Trajan's Market (Mercati di Traiano)

The Basics

Trajan’s Market, commissioned by Emperor Trajan and designed by Greek architect Apollodorus of Damascus, was constructed between AD 107 and 113 to complete the Forum of Trajan. The market was extensively excavated between the world wars, and today, although Trajan’s Forum is a hodgepodge of fallen columns and plinths, the market is still recognizable. Explore its passageways and main street as part of a small-group ancient Rome tour on foot or by Segway. Also here is the Museum of the Imperial Forums (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which contains fragments discovered while excavating the archaeological complex, models of ancient temples and buildings, a huge sculpted head of Emperor Constantine, and temporary exhibitions focused on the history of the Roman Empire.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Trajan’s Market tours require a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• The archaeological site and museum are accessible to wheelchair users.

• Flash photography is not allowed inside the museum.

• You must check backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas at the cloakroom.

How to Get There

Trajan’s Market is located on the side of Quirinal Hill in Rome’s Forum area along Via Quattro Novembre, a 5-minute walk from Colosseo metro station (line B).

When to Get There

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and can be crowded for much of the year. It’s best to visit in early spring or late fall, when the temperatures are mild for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and crowds are sparse.

The Imperial Fora

Ancient Rome once had five Imperial Forums: the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva, the Forum of Trajan, and the Forum of Vespasian. These are concentrated around the area around Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the famous Roman Forum.

Ways to explore

Trajan’s Market is often overlooked among Rome’s wealth of ancient attractions, but that means it can help you escape the city’s crowds for a few hours between seeing the Colosseum and wandering across the ruins of Palatine Hill (Palatino).

Explore its passageways and main street from the second century as part of a small-group tour of ancient Roman sites, whether on foot or by golf cart. Learn more about its past at the Museum of the Imperial Forums, where you can browse historical and architectural exhibits of the Museum of the Imperial Forums using smartphone guides, audio guides, or via a prebooked guided tour to dig deeper into the details.

Accessibility

Both Trajan’s Market and the Museum of the Imperial Forums are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available for loan if required.

Age limits

None

What to pack

MiC card, headphones to use smartphone guide apps

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat

Not allowed

Flash photography and the use of tripods. Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom. Consuming food and drinks within the museum is not permitted.

Amenities

Audio guides, cloakroom, libraries, bookshop

Address

Trajan’s Market is located off Piazza Foro Traiano at the opposite end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Colosseum in Rome’s Forum area. You can get there on foot, by public transportation, or by car.

Driving

Getting close to the market is tricky as there are “limited traffic zones” in the surrounding areas. You can see the market from the road when driving along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, but it’s better to park in a garage or lot in central Rome and walk over.

Public transportation

Take the B line metro to Colosseo metro station and walk up Via dei Fori Imperiali, or ride one of many buses to the Nazionale/Quirinale stop around the corner from the attraction.

Best times to visit

Often relatively quiet during the day compared to surrounding landmarks, but visit the museum in the early evening for the best odds of few people.

Best days to visit

The Museum of the Imperial Forums is one of the few museums in Rome that is open on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Early spring and late autumn offer mild temperatures and sparse crowds for exploring Rome’s outdoor attractions.

Special events

The Museum of the Imperial Forums regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. On June 2, Republic Day celebrations occupy Via dei Fori Imperiali and may limit access.