Italy Rome Roma RM Museum

Mercati di Traiano

About

Built into the slopes of the Quirinal Hill, the Mercati di Traiano—Trajan’s Market—is a marvel of ancient Roman engineering and urban planning. Dating to the early 2nd century AD and attributed to Apollodorus of Damascus, this multi-level complex once housed over 150 shops and offices, making it the world’s first known shopping mall. Its semicircular design and vaulted halls reflect both practicality and architectural innovation, with travertine and brickwork forming a robust structure that has endured centuries. Today, the site hosts the Museo dei Fori Imperiali, showcasing artifacts and reconstructions from Rome’s imperial forums. Visitors can explore Via Biberatica, a preserved Roman street lined with tabernae, and enjoy panoramic views of Trajan’s Forum. The market’s layered history—from commercial hub to medieval fortress and convent—adds depth to its cultural significance. Mercati di Traiano stands as a testament to Rome’s ability to blend commerce, governance, and artistry in one enduring space.

Rome Italy

Location

Mercati di Traiano, or Trajan's Market, is located at Via IV Novembre 94, near Piazza Venezia in the heart of Rome. This impressive ancient complex, built between 100 and 110 AD by Emperor Trajan's architect Apollodorus of Damascus, is a vast multi-level structure originally serving as a center for administrative offices and commercial activities linked to the Imperial Fora. Today, it houses the Museum of the Imperial Forums, where visitors can explore the extensive ruins, including shops, offices, and the remains of a library, enriched by multimedia displays and archaeological finds that illuminate the daily life and governance of ancient Rome. The market sits on the slope of the Quirinal Hill and offers striking views of the surrounding Imperial Fora, including Trajan’s Forum itself. Just steps away, visitors can discover other iconic landmarks such as the Vittoriano monument and the Roman Forum. The area is well connected by public transport, with the Colosseo Metro station (Line B) about a 10-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include the Torre delle Milizie, a medieval tower rising above the complex, and bustling Piazza Venezia, a major hub for sightseeing and Roman life. The location places Mercati di Traiano amid Rome’s archaeological and historical core, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the layers of the city’s ancient empire.

Vatican Museums