The Forum of Nerva is the smallest of Rome’s Imperial Forums, on Via dei Fori Imperiali near Caesar’s Forum and Trajan’s Column. Begun under Emperor Domitian and opened by Nerva in 97 CE, it replaced the Argiletum, a busy street used by booksellers and cobblers. The surviving columns, known as Le Colonnacce, give the site a striking architectural detail to look for as you walk past. Barriers and limited signage can make an independent visit less straightforward, so research the forum or join a guided tour beforehand.
A forum built over the Argiletum
Before the Forum of Nerva, the Argiletum ran between the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Vespasian and the Roman Forum. It was a busy passage and a market area, with booksellers and cobblers among its trades. The new forum kept the route’s role as a thoroughfare while giving it a monumental setting.
Emperor Domitian began construction before 85 CE, intending to bring the surrounding forums together in one complex. Work was nearly complete when he was assassinated in 96 CE. His successor, Nerva, formally opened the forum in 97 CE, and it took his name.
The surviving colonnade
The forum was narrow and elongated, unlike the larger Imperial Forums around it. Its surviving colonnade is known as Le Colonnacce, a nickname that refers ironically to the columns’ isolated, worn appearance. The fragment is a focal point for architectural detail and photography.
Barriers and sparse signage can affect how closely you can explore the remains. Check access in advance, and consider a guided visit or some background reading to place the ruins in the wider Imperial Forums.
FAQ
When was the Forum of Nerva opened?
Nerva formally opened the forum in 97 CE, after construction began under Domitian.
Why is the Forum of Nerva also called the Forum Transitorium?
The narrow forum continued to function as a passage through the area, following the route of the Argiletum.
What should I look for at the Forum of Nerva?
Look for the surviving colonnade known as Le Colonnacce, noted for its isolated appearance.
