Foro Italico

The Basics

Originally called the Foro Mussolini, this sprawling sports complex was built to draw the 1944 Olympic games to Italy's capital city (the games were instead canceled due to World War II). The largest building on the site is the Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico), rebuilt in 1990 to seat more than 70,000 people. The nearby Stadio dei Marmi, designed to resemble an ancient Greek stadium, is ringed by 60 marble statues of athletes and can hold 20,000 spectators.

The main draws for visitors to the Foro Italico today are Lazio and Roma soccer (football) games, the Italian Open tennis tournament, rugby matches, swimming competitions, music events, and architecture tours. As the complex is outside the center of Rome, the best way to visit is on a guided tour of Rome’s Fascist architecture that includes transportation to the Foro Italico and back into central Rome. The complex is a stop on many Palermo Segway, walking, and biking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Foro Italico is an outdoor complex, so wear a hat and sunscreen.

• When large sporting events or concerts are scheduled, only ticket holders can enter the complex.

• This is an especially fascinating site for architecture and 20th-century history buffs.

• The complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Foro Italico Sports Complex is located on Viale del Foro Italico outside the city center. Take metro line A from Piazza del Popolo to Flaminio, and then the tram 2.

When to Get There

The complex is outdoors, so tour on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During the summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. Check the event schedule, as visitors who do not have tickets cannot pass the security checkpoints into the complex when large sporting events or concerts are scheduled.

Italy's Fascist Architecture

There are a number of architectural reminders of Italy's Fascist past in the capital city. The most important are clustered in the EUR neighborhood, home to the "Square Colosseum," but perhaps the most controversial is the Obelisco del Foro Italico, a large obelisk at the entrance to the Foro Italico that was erected to honor Mussolini in 1932.

Ways to explore

Originally called the Foro Mussolini, the sports complex’s largest building is the Rome Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico), which seats more than 70,000. The Stadio dei Marmi features 60 marble statues of athletes and holds 20,000 spectators.

The main draws today are Lazio and Roma football (soccer) games, the Italian Open tennis tournament, rugby matches, swimming competitions, music events, and architecture tours. The complex is located outside the center of Rome, so many visit the stadium on a guided tour of Rome’s Fascist architecture or sports venues, which includes transportation to the Foro Italico and back into central Rome.

Accessibility

The Foro Italico is largely wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None, although age limits may vary for special events.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle (no glass on event days)

What to wear

A hat and sunscreen for the outdoor venue

Not allowed

When large sporting events or concerts are scheduled, only ticket holders can enter the complex. On event days, large bags are typically restricted.

Amenities

Restrooms and (on event days) food vendors

Address

The Foro Italico is located in northwest Rome, along the banks of the Tiber River and near the Monte Mario district.

Driving

From central Rome, you can take Via del Foro Italico (SS3) northwest toward the complex. Parking is limited on event days, so we recommend reserving a spot in advance or using a taxi service instead.

Public transportation

From Termini Station, take Metro Line A to Ottaviano, then transfer to the 32 bus toward Stadio Olimpico. Get off at the De Bosis/Stadio Tennis stop, which is steps from the Foro Italico.

Best times to visit

Early morning and evening are the best times for photography.

Best days to visit

If you’re not attending an event, weekdays are typically the quietest.

Best months to visit

As the Foro Italico is outdoors, spring and fall (April/May or September/October) offer the best conditions for exploring the complex.

Special events

Large sporting events and concerts are held throughout the year. One of the biggest is the Italian Open tennis championship, which is held in May.