The Foro Romano e Collezione archeologica is an underground archaeological site beneath Piazza del Comune in Assisi, with Roman remains and a collection of objects found in the area. Its route passes from the crypt of the former Church of San Nicolò to sections of the ancient forum, making it a distinct stop from Assisi’s basilica visits.
- Location: Via Portica 2, at the beginning of Via Portica.
- Typical opening pattern: Hours vary by season; Tuesdays are closed from November through February.
- Tickets: Prices differ between official listings, so confirm the current admission details before visiting.
- Access: The main entrance has steps; an alternative entrance can be requested at the ticket office.
What does the archaeological site include?
The visit begins in the crypt of the former Church of San Nicolò, where Roman-era stone objects from Assisi and nearby areas include urns, sarcophagi and steles. From there, the route leads through remains connected to the ancient forum.
You can see a travertine section of the terrace wall that supported the Temple of Minerva, along with the forum’s original flooring, the tribunal, a monumental cistern and tabernae. The site also contains remains of a small temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux.
Roman-era statues and enlargements of Roman frescoes found in underground structures in Assisi add context to the archaeological remains. An audiovisual screen explains the excavation and reconstructs the ancient square. Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.
Where is the Roman Forum in Assisi’s historic centre?
The entrance is at Via Portica 2, inside the former Church of San Nicolò, at the start of the street running from Piazza del Comune toward the Basilica of Saint Francis. This places the site within Assisi’s historic centre and close to the main square.
Visit Assisi gives the bus stops Piazza del Comune for lines A and B, and Piazza Matteotti for line C. Only authorized vehicles may enter the historic centre. If you’re combining the underground site with a basilica visit, the Basilica of Saint Francis visit has a separate focus on that landmark.
What are the opening hours and ticket details?
Visit Assisi gives seasonal hours and admission details. From November through February, the site is open 10:00–17:00 and closed on Tuesdays. It opens daily from 10:00–18:00 from March through June and September through October, and daily from 10:00–19:00 in July and August. The site is closed on December 25.
Standard admission is €7 and reduced admission is €5, while the Italian Ministry of Culture gives €5 full price and €3 reduced price. Because the prices differ, check the official site before you go. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the site, and entry is allowed until 30 minutes before closing.
A combined ticket includes the Roman Forum, Rocca Maggiore, Municipal Art Gallery and Civic Tower, with a multilingual audio guide. Guided tours are available by reservation in Italian and English.
How can you plan access and time at the site?
The site can be reached on foot from any part of town, but the historic centre restricts vehicle access to authorized vehicles. The entrance has steps. If you have impaired mobility, ask at the ticket office about the secondary entrance on Via Arco dei Priori.
That alternative approach has steep slopes. Visit Assisi advises using the adjacent street toward Chiesa Nuova, where the slopes are gentler. There are no restrooms at the site, so plan accordingly before entering.
Allow time to follow the route from the crypt through the forum remains and collection displays. You can pair the visit with a walk through Piazza del Comune and along Via Portica toward the Basilica of Saint Francis, keeping the underground archaeology as a separate stop from the basilica itself.
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FAQs
Is the Foro Romano in Assisi underground?
Yes. The archaeological area lies beneath Piazza del Comune, and the visit begins in the crypt of the former Church of San Nicolò.
Are audio guides available?
Yes. Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.
Is the site accessible to visitors with impaired mobility?
Visit Assisi describes the site as accessible, but the main entrance has steps. Ask at the ticket office about access through the secondary entrance on Via Arco dei Priori; its approach has steep slopes.