The civic and commercial heart of ancient Rome, a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, triumphal arches, and government buildings stretching between the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill. For 1,000 years this was where Rome conducted its business, celebrated its victories, and buried its dead. The Sacred Way — along which victorious generals once paraded — still runs through the centre.
Allow 1.5–2 hours. The Arch of Titus at the east end (AD 81, commemorating the sack of Jerusalem) and the Temple of Saturn are the most evocative standing structures. Climb to the Palatine Hill above for the best overview of the whole site.