Mercato di Traiano
Explore Trajan’s Market with a Vespa tour and discover one of the most fascinating monuments of ancient Rome!” Experience a unique experience with a bike tour to Trajan’s Market, a historic site full of curiosities and architectural beauty. A scooter tour to Trajan’s Market will take you through history and breathtaking views of the Imperial Forum. Discover Trajan’s Market on board a tuk-tuk! A fun and relaxing way to visit ancient Rome.
What you need to know about Trajan's Market
Trajan’s Market in Rome is one of the most fascinating and well-preserved archaeological complexes of antiquity. Built between 100 and 110 A.D. under Emperor Trajan, the market represents an architectural innovation of the Roman era, conceived as a kind of multi-level shopping center overlooking the Imperial Forums. Located on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill, the market housed numerous stores and administrative offices. The main building, called the “Great Hemicycle,” consists of six floors and includes arches, vaults, and staircases connecting the various sections. The structure originally housed about 150 stores, where products of various kinds, from spices to textiles, could be found. Today, Trajan’s Market is home to the Imperial Forum Museum, where visitors can explore the city’s history and admire archaeological finds recovered from the Forums. Trajan’s Market is a masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering and architecture. Designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, the building was made mainly of brick and features a complex structure with several levels that adapted to the morphology of the Quirinal Hill. The innovative use of the arch and barrel vault is evident and lends stability to the construction, making it an exceptional work for its time.
Structure and Functions: The complex has six floors, spread over a Great Hemicycle and two halls, known as the Trajanic Halls. Each floor was devoted to specific activities: the lower levels housed stores that sold basic necessities, such as food and clothing, while the upper floors had administrative offices. The Via Biberatica, a paved road still visible, ran through the complex and facilitated the transportation and distribution of goods.
Imperial Forum Museum: Today, Trajan’s Market is home to the Imperial Forum Museum, which offers a unique overview of the history of ancient Rome and its monuments. The museum displays a wide range of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, coins, and architectural fragments from the Imperial Forums, including the Forum of Trajan. Exhibits are organized by theme, allowing visitors to understand how daily life was conducted and how the economy functioned in ancient Rome.
Events and Preservation: Trajan’s Market is also a living cultural space that hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and conferences. Preservation of the site is ongoing to preserve this extraordinary complex and adapt it for modern visitors without altering its historical value.
Curiosities
First commercial center in history: Often considered the world’s first “commercial center,” Trajan’s Market represented a revolution for the economic organization of the time. With more than 150 stores and offices on several levels, it was a true multifunctional center.
Name of Via Biberatica: The main street within the complex, Via Biberatica, is named after the Latin word biber, meaning “to drink.” It is thought that in the past it was a street full of taverns and places where people could buy and drink wine.
Built to support Trajan’s Forum: In addition to its commercial function, Trajan’s Market also had an important structural function: to support the artificial cut made on the Quirinal Hill to build Trajan’s Forum. Thus, it was both a functional building and a work of urban engineering.
The Legend of Apollodorus of Damascus: The market architect, Apollodorus of Damascus, is said to have been so brilliant and innovative that he was admired but also feared by Emperor Hadrian, who became his successor. One legend says that Hadrian, jealous of his talent, ordered his execution.
Use in the Middle Ages: In the Middle Ages, the area of Trajan’s Market was repurposed and became a real fortress. The Militia Tower, built in the 13th century, is an example of this: a defensive structure that still towers next to the market.
Discovery of bricks with the “emperor’s mark”: Some of the bricks found at the site bear the mark of Emperor Trajan, a common practice to ensure the quality and origin of materials used in public works, also signaling imperial patronage.
Perfect acoustics: The unique arched shape of the market creates an interesting acoustic effect. It is said that, at specific points, the sound propagates in such a way that it sounds like you can talk to each other from one side of the structure to the other without shouting.
Natural film set: Trajan’s Market has been used as a set for several films, documentaries, and television programs because of its beauty and atmosphere that takes visitors back in time.
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