Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva), Rome

Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva), Rome

The Forum of Nerva, known as the Forum Transitorium, is the second-to-last of the Imperial forums built in Rome. The eastern section of the Forum Transitorium was uncovered during extensive excavations conducted by the Fascist regime during the construction of Via dell'Impero, now known as Via dei Fori Imperiali.

The construction of the Forum of Nerva was initiated by Emperor Domitian before the year 85 AD, but it was officially completed and inaugurated by his successor, Nerva, in 97 AD, hence its official name. This forum was the fourth and smallest of the imperial forrums. It replaced the former street known as the Argiletum, which had served as a market area, particularly for booksellers and cobblers. The new forum continued to function as both a thoroughfare and a grand entrance to the larger Roman Forum.

The layout of the Forum of Nerva is elongated and narrow, featuring protruding columns adorning the walls instead of arcades. At the western end, there was a prominent temple dedicated to Minerva, situated behind which stood a monumental entrance.

After the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area fell into disuse and became marshland. In the 9th century, several houses were constructed on the site, using materials salvaged from the ruins. The temple of Minerva remained relatively intact until Pope Paul V ordered its demolition in 1606. Today, only a portion of the columns known as Le Colonnacce survives along the side of the Temple of Minerva. These Corinthian columns are situated just 1.75 meters away from the wall. The wall itself is constructed using blocks of peperino, which were originally covered with marble.

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Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva) on Map

Sight Name: Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of...  view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

On this...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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