Via dei Fori Imperiali has always been, in the perception of those who pass by, more of a backdrop than a place. A backdrop to be observed from a distance, separated from the city like a theatrical backdrop. Roma Capitale has decided to change this history, and is doing so with the most ambitious project ever launched in the central archaeological area of the city.
It is called CarMe – Monumental Archaeological Center – and provides an operational program to be completed in the three-year period 2025-2027 with a total investment of 282 million euros, including PNRR, Jubilee, state and municipal funds.
A ring that ties everything together
The objective is the creation of a large pedestrian ring that will allow you to walk in a unique context in the world: from the Forum to the Colosseum, the Celion, the Palatine, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus, up to the Capitoline Hill. A continuous route, without architectural barriers, which transforms parts of the city today visited in blocks – often with confusing crossings and broken paths – into a single walkable narrative.
Developed by Roma Capitale by the Capitoline Superintendence, on the basis of the report to the Mayor presented by Walter Tocci, and with the technical support of Diritti per Roma, this project represents the largest investment ever in the central archaeological area.
The competition won by the Labics studio
For the New Archaeological Walk – the heart of the program and the first operational step – Roma Capitale has launched an international tender. Among the 23 proposals received, the Roman studio Labics by Maria Claudia Clemente and Francesco Isidori won. The estimated cost for this specific intervention is 18.8 million euros.
Via dei Fori Imperiali will become a maxi promenade, with the widening of the sidewalks and the leveling of the driveway portion to a single walking height. The project includes panoramic terraces overlooking the Forum, raised walkways, green areas and seating. The system is designed to increase use without transforming the area into a theme park.
The construction sites have already started
The first works have already begun, the inaugural construction site involved via di San Teodoro, with an investment of 2 million euros, the redevelopment of 7,500 m2 of road and the laying of 300,000 cobblestones. At the same time, work began on Via del Foro Romano, with the creation of large pedestrian spaces in Piazza del Foro Romano and in the small square of Velabro, with benches and trees.
The overall picture brings together multiple coordinated interventions with resources from different channels. For the area of the Imperial Forums, allocations exceeding 10 million euros are foreseen, while the archaeological walk requires approximately 18.8 million.
