Get a glimpse of the ancient city of Roman Brixia, which still exists in fragments such as this towering arcade of crumbling columns from the 1st century.
The Roman Forum is part of a complex regarded to be among Northern Italy’s most important collections of Roman ruins. Wander around the fascinating archaeological complex and learn about the remaining monuments of Roman Brixia, which has witnessed nearly two millennia of history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine how the Roman Forum would have appeared during its heyday, when it was the focus of an ancient city.
As you approach the ruins, note the monumental size of the fragments of marble. The Roman Forum was laid out during the Flavian period between A.D. 69 and 96 and was originally rectangular in shape, measuring 456 by 131 feet (139 by 40 meters). Its southern side is bordered the Curia and an old basilica, remnants of which can still be seen. The northern side bordered the ancient decumano massimo, which was a traditional Roman east-west-oriented road. Beautifully decorated arcades adorned with columns would have flanked the Roman Forum.
Behind the Roman Forum look for the remaining walls of Tempio Capitolino. This ancient temple was constructed in A.D. 74 under the rule of Vespasian. Admire the stunning porch and its towering 11-meter (36-foot) Corinthian columns. A central flight of stairs would have connected the Roman Forum and Tempio Capitolino to the decumano massimo.
Continue exploring the site to find further remnants of Roman buildings amid old treasures from the Longobard period. Spot burial places and fragments of houses throughout the archaeological site.
The Roman Forum is part of the “Longobards in Italy” UNESCO World Heritage-listed area and the Via Musei, or Museum Row. Visit the city’s Roman Museum to find out more about the ancient city of Roman Brixia. A ticket to Brescia’s Archaeological Park will give you access to the complex of ruins, including the Roman Forum, the Roman Theatre and Tempio Capitolino. The Archaeological Park is located to the northeast of the Centro Storico. It is a 10-minute walk from the subway station at Piazza della Vittoria.
