Roman Forum Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Roman Forum was the center of public life in ancient Rome for over a millennium. Today it is a sprawling archaeological site with temple ruins, triumphal arches, and ancient roadways. Only about 20% of the Forum is considered wheelchair-friendly. A barrier-free pathway along Via Sacra provides access to several key monuments, but much of the site has gravel, uneven stone, and steep slopes. An elevator at the entrance brings visitors down to the ruins from street level.

Getting There

• Metro: Colosseo station (Line B) is the closest stop, about a 5-minute roll from the Forum entrance on Via dei Fori Imperiali. The station has elevator access.
• Bus: Routes 75, 81, 85, and 87 stop along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
• From Colosseum: The Forum entrance on Largo della Salara Vecchia is about 300 meters from the Colosseum along a flat sidewalk on Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• An elevator at the Via dei Fori Imperiali entrance takes visitors down from street level to the Forum floor. This eliminates the steep ramp that was previously the only option.
• The barrier-free pathway begins at Via Sacra and provides access to several monuments including the Temple of Vesta, Temple of Romulus, Lacus Iuturnae, and Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.
• A wheelchair-accessible path runs from the Forum entrance to Julius Caesar's funeral pyre.
• Walkways along the accessible route are generally wide with surfaces of compacted gravel or stone.
• Beyond the accessible pathway, terrain becomes rough and uneven. Loose gravel, ancient paving stones, and steep slopes make independent wheelchair navigation difficult or impossible.
• Manual wheelchair users will likely need assistance on many sections due to gravel surfaces and inclines.
• Palatine Hill, which is part of the same ticket, has very limited wheelchair access. The hill is steep and most paths are not paved.
• Wheelchairs are available for loan at the Forum entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible Toilets

An accessible toilet is located on the southern side of the Roman Forum area. It is a newer installation and is clearly signed from the main pathway.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Start early in the morning when the site is less crowded and cooler. There is very little shade in the Forum.
• The combined ticket with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill is valid for 24 hours. Visit the Forum and Colosseum on the same trip, since they are adjacent.
• Power wheelchair users will find the compacted gravel manageable on the main pathway, but bring a companion for sections where assistance may be needed.
• The views from Via dei Fori Imperiali (street level) also provide a good panorama of the Forum without entering the site.
• Bring water and sun protection. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius with no shade cover inside the ruins.
• Download an audio guide app before your visit, as the site has limited signage explaining the ruins.
• Visitors with certified disability receive free admission along with a companion.