The archeological area known as the Roman Forum of the ancient city of Asisium is located underneath the present-day Piazza del Comune. It was discovered during the excavations done by a French architect in the first half of the 19th century.
It can now be visited by entering the crypt of the former Church of San Niccolò on Via Portica. This is a small rectangular room supported by cross vaults that rest on reused columns from the Roman era. Various stone artifacts, such as urns, sarcophagi and steles, found in Assisi and the surrounding area, are exhibited here, together with some graphic reproductions of the ancient square.
Before continuing through a passage in the wall into the archeological area of the forum, on the left you can admire the section of the terracing wall made from travertine blocks that supports the Temple of Minerva, now the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
Continuing along a glass walkway placed above the original flooring, you first come to what remains of the tribunal, a stone monument upon which sat the chairs of the local magistrates. At the sides of this you can see two staircases inside the wall that go up towards the pronaos of the Temple. Here an audio video screen tells the story of the excavation and shows the original appearance of the ancient square; next, entering a short ring-shaped corridor, you will find what remains of a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux.
At the end of the walkway there is a monumental cistern on the left; we then enter the eastern area of the site, which houses the tabernae, i.e. the rooms used in ancient Rome for commerce; you can also see some enlargements of Roman frescoes from structures found underground in the town. The itinerary ends in the last room of the museum, where statues from the Roman era are on exhibit.
Do you need more information on the accessibility of the monument? We have a dedicated section where you can find all the useful information for people with motor disabilities to visit Roman Forum and Archeological Collection
Audio guide: yes
Audio guide languages: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish
Guided tours: yes, by reservation
Guided tour languages: Italian, English
Restrooms: no
Infopoint: yes
Shops: yes
Refreshment points: no
Cloakroom: no
Accessibility: accessible.
Hours from November to February:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Tuesdays.
Hours for March, April, May, June, September and October:
10:00 am to 6:00 pm, daily.
Hours for July and August:
10:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily.
Closed December 25.
Admission: full price €5.00.
Discount ticket: €3.00, for university students with enrollment ID, schools, children aged 9 to 18, seniors over 65, groups of over 20 persons.
Free: schools and residents of the municipality of Assisi, children up to 8 years old, non-ambulatory disabled, ICOM members.
Full price combined ticket: €9.00, includes access to the Roman Forum, the Rocca Maggiore and the Municipal Painting Gallery.
Discount combined ticket: €6.00, university students with enrollment ID, schools, children aged 9 to 18, seniors over 65, groups of over 20 persons, Assisi Welcome Card holders.
The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Via Portica, 2
The Roman Forum and Archeological Collection is located in the historic center of Assisi, at the beginning of Via Portica, the main street that goes from Piazza del Comune to the Basilica of Saint Francis.
On foot: the building is easily reached on foot from any part of town.
By bus: 500 meters from the Line C Piazza Matteotti stop; 21 meters from the Line A-B Piazza del Comune stop.
By car: only authorized vehicles can enter the historic center of Assisi.
