A Step Back in Time: Rome’s Latest Archaeological Attraction

Rome has unveiled a new archaeological park and museum near the iconic Colosseum, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore an original marble map of Ancient Rome—one they can actually walk over. The newly inaugurated Archaeological Park of the Celio and the Museum of the Forma Urbis are part of a broader initiative to enhance the historic area surrounding the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. This region is home to the remains of ancient temples, gymnasiums, and other significant structures from Rome’s past.

Reviving the Ancient City: The Forma Urbis Romae

A highlight of the museum is the remarkable Forma Urbis Romae, a massive marble map of the ancient city, originally engraved between 203 and 211 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. Measuring approximately 18 by 13 meters (59 by 43 feet), the map was once displayed prominently on a wall in the Roman Forum. Today, only about 10% of the original map has survived.

To enhance the visitor experience, the preserved map fragments have been placed under glass on the floor, allowing guests to walk over them and feel as if they are strolling through ancient Rome. “We chose to lay it out horizontally to give visitors the sensation of walking through the ancient city,” explained Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome’s cultural heritage superintendent.

A Historic Treasure on Public Display

This is the first time in nearly a century that the remaining pieces of the Forma Urbis Romae have been made available for public viewing. The museum aims to provide an immersive experience, bringing history to life in an engaging and tangible way.

Visiting Information

The archaeological park is open to visitors free of charge every day, while the museum operates daily except on Mondays. Entry to the museum costs €9 (approximately $10), offering an affordable and enriching experience for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

With this latest addition to Rome’s cultural landscape, visitors now have another extraordinary way to connect with the city’s rich and storied past.