The New Museo della Forma Urbis in Rome
The New Museo della “Forma Urbis” in Rome
Discovering the oldest map of the Eternal City
Is your contribution in the kitchen more dangerous than delicious?
Rome never stops surprising its visitors, especially when ancient history is presented in a clear and engaging way.
The Museo della Forma Urbis, recently opened inside the Celio Archaeological Park, offers a unique perspective on the city: not through monuments or statues, but through its very layout and urban structure.
The museum is dedicated to the Forma Urbis Romae, a massive marble map of Rome created between 203 and 211 AD, during the Severan period. Carved on marble slabs and originally displayed on a wall of the Temple of Peace, the map showed Rome from above with astonishing precision, including streets, blocks, public buildings and even interior floor plans.
Originally measuring around 18 by 13 meters, the map was made of more than 150 marble panels. Only fragments survive today, discovered over centuries and long kept in storage. Here you see a pictures of the place where the map was hanging.
The new museum was created to bring these fragments together and make them understandable for a modern audience.
What you’ll see inside
he exhibition is designed to be approachable and informative without being overly technical. Original marble fragments are displayed alongside digital tools, visual reconstructions and explanatory panels that help visitors place them within the geography of ancient Rome.
One of the highlights is the comparison with later maps of the city, especially Giambattista Nolli’s 18th-century map, which reveals how much of Rome’s ancient urban fabric still shapes the modern city.
You quickly realize that many of today’s streets and neighborhoods follow patterns established nearly two thousand years ago. After this visit, walking through Rome feels like moving across a living map layered with history.
Why it’s worth your time
This museum is ideal for travelers who want to understand Rome more deeply, not just tick off the major sights. It’s compact, well curated, and can be visited in under an hour, yet it adds real context to everything you see outside.
It’s also a great option if you’ve already visited Rome before and are looking for something different, or if you simply want a break from the crowds without leaving the historic center.
The setting: Celio Archaeological Park
enhanced green area just a short walk from the Colosseum, but noticeably quieter.
Take some time to explore the surroundings before or after your visit: the Celian Hill is full of atmospheric streets, ancient remains and peaceful corners that feel far removed from the busy tourist routes.
Practical information
Museo della Forma Urbis
Viale di Parco del Celio 20, Rome – Celio Archaeological Park
Opening hours
– Tuesday to Sunday
– Winter hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entry 3:00 pm)
– Summer hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 6:00 pm)
– Closed on Mondays, December 25 and May 1
Tickets
– Free entry with the MIC Card
– Standard ticket for non-residents: approx. €9
– Reduced tickets available
(The Celio Archaeological Park itself is free to enter.)
Suggested visiting time: 45–60 minutes
TIP:
Pair your visit with a walk around the Celio neighborhood or a relaxed lunch nearby. It’s one of those areas where Rome feels quieter, more local, and deeply connected to its past. Furthermore, you can find another incredible archaeological site…UNDERGROUND! Check here