four bronze statues of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Trajan were inaugurated in 1933, each facing the respective forum.

HOW TO GET THERE

The closest Metro station is Colosseo, located near the southern end of the road. The closest bus stop is Fori Imperiali, on the bus Lines 85 and 87.