About Pompeii Forum

One of the must-visit places in Pompeii is The Forum, which was the hub of the civic, commercial, and religious activities of this ancient city. The Pompeii Forum is shaped like most other Roman forums and is a large open space with an oblong shape, measuring 157 meters by 38 meters. It is surrounded by a thriving market and many beautiful temples, along with the administrative quarters and legal offices of the city.

Initially located strategically at the heart of the town, the Forum of Pompeii provided a captivating sight of Mount Vesuvius. As the town grew, the Forum found itself on the outskirts, yet it retained its popularity among the citizens. Even in modern times, the magnificent aura and influence of this ancient urban centre are still palpable through the ruins of Foro de Pompeya, drawing countless visitors from around the world to the city.

Why Visit the Forum at Pompeii?

Why Visit the Forum at Pompeii?
  • Learn about the everyday life of the people of the ancient city of Pompeii.


  • Explore one of Ancient Rome’s major centres for religious and political activities.


  • Experience the influence of the fashion, culture, and politics of the ancient era on the Pompeii Forum buildings.


  • Enjoy the beauty of the ancient ruins and the millennia-old artwork.



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Things to See at Pompeii Forum

Temple of Jupiter and Arch of Germanicus
Temple of Jupiter and Arch of Germanicus

Explore the captivating Temple of Jupiter in Pompeii, situated on an elevated platform along the northern perimeter of the Forum. Erected in 150 BC, this temple holds historical significance for supplanting Apollo's worship with that of the Roman deity Jupiter. Adjacent to the temple, the Arch of Germanicus stands sentinel on the left, effectively framing and enclosing the Forum's expanse.


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Triumphal Arch of the Pompeii Forum
Triumphal Arch of the Pompeii Forum

Situated on the right flank of the Pompeii Forum, the Triumphal Arch holds its place as a captivating architectural feature thought to be a homage to Emperor Tiberius. This remarkable creation beckons visitors to witness its splendor, nestled in close proximity to structures meticulously crafted to venerate the imperial cult. Crafted as a dual-arched fornix of distinction, the arch was originally adorned with a veneer of opulent marble, reflecting the grandeur of its time.


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Temple of Apollo
Temple of Apollo

Situated on the western fringes of the Pompeii Forum, the Temple of Apollo stood as a tribute to a pantheon of deities, its construction ingeniously incorporating remnants of Etruscan origins. Delve into the annals of this temple's history, marked by adversity. In 62 AD, the temple endured significant devastation due to an earthquake, only to be resiliently resurrected shortly before the catastrophic obliteration of Pompeii in 79 AD.


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Pompeii Basilica
Pompeii Basilica

Within the Pompeii Forum, a remarkable structure emerged in the form of the Pompeii Basilica, touted as possibly the inaugural basilica of its nature within the Roman Empire. This architectural marvel, spanning an impressive 24 meters by 64 meters, held its primary role as a bustling marketplace. As time progressed, a transformation ensued, leading the basilica to transition into a paramount epicenter for civil and political proceedings, notably serving as a city court during the 1st century AD.


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Temple of the Lares Publici
Temple of the Lares Publici

Built after 62 AD, the Temple of Lares was dedicated to the sanctified Emperor Octavian Augustus. It was also used as a sanctuary for state Lares, the statues of ancient Roman Gods, patrons of families, and the city itself. The temple featured an open area with sacrificial altars in the center.


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Municipal Offices
Municipal Offices

The three small buildings located in the southern part of the Pompeii Forum are known as the Municipal Offices. They all share a similar layout and are believed to have been the meeting place of the administrative officials of the city. The buildings were constructed after the earthquake of 62 AD.


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Macellum
Macellum

Constructed in the 1st century BC, Macellum was the main food market of Pompeii and its neighboring villages. It was designed in a rectangular shape and measured 37 meters by 27 meters. You will get to see this open-air market that once featured several small shops, and a shrine dedicated to the Imperial family at one end.


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Comitium
Comitium

The open-air hall was located opposite the Basilica and served as a meeting point for the city’s magistrates. It also functioned as a polling station for the election of important officers for public offices.Stroll through this place where the two Duumvir, who controlled the town also made their decisions about the city.

Temple of Vespasian
Temple of Vespasian

Located on the eastern side of the Forum at Pompeii, the temple was originally dedicated to the Genius Octavian Augustus. It was in the later years that the dedication was finally transferred to Vespasian. You can see here a marble altar in the center with a man leading a bull to sacrifice.

Building of Eumachia
Building of Eumachia

Named after Eumachia, the rich and influential priestess, the building served as a market and a warehouse for fabrics. Eumachia donated all her money in the 1st century AD for the construction of the building. Be amazed with the beauty of this structure which was made of bricks that were layered with marble slabs to create the building’s skin.

Granary
Granary

Located on the northwest side of the Forum, the Granary, easily recognizable by its modern roof, was a warehouse. It was used for storing grains to overcome food shortages due to crop failure or natural disasters. Today, the Granary stores the various artifacts recovered during the archeological excavations across the city.


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Public weights and measures table
Public weights and measures table

This is the site of the government agency that adhered to the exact standard of the various units of measurement used in Roman Europe. All the traders in the city were required to pass the examination of the institution for trading. This safeguarded the citizens against any fraud done by the traders.

Plan Your Visit To Pompeii

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Timing

The Forum at Pompeii is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, the timings are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.


Must Read: Plan Your Visit to Pompeii

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FAQs

Where is the Forum located?

    The Pompeii Forum is located in the center of the ancient city of Pompeii. It is only a short distance away from the Bay of Naples. The address of this place is Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy.

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