Rostra Roman Forum
The Rostra: Rome's ancient speaker's platform where history was made through powerful orations and political pronouncements.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Rostra Roman Forum
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Rostra: Rome's ancient speaker's platform where history was made through powerful orations and political pronouncements.
"Stand where Cicero and Mark Antony addressed the Roman people, a pivotal site of ancient political discourse."
🗣️ Imagine the Orations
Close your eyes and picture Cicero or Mark Antony speaking from this very platform. History comes alive!
🧐 Look for Marble Fragments
The Rostra isn't a grand structure now, but look closely for marble pieces and the circular base.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Speaker's Platform
Western end of the Roman Forum
Stand where Cicero and Mark Antony addressed the Roman people, a pivotal site of ancient political discourse.
Echoes of History
Roman Forum
Imagine the dramatic pronouncements, laws, and even funeral speeches that once echoed from this historic stage.
Bronze Ram Origins
Rostra structure
Named after the bronze 'beaks' of captured warships, a symbol of Roman military might and victory.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Rostra's Significance
Context is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Imagine the Orations
Close your eyes and picture Cicero or Mark Antony speaking from this very platform. History comes alive!
🧐 Look for Marble Fragments
The Rostra isn't a grand structure now, but look closely for marble pieces and the circular base.
Julius Caesar-related locations in Rome?
🗺️ Get Forum Context
The Rostra is best appreciated with an understanding of its place within the larger Roman Forum.
🚶♂️ Near Arch of Septimius Severus
Easily spotted near the Arch of Septimius Severus, making it convenient to find.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Imagine the Orations
Close your eyes and picture Cicero or Mark Antony speaking from this very platform. History comes alive!
🧐 Look for Marble Fragments
The Rostra isn't a grand structure now, but look closely for marble pieces and the circular base.
🗺️ Get Forum Context
The Rostra is best appreciated with an understanding of its place within the larger Roman Forum.
🚶♂️ Near Arch of Septimius Severus
Easily spotted near the Arch of Septimius Severus, making it convenient to find.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Rostra historically significant as the site of ancient Roman orations, though its current physical state is modest. Many appreciate its connection to figures like Cicero and Mark Antony, but note that its impact is best understood with context or a guide.
"At the western end of the Forum, beside the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Rostra was Rome’s main speaker’s platform. Its name comes from the bronze rams of captured warships: after the victory over Antium in 338 BC the metal “beaks” were bolted to the front, so the podium itself became the Rostra – “the beaks”. From here Cicero attacked his rivals, Julius Caesar addressed the crowd and Mark Antony is remembered delivering Caesar’s funeral speech. Augustus then turned the rebuilt Rostra into his own public stage. Laws and treaties were proclaimed here, triumphs announced and, in darker moments, the severed heads of men like Cicero were displayed where they had once spoken."
Loo Yeo
"Looked upon the platform from which Cicero made his greatest orations."
MerchGrahamAllen,ymwyafodadau.
"They are one of the most impressive things but also snubbed if not reported by guides (who focus on something else anyway). The rostra (this is the real name) are ancient stands, used by Roman magistrates for their orations and owe their name to the prows of the ships - the "rostra" - which were captured by the Romans and used as celebratory ornaments (a custom acquired following the battle of Anzio in 338 BC). So they tell us little but if we think that people like Cicero harangued the crowd from here then the matter changes: over time they had different positions and were also used (during the second triumvirate) to expose the heads and hands of the proscribed. Previously present in the Comitium and embellished with statues, after the construction of Caesar's Forum they were moved and took the name of Rostra Iulia and even when their political function slowly faded, the Rostra remained a point of reference full of statues and monuments. Here you can admire a circular arch base and the remains of the facade decorated with fine marble and still visible near the Arch of Septimius Severus (among the remains also the extension of the Rostra Vandalica, perhaps built after the victory over the Vandals). Very important from a historical point of view but certainly unattractive from a tourist point of view. Useful info? Then leave a like and look at the other reviews I have done on Rome and beyond."
Roberto Cecchini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rostra is located within the Roman Forum. You can reach the Forum by taking public transport to nearby stops like Piazza Venezia or Largo di Torre Argentina, then walking. Many visitors arrive via guided tours that include the Forum.
Yes, the Roman Forum, including the Rostra, is accessible via several bus lines and tram routes that stop near Piazza Venezia. From there, it's a short walk.
The Roman Forum is extensive. Using a map or a guided tour is highly recommended to locate specific sites like the Rostra, which is near the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Driving directly to the Roman Forum is not recommended due to limited access and parking. It's best to park in a nearby garage and walk or use public transport.
The Rostra is situated near the Arch of Septimius Severus, making it a useful landmark for orientation within the Roman Forum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Rostra is part of the Roman Forum, which requires an entrance ticket. It's often bundled with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
The Rostra's hours are the same as the Roman Forum. These vary seasonally, typically opening around 9:00 AM and closing between 4:30 PM and 7:15 PM depending on the time of year.
Ticket prices for the Roman Forum vary, but a combined ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is the standard. Check official ticketing websites for current prices.
While on-site ticket purchases might be possible, it's highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and potential sell-outs, especially during peak season.
Occasionally, there are free entry days for Roman archaeological sites, often on the first Sunday of the month during certain periods. However, these are subject to change and often very crowded.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Rostra was the main speaker's platform in the Roman Forum, where famous orators like Cicero and Mark Antony delivered speeches that influenced Roman history.
Look for the remnants of the platform, the circular base, and imagine the historical speeches. Its name comes from the bronze prows of captured ships.
The Rostra itself can be viewed in about 10-15 minutes, but it's part of the larger Roman Forum, which can take several hours to explore thoroughly.
Yes, the Roman Forum is a large archaeological site with uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Absolutely! Guided tours are highly recommended to understand the historical context and significance of the Rostra and other sites within the Forum.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photos capture the Rostra with the Arch of Septimius Severus in the background, or from a slightly elevated position to show its scale within the Forum.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Roman Forum, including at the Rostra. However, tripods and professional equipment may require special permits.
Late afternoon offers softer light, creating a more dramatic atmosphere. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and pleasant light.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within the Roman Forum and most historical sites in Rome for preservation and safety reasons.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the Rostra in its context within the Forum. Consider a polarizing filter to manage glare on ancient stone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make the visit interactive by pointing out the Arch of Septimius Severus as a nearby landmark. The vastness of the Roman Forum itself can be an adventure, so comfortable shoes are a must for everyone. Focusing on the 'story' of the Rostra, rather than just its appearance, will likely engage younger minds more effectively.
🏛️ History Buffs & Antiquity Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the architectural remnants and the historical accounts of its naming and evolution. Understanding its role in the transition from Republic to Empire, and its function as a symbol of Roman power, will enrich your visit immeasurably. Consider hiring a specialized historical guide for a more in-depth understanding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Naming of the Rostra
From this very stage, legendary figures like Cicero delivered impassioned speeches that swayed public opinion, and Mark Antony famously addressed the grieving crowds at Julius Caesar's funeral. The Rostra was not just a place for political discourse; it was a stage for pronouncements of laws, treaties, and triumphs. In darker times, it also served as a grim display, where the severed heads of enemies of the state, such as Cicero himself, were exhibited.
Over time, the Rostra underwent several reconstructions and relocations. After Julius Caesar's Forum was built, it was moved and known as the Rostra Julia. Even as its political function waned, it remained a significant landmark, adorned with statues and monuments. Today, visitors can see the remains of its facade, decorated with fine marble, near the Arch of Septimius Severus, offering a tangible connection to the vibrant and often tumultuous political life of ancient Rome.
Experiencing the Rostra Today
Many visitors find that the experience is significantly enhanced by understanding the historical context. Reading about figures like Cicero and Mark Antony, or engaging with a knowledgeable guide, can bring the silent stones to life. The Rostra's proximity to other major Forum landmarks, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus, makes it a natural point of interest during any exploration of the Roman Forum. It's a place where history isn't just read about; it's felt.
For those interested in photography, the Rostra offers compelling visual narratives, especially when framed against the backdrop of the Roman Forum's ruins or the Arch of Septimius Severus. The late afternoon sun can cast a dramatic glow, highlighting the textures of the ancient marble and stone. While the physical remains are modest, the historical resonance of the Rostra makes it an unmissable stop for anyone seeking to grasp the essence of ancient Roman public life.
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