Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito)

The Basics

The Arch of Titus stands over Via Sacra on the southeastern end of the Roman Forum and depicts the victories of Vespasian and Titus in Jerusalem, in particular the plundering of the city’s great temple. The white-marble arch is covered in intricate reliefs and is best visited with a guide who can help you interpret these and other important ruins in the Roman Forum.

Join an ancient Rome tour to visit Rome’s most famous archaeological site and the Palatine Hill, along with skip-the-line access to the adjacent Colosseum. If you are traveling with children, opt for a family-friendly tour that makes these ancient sites more engaging.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Arch of Titus is located in the outdoor Roman Forum archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.

• The Roman Forum is accessible to wheelchair users via an elevator at the entrance, though only a portion of the remains is easy to navigate with a wheelchair.

• The ruins in the Forum are a must-see for Roman history enthusiasts and can be fun for kids when visited with a family-friendly guide.

How to Get There

The Arch of Titus is located at the Roman Forum, alongside the Colosseum and Palatine Hill in the center of Rome near the Colosseo station on metro line B.

When to Get There

The ruins at the Roman Forum are outdoors, so visit in early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the midday heat and crowds, and on clear days if visiting in winter. The archaeological site tends to be less crowded midweek than on weekends.

The Plundering of the Temple of Jerusalem on the Arch

One of the most important reliefs on the Arch of Titus depicts the plundering of the Temple of Jerusalem on the south panel. Spoils include a menorah, the shape of which was the inspiration for Israel’s official state emblem; silver trumpets; fire pans for clearing the ashes from the temple’s altar; and the table of shewbread where unleavened loaves were left in offering.

Ways to explore

To get close to the arch, you’ll have to pay to enter the Roman Forum. The white-marble arch is covered in intricate reliefs, including those that depict the plundering of Herod’s Temple (Second Temple) in Jerusalem and soldiers carrying off its spoils, including the temple menorah. For a richer experience, visit with an expert guide who can help you interpret these reliefs, as well as other important ruins around the Roman Forum. Many tours focused on Rome’s ancient sites include a visit to the Arch of Titus, along with admission to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. If you are traveling with children, opt for a family-friendly tour that makes these ancient sites more engaging.

Accessibility

The Arch of Titus is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and sunscreen or raincoat, depending on the weather

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, hat in summer

Not allowed

For centuries, a local law forbade Jewish people from walking under the arch until 1947. However, fencing currently prevents everyone from walking under it.

Amenities

The Parco archeologico del Colosseo has restrooms, water fountains, and vending machines.

Address

The Arch of Titus lies on the Via Sacra, ancient Rome’s busiest road, at the southeastern end of the Roman Forum.

Driving

While you could drive to the area, traffic in Rome is often stressful, and parking is very limited. Call a taxi instead.

Public transportation

Get on Metro Line B in the direction of Laurentina and get off at Colosseo station, which is a short walk from the Arch of Titus. Alternatively, buses 75 and 85 stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light.

Best days to visit

Avoid Mondays when the Roman museums are closed—this typically means bigger crowds at outdoor attractions.

Best months to visit

The shoulder season months of April/May and September/October offer milder temperatures and smaller crowds compared to summer.