Forum Boarium (Foro Boario)

The Basics

The Forum Boarium is across from the famous Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, but it’s often skipped by visitors as the temples are behind fences, so can only be seen from the outside. Consider joining a private guided tour of the “secret” sights of Ancient Rome to explore the temples up close, along with skip-the-line access to the more famous archaeological sites dating from the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

This commercially strategic market along the Tiber river was a major center of livestock trade as far back as the third century BC, and occupied a central location between Ancient Rome's Aventine and Palatine hills, along with the nearby Forum Holitorium produce market. Today, visitors can see the Temple of Portunus (Temple of Fortuna Virilis) from the first century BC and the Temple of Hercules Victor, ringed by a 20 columns. The Forum Boarium is also home to the Arch of Janus, dating from the fourth century.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Foro Boario is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.

• The cattle market is an especially fascinating tour for Roman history enthusiasts, and those who want to explore some of Rome's more off-the-beaten-path sights.

• The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Forum Boarium is located along the Tiber river near the Circus Maximus. Take bus 170 to the Bocca della Verità stop or metro line B to Circo Massimo.

When to Get There

The archaeological site is outdoors, so visit in early morning or late afternoon in the summer months and on mild days with clear skies in winter.

Temple of Vesta

The circular Temple of Hercules Victor is often mistaken for the Temple of Vesta, another round temple ringed by columns located in the Roman Forum but only partially preserved.

Ways to explore

The Forum Boarium is free to visit. If you’re only visiting the two main temples—the Temple of Hercules Victor and a rectangular temple to the river god Portunus—plan for around 30 minutes. It’s easy to overlook the site’s fascinating history, though, which makes guided tours a good option for exploring the Forum Boarium in greater depth. Many city tours include the Forum Boarium alongside other historic sites, such as the Coliseum and Aventine Hill. Tour options range from guided archeology walks to tours by car or golf cart.

Accessibility

The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cell phone, sunscreen

What to wear

The Foro Boario is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat and comfortable shoes when visiting.

Not allowed

Ancient Roman sites often ban glass bottles, sprays, knives, and scissors—leave these at home.

Amenities

Water fountain, trash cans

Address

The Forum Boarium is located along the Tiber River near the Circus Maximus, across from the famous Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

Driving

Congested streets, restricted driving areas, and limited parking mean that most visitors choose to reach Forum Boarium on foot, or via public transit, taxi, or rideshare. If you do drive, you’ll find a parking lot on the nearby Piazza della Bocca della Verità.

Public transportation

The closest metro stop is Circo Massimo (line B), a roughly 12-minute walk from the forum. The Trastevere tram station (line 8) is a 16-minute walk. To get closer, consider the bus; bus lines 44, 95, 160, 170, 716, and 781 stop at or near the Piazza Boca della Verità.

Best times to visit

The forum is open 24 hours a day—in summer, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Best days to visit

To experience central Rome with fewer tourist crowds, visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, which tend to be quieter.

Best months to visit

With milder temperatures and shorter lines than summer, the shoulder-season months of April, May, September, and October are ideal times to explore Rome’s outdoor archeological sites.

Special events

On April 21, Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday), throngs gather in the area surrounding Forum Boarium for historical reenactments, parades, and other festivities.