Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Rome is a city where every corner tells a story, and no place represents this more vividly than the Fori Imperiali. Just a 25-minute metro ride or a 40-minute walk from QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the Fori Imperiali stand as a testament to the grandeur and complexity of ancient Roman civilization. Among these, the Forum of Caesar holds a special place in history—both for its architectural significance and for the tales of its transformation over the centuries.
The Forum of Caesar: A Vision of Power
The Forum of Caesar, or Forum Iulium, was built by Julius Caesar in 46 BC as an extension of the Roman Forum. It was the first of the imperial fora, designed to symbolize the political and military power of Rome and its leadership. At its center stood the Temple of Venus Genetrix, dedicated to the goddess whom Caesar claimed as his ancestor. This forum was not only a statement of divine lineage but also a practical addition to the congested Roman Forum, offering more space for legal proceedings and public business.
The Forum of Caesar was a carefully planned space, showcasing elaborate marble columns, grand statues, and intricate reliefs. It served as a place where citizens gathered for political discourse and where important judicial matters were handled, reflecting Caesar’s control over both the city and its governance.
Medieval Times: The Decline of the Forum
As the Roman Empire fell and the Middle Ages began, the Fori Imperiali—including the Forum of Caesar—fell into disrepair. Over time, the grandeur of these monumental spaces was lost, and the once-majestic structures were buried under layers of debris. Much of the area became a quarry for building materials. Marble columns and decorative stones were scavenged for use in new churches and palazzi. The popes, in particular, repurposed much of the valuable stone from the ancient fora to embellish the growing number of Christian buildings in Rome.
One famous anecdote involves Pope Paul III, who used materials from the Foro di Cesare and other ancient sites to build the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. This practice was common throughout the Renaissance, as many popes viewed the ruins of ancient Rome as a convenient source of marble and other construction materials.
Via dei Fori Imperiali: A Road Through History
In the early 20th century, under the rule of Mussolini, a grand road known as Via dei Fori Imperiali was constructed. This avenue cuts through the heart of the imperial fora, separating the Forum of Caesar from the Forum of Trajan. The road was part of Mussolini’s vision to showcase the glory of ancient Rome alongside his own regime’s ambitions.
Although the construction of the road led to the destruction of significant archaeological layers, today it offers visitors a unique perspective. Walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali, you can gaze at the Forum of Caesar on one side and the Forum of Trajan on the other. Trajan’s Forum was the last and largest of the imperial fora, famous for its Trajan’s Column, which still stands today, decorated with detailed reliefs depicting the emperor’s victories in the Dacian Wars. (Stay tuned for a dedicated post about Trajan’s Forum and its iconic column!)
A Walk Through History
Today, visiting the Foro di Cesare is like stepping back in time. The marble columns that once stood in the grand public spaces now lie in ruins, but their significance is not lost. As you explore the site, you can imagine the hustle and bustle of Roman citizens conducting business, orators making speeches, and senators debating crucial matters.
One of the fascinating details is that, despite its age, the layout of the forum is still visible, and restoration efforts have helped preserve key elements of its original design. Walking through the Fori Imperiali offers a glimpse into the past, revealing how Rome’s leaders once shaped not only their city but the world.
How to Reach the Fori Imperiali from QuodLibet
Staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast places you in a prime location to explore the ancient wonders of Rome. You can easily reach the Fori Imperiali by taking the metro Line A from Ottaviano San Pietro and getting off at Colosseo, a journey of just 25 minutes. For those who enjoy a scenic route, a 40-minute walk through the streets of Rome will take you past iconic landmarks such as the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Piazza Navona—a beautiful introduction to the city before arriving at the Fori Imperiali.
A Modern Preservation Effort
In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to preserve the Foro di Cesare and other imperial fora. Archaeologists have worked to uncover its ruins and stabilize what remains. While much of the ancient marble was lost to history, the excavation efforts reveal new details about how the forum was used and how it evolved over time.
Final Thoughts: History at Your Fingertips
A visit to the Fori Imperiali is a must for anyone staying in Rome. It’s not just a chance to see ruins; it’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar and the countless other historical figures who shaped the Roman Empire. The experience is enriched by understanding the evolution of the Forum of Caesar, from its glory days as a symbol of Roman power to its transformation during the Middle Ages. At QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, we are always happy to share insights and help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable part of Rome.