A trip back in time to the Roman Forum and Mount Palatine

Situated on Mount Palatine, the Roman Forum is the historic centre of the city of Rome, where crowds gathered for political and religious gatherings and decisions. Construction of the Forum began in the 6th century BC and continued throughout antiquity.

Although today visitors can easily walk the grounds to observe the remains of the Roman Empire, this was not always the case. After reaching its apogee as a venue for major events such as military parades, processions, triumphal entries and gladiatorial combat, the forum was abandoned as soon as the Roman Empire fell.

Over the decades, the total inactivity of the site coupled with rising ground levels led to the burial of most of the structures. It wasn't until around 300 years ago that the first archaeological excavations began, revealing the wonders of Roman architecture. Since then, the site has become a must-see for any successful visit to the city!

As we visit the cradle of Rome, the discoveries are numerous and the preservation of the buildings sometimes subjugating. Beginning at the foot of the Colosseum, the Via Sacra was one of the major access routes between Rome's various institutions. Some of the cobblestones on the Via Sacra are original, giving you a real insight into the footsteps of the ancient Romans and their most acclaimed victors.

Built in the 1st century AD, the spectacular Arch of Titus is one of the site's most emblematic and best-preserved structures. Accessible from the Via Sacra, it marks the entrance to the forum from Mount Palatine. Its 15-metre height gives it a certain stature, remarkably decorated with columns, capitals and sculptures in honour of Titus.

Built in part during the reign of Maxentius before being completed under Constantine, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is a perfect example of the scale of Roman construction. Although badly damaged and largely destroyed today, it is easy to imagine the sheer size of the basilica, right in the heart of the city.

Recognisable at a glance by its majestic colonnade, the Temple of Saturn is one of the oldest in the area. Although mostly destroyed, the remains of a few columns in the upper frieze are enough to bear witness to the beauty of this treasure dating back to the 5th century BC.

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Column of Phocas and many other buildings add to the charm of this historic stroll.

Located on one of Rome's seven hills, Mount Palatine, the Roman Forum is just one part of a visit to this landmark. According to Roman mythology, it was here that Romulus and Remus were reared by the she-wolf, and then it was the wealthy aristocratic families who settled here under the Roman Republic.

After exploring the many hidden ruins, let's take a step up to enjoy the panoramic view over Rome offered by the Palatine. From the belvedere terrace or the Farnese garden, the view is breathtaking, and the angle allows for new discoveries in the remains!

Let's enter the House of Augustus to admire its frescoes and look at the Domus Flavia, where the emperors resided, before heading towards the ancient terms.

Leaving Mount Palatine, on the banks of the Tiber, stands the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Built by Pope Adrian I, all that remains of this building today are ten marble columns with Corinthian capitals that can be seen inside the church. The church's world-famous name is due to the famous Mouth of Truth, installed under the portico. This large marble mask, also dating from Ancient Rome, was probably used as a sewer, but in the Middle Ages, rumours began to circulate about this bearded face: it was thought to have the power to pronounce oracles.

The myth was transformed over time into the version that still applies today: the Mouth bites the hand of those who do not tell the truth. This myth was then given worldwide recognition in the film Roman Holiday, in which Gregory Peck, amused, convinces a terrified Audrey Hepburn to stick her hand in the Mouth of Truth. Every day, thousands of tourists fill the portico of the church to immortalise the moment when the mouth bites their hand.