Wheelchair Accessible Forum and Palatine Hill

Visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in a wheelchair is possible, but requires planning. Both sites offer partially wheelchair-accessible routes, accessible entrances, and some areas that may require assistance. This guide explains exactly how to navigate the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill accessibly, what to expect from the terrain, and where to find accessible restrooms.

The Roman Forum is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Rome and should definitely be on your must-see list, together with the Colosseum. No visit to the Colosseum is truly complete without exploring the magnificent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Learn more about our Accessible Colosseum tour on our Accessible Colosseum Blog page.

We have created this page to complement the information provided in our Accessible Visit to the Colosseum blog, offering additional details about visiting the Roman Forum.

The Roman Forum (Foro Romano), located between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, was without a doubt the most important forum of ancient Rome. It served as the heart of public life, hosting political gatherings, gladiatorial games, open-air markets, and religious ceremonies. This was the true center of ancient Roman society, surrounded by impressive temples and monuments that reflected the grandeur of the Empire.

Within the archaeological park, visitors can admire the ruins of some of Rome’s most significant ancient structures, which back at the time were prestigious monuments.

These include the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Temple of Saturn, as well as the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus, among many other remarkable sites.

Find out more about the Forum on the official Colosseum Archaeological Park website.

To answer the general question about accessibility:

yes, they are partially accessible for people with limited mobility and using wheelchair/scooter.

The Roman Forum is one of the most visited sites in Rome, together with the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. In fact, all three attractions are included under the same entrance ticket.

However, each site is visited separately, following its own route and entry point.

There are several entrance and exit points to access the Roman Forum, including one through the Palatine Hill.

The easiest way to begin your visit to the Palatine Hill is reaching Portale del Vignola, the main entrance located at Via di San Gregorio 30.

The main entrance has an easy access and there is a paved terrain. Visitors will need to present their ticket again at the security checkpoint. Once inside, you will notice that accessible routes are clearly indicated with directional signs marked by arrows.

After the main entrance, you face a long ramp with multiple levels that connects to the primary route inside the park

Once you reach the main path, you can easily navigate along the accessible itinerary. The walkways are generally wide, with surfaces made of gravel or compacted stone. However, some sections are less well-preserved, featuring irregular terrain where wheelchair users may require assistance.

The main path will bring you to the top of the most antique hill (Monte palatino), offering beautiful panoramic views over Circus Maximus. In this area, you can explore the ruins of imperial palaces, such as the House of Augustus, the House of Livia, and the Palatine Museum.

General Accessibility Note: Be aware that within the archaeological park, there are some slopes and uneven areas along the way. Please note that not all areas are fully accessible, some paths include steps or archaeological barriers (such as strairs) that may prevent access to certain sections of the site.

From the top of the hill, you can continue along the route leading to the famous Roman Forum.

Along the way, be sure to stop at one of the viewpoints, such as the Terrazza Belvedere, where you can take a panoramic picture of the beautiful view over the Forum.

The Forum offers an accessible route with paved terrain, making it easier to explore the site. To reach the ground level, there are several ramps that allow visitors to continue the tour and to move comfortably around the temples.

On the lower level, the ground is smooth and flat, making it easy to navigate for a wheelchair.

General Accessibility Note: In certain areas, the original ancient cobblestone paving has been preserved, these sections are not wheelchair-accessible (due to the nature of the terrain). However, visitors can follow an alternative accessible route.

From the Forum, there are a couple of possible exits: one in via dei Fori imperiali and another into Pizza Venezia.

If needed, we can arrange someone who pushes your wheelchair. You can book a private wheelchair accessible tour through the Colosseum, which allows you to skip the line and have a fast entry. This tour is guided by an official licensed guide.

As opinions vary about the accessibility of the paths in the Colosseum, you can see the pictures below to judge the accessibility for yourself.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us 

There is an accessible toilet inside the buildings Museo Palatino and Orti Farnesiani. Alternatively check the information in our Colosseum Blog.

Want to know where to find this accessible toilet? With our newest app, accessaloo, you can find the exact location of this accessible toilet and many more.

Download accessaloo, to find the exact location of the toilet and navigate.

We offer private wheelchair accessible tours of the Colosseum + Roman Forum with skip-the-line entry and assistance along the route.

Would you like to do an Accessible Vatican tour including Skip the line?

This is an unique experience to discover the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with a licensed guide.

Do you stay multiple days in Rome?

Please have a look at our Accessible tours in Rome and around Italy.

Contact us or request availability here