House of the Vestal Virgins (Casa delle Vestali)

The basics

Dating from the sixth century BC, the 50-room House of the Vestal Virgins complex stood next to the circular Temple of Vesta. Here the priestesses were tasked with keeping the sacred flame—the symbol of Rome’s eternal life—alight. The sparse ruins merely hint at the once-lavish residence of these virgins chosen from noble Roman families to serve up to 30 years, and are best visited with a guide who can help you interpret these and other significant sites in the Roman Forum. Most ancient Rome tours include a visit to this famous archaeological park paired with skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum and ruins on the Palatine Hill.

Things to know before you go

• House of the Vestal Virgins is located in the Roman Forum, an outdoor archaeological site. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.
• The Forum is a must for Roman history buffs, and can be fun for kids if visited with a family-friendly tour.
• The archaeological park is accessible to wheelchair users via an elevator at the entrance, though the ruins are spread across rough terrain and only a portion is easy to navigate with a wheelchair.

How to get there

The Roman Forum is located opposite the Colosseum and Palatine Hill in the center of Rome. The nearest metro station is Colosseo on metro line B, which also stops at the main Termini train station.

When to get there

There is no shade in the Roman Forum, so early morning or late afternoon is the best time to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The archaeological park is often less crowded midweek than on the weekends.

House of the Vestal Virgins Highlights

The remains of the House of the Vestal Virgins today primarily date from AD 64, as the original residence was destroyed by fire. Follow the ancient Via Nova from Palatine Hill to the Temple of Vesta, and view the remains of the large atrium, 2-story portico, and a series of statues of the Vestal Virgins.

Ways to explore

Considered by some to be among the most fascinating of Rome’s ancient sites, the sparse ruins of the House of the Vestal Virgins merely hint at the once-lavish residence where virgins chosen from noble Roman families would serve up to 30 years. Visit with a guide who can help you interpret these and other significant remains in the Roman Forum on an ancient Rome tour. Most itineraries include ample time in the archaeological park paired with a tour of the Colosseum and ruins on the Palatine Hill.

Accessibility

The Forum is accessible to wheelchair users along a dedicated route; wheelchairs are available for visitors at the entrance.

Age limits

Take a family-friendly tour of the Roman Forum for a kid-focused visit inside the ruins.

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, sun hat

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Graffiti of any kind is punishable by fines or imprisonment. No large bags or backpacks, drones, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, vending machines, gift shops

Address

The House of the Vestal Virgins is inside the Roman Forum, adjacent to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and other ruins. Arrive on foot from the historic center, via the nearby metro station, or aboard most hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Driving

Avoid the heavy traffic and scarce parking around the Roman Forum and travel via the metro, a taxi, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour instead. Some tours of the city’s ancient sites also include hotel pickup.

Public transportation

Take metro line B to the Colosseo station just opposite the Roman Forum. Tram line 3 and ATAC city buses 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, and 118 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

The Roman Forum is one of the busiest sights in Rome. Book an early morning or late afternoon tour to explore with fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Book a weekday tour to avoid the heaviest crowds. Avoid the first Sunday of each month, when admission is free and the site is packed.

Best months to visit

Winter and summer can be unpleasant at this open-air attraction. Take advantage of the milder weather in spring and fall.

Special events

The Via Crucis procession, led by the Pope annually on Good Friday, passes through the Forum, as does a costumed procession celebrating Rome’s founding on April 21.