Trajan's Market
Explore the remarkably preserved Roman commercial and administrative hub, featuring the iconic Great Hall and housing the Museum of the Imperial Fora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Trajan's Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remarkably preserved Roman commercial and administrative hub, featuring the iconic Great Hall and housing the Museum of the Imperial Fora.
"A stunning glimpse into ancient Roman life, with impressive architecture and historical depth."
🎟️ Buy combined Forum tickets
Get your Forum/Colosseum ticket at the Forum for shorter lines.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori
Easily access Trajan's Market and other Imperial Fora by walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Hall
Trajan's Market
Explore the impressive multi-level structure, once a bustling hub of Roman commerce and administration.
Trajan's Column
Adjacent to Trajan's Market
Marvel at the intricately carved spiral bas-relief depicting Emperor Trajan's military victories.
Imperial Fora Views
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the interconnected Imperial Fora, including Trajan's Forum.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Trajan's Market
Combine Your Forum Visits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy combined Forum tickets
Get your Forum/Colosseum ticket at the Forum for shorter lines.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori
Easily access Trajan's Market and other Imperial Fora by walking.
☀️ Afternoon light is best
Capture richer colors on the brickwork in the afternoon.
🏛️ Explore the museum exhibits
Discover archaeological finds and learn about Roman life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy combined Forum tickets
Get your Forum/Colosseum ticket at the Forum for shorter lines.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via dei Fori
Easily access Trajan's Market and other Imperial Fora by walking.
☀️ Afternoon light is best
Capture richer colors on the brickwork in the afternoon.
🏛️ Explore the museum exhibits
Discover archaeological finds and learn about Roman life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Trajan's Market for its impressive Roman architecture and historical significance, particularly the well-preserved Great Hall and the adjacent Trajan's Column. It's seen as a vital part of understanding the Imperial Fora. Some find the museum exhibits within the market to be informative, though occasional comments mention the need for clearer signage or more context.
"The Museum of the Imperial Fora, in the Trajan's Markets, is topographically and conceptually linked to the impressive urban system of the Imperial Fora: of Caesar (46 BC), of Augustus (2 BC), of the Temple of Peace (75 AD), of Nerva (97 AD) ) and of Trajan (112 and 113 AD).The area was to house warehouses, shops, and offices of the imperial administration and serve other commercial and administrative purposes. This monumental complex has buildings rising on several levels, on the slopes of the Quirinale Hill and on a semi-circular, towards the Trajan's Forum.The monument, called Trajan's Market on the occasion of the rediscovery between 1926 and 1934, was a multifunctional center with administrative activities at the service of the Trajan's Forum, built in the same period. It on 6 levels and is divided into several buildings separated by streets along the slopes of the Quirinal hill, which it supports with the Great Hemicycle.
Following the occupations and transformations over time, the area underwent state-of-the-art conservation and structural restoration work between 2005 and 2007.Inaugurated in the Autumn of 2007, the Musum of the Imperial Fora constitutes the first museum of ancient architecture and exhibits recompositions of scores of the architectural and sculptural decoration of the Fora, obtained with original fragments, casts, and modular additions in stone, according to the museographic choice of reversibility. This finds return the “perception” of the volumes and richness of the Fora and of the figurative programs, both tools of imperial propaganda.The Museum occupies the buildings of the Great Hall and the Central Body and includes the Great Hemicycle with the section of the Trajan's Forum.
The exhibits are presented according to a mixed communication system with traditional panels, multimedia technologies, and interactive installations, for an original approach to visiting the museum. The exhibition itinerary starts in the Great Hall with the introduction into the Forum area and their representation through the most important finds. The visits begin in the Great Hall, with an introduction to the area of the Forums, and with the representations of the various Forums, illustrating the main finds recovered from each. On the upper level, are the sections of the Forum of Caesar and of the Memory of the Ancient One and, in the Central Body, of the Forum of Augustus, the model adopted in the Roman Provinces."
Misiu martino
"Awesome museum to visit and walk through the ruins!
Very quiet, heaps to see, and some great vantage points for photos.
I wasn't a fan of the audio guide, but my husband enjoyed having it 🤷♀️"
Li Mac
"Lesser known ruins of a shopping mall from 100 -110 AD. Was not crowded because entrance is off of the main road and many people don't realize you can go inside this site. We were able to wander these ruins completely alone."
Kim Hughes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trajan's Market is centrally located and easily accessible. You can walk from the Roman Forum and Colosseum area. Several bus lines also stop nearby on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Yes, Trajan's Market is very close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, making it easy to visit them together.
Absolutely! If you're in the historic center, a pleasant walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali will lead you directly to Trajan's Market and the surrounding Imperial Fora.
The nearest metro station is Colosseo (Line B), from which it's a short walk. Numerous bus routes also serve the area along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Parking in this central area of Rome is challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Trajan's Market are often included in a combined pass for the Roman Forum and Colosseum. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing and package deals.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket booths for the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Buying at the Forum can sometimes offer shorter queues than at the Colosseum.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official website for the most up-to-date information on Trajan's Market hours.
Booking tickets in advance, especially for the combined Forum/Colosseum pass, is highly recommended to avoid long queues and guarantee entry, particularly during peak season.
Often, the combined ticket that includes Trajan's Market is covered by the Roma Pass, but it's essential to verify the current inclusions of the pass before purchasing.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Trajan's Market features well-preserved Roman architecture, including the Great Hall, shops, and administrative offices. It also houses the Museum of the Imperial Fora.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore Trajan's Market and the Museum of the Imperial Fora thoroughly. If combining with the Roman Forum and Colosseum, plan for a half-day or full-day experience.
While efforts have been made, some areas of the ancient site may present challenges for those with mobility issues due to uneven surfaces and stairs. Check with the site for specific accessibility information.
Photography is generally permitted inside Trajan's Market for personal use. However, check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or professional shoots.
The Museum of the Imperial Fora, located within Trajan's Market, displays artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the history and construction of the Imperial Fora.
📸 📸 Photography
The Great Hall offers impressive interior shots. For exterior views, the surrounding Via dei Fori Imperiali provides excellent perspectives, especially with Trajan's Column.
The afternoon light is often recommended for its warmth, bringing out the rich colors of the ancient brickwork. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer people.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy periods. It's advisable to check the site's specific photography policy before your visit.
For interior shots, a wider aperture and higher ISO might be needed due to lower light. For exteriors, a standard lens should suffice, with attention to capturing the scale.
Look for details in the brickwork, the arches of the Great Hall, and the commanding presence of Trajan's Column for unique and memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging, bring along a simple guide or app that explains the different parts of the market in kid-friendly terms. While the site has historical significance, be mindful that some areas have uneven surfaces, so keep a close eye on younger children. Visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, will also make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money and time, aim to buy your combined Forum/Colosseum ticket at the Forum entrance, as lines are typically shorter there than at the Colosseum.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Trajan's Market
The heart of the market is the Great Hall, a magnificent two-story vaulted structure that once served as a covered market and possibly administrative offices. Its innovative design allowed for efficient use of space and natural light. Surrounding the Great Hall are smaller rooms, believed to have been shops (tabernae) and offices, showcasing the intricate layout of Roman urban life. The complex also included a large piazza and, adjacent to it, the iconic Trajan's Column, a monumental achievement depicting Emperor Trajan's victories in the Dacian Wars.
Today, Trajan's Market is a significant archaeological site and houses the Museum of the Imperial Fora. This museum offers a deeper understanding of the history and construction of the Imperial Fora, displaying sculptures, architectural fragments, and models that bring the ancient city to life. Visitors can explore the ruins, walk through the ancient corridors, and imagine the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.
Navigating the Imperial Fora
Exploring the Imperial Fora offers a journey through Roman history and imperial ambition. You can easily access Trajan's Market and its adjacent Trajan's Forum from the Via dei Fori Imperiali, a grand avenue that cuts through the heart of the ancient sites. Many visitors find it convenient to enter the Imperial Fora directly from this street, or even through a tunnel connecting from the Roman Forum itself.
When visiting, take time to appreciate the scale and grandeur of each forum. Trajan's Forum was the largest and most magnificent, featuring a vast piazza, basilicas, and the aforementioned column. The Forum of Augustus showcases the impressive remains of the Temple of Mars Ultor, while the Forum of Caesar was the first of the Imperial Fora to be built. Combining these sites provides a comprehensive view of Roman public life and imperial power.
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