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 having 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.

The Forum was originally situated strategically right in the center of the town and it offered a mesmerizing view of Mount Vesuvius. Later, as the town expanded, the Forum remained on its outskirts but continued to be popular among the citizens. Even today, the majesty and power exuded by this ancient urban center are radiated by the ruins of Foro de Pompeya, which attract countless visitors from across the globe to the city.

Why Visit the Forum at Pompeii?

Pompeii Forum
  • 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

Pompeii Forum
Temple of Jupiter and Arch of Germanicus

Visit this temple of Pompeii that is located on a raised platform on the Forum’s northern side. Constructed in 150 BC, the Temple of Jupiter is known for replacing Apollo’s cult with that of Roman God Jupiter. The temple is flanked by the Arch of Germanicus on the left-side, closing the Forum.


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Pompeii Forum
Triumphal Arch of the Pompeii Forum

The Triumphal Arch is located on the right side of the Pompeii Forum, which is believed to have been dedicated to Emperor Tiberius. Get to see this architectural marvel which is closer to the buildings that were designed for the imperial cult. This honorary double arch fornix was originally covered with marble.


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Pompeii Forum
Temple of Apollo

Located on the Western side of the Forum, the Temple of Apollo was dedicated to various gods and was crafted from remains of the Etruscan fragments. Know about the history of this temple that was severely damaged during an earthquake in 62 AD and was reconstructed just before the total destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD.


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Pompeii Forum
Pompeii Basilica

Believed to be the first basilica of its kind in the Roman Empire, the Pompeii Basilica was a hub of civil and political activities. Measuring 24 meters by 64 meters, it originally served as a market. Later, the basilica was converted into a city court in the 1st century AD.


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Pompeii Forum
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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Pompeii Forum
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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Pompeii Forum
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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Pompeii Forum
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.

Pompeii Forum
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.

Pompeii Forum
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.

Pompeii Forum
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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Pompeii Forum
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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Plan Your Visit To Pompeii

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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