| What is it? |
The Basilica Aemilia was once a lavish shopping center on the edge of the Roman Forum! |
| What makes it historical? |
This shopping center was the combined design of two censors named Marcus: Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Marcus Fulvius Nobilior. It first opened for business in 179 BC and was rebuilt three times with carved marble and bronze! Some of those carvings were of Marcus Aemilius’ ancestors, which is why this came to be known as Basilica Aemilia!
Did you know that “basilica” wasn’t originally a religious term but a Greek one meaning “royal?” During most of the Roman Republic and Empire, basilicas were centers of business, but once Constantine converted to Christianity and gave a lot of wealth and power to the budding Catholic Church, “basilica” started to refer to churches! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Become a member of the World Monuments Fund!
- Donate to the World Monuments Fund!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6
00186 Roma RM
Italy
From Firenze: ~177mi (285km) — 3hrs
From Napoli: ~139mi (224km) — 2.4hrs
From Roma: ~2mi (4km) — 0.1hrs
From Venezia: ~334mi (538km) — 5.6hrs |
| When should I go? |
The Roman Forum is open to the public every day from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM! |
