Arch of Titus in Rome: reliefs, tickets and how to get to the Forum

The Arch of Titus is visible even before you enter the Roman Forum. It stands on the Via Sacra, at the very beginning of the ancient city's main street, and is the first thing that greets you on the way from the Colosseum.

From the outside, the arch looks austere: gray-white stone, restrained decoration, and no gilding, while all the most valuable things are hidden inside the passageway. Such reliefs have hardly survived on any other ancient monuments in Rome.

Below, we'll look at the history of the arch, its reliefs, tickets, and the route from the metro.

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History and meaning of the Arch of Titus

💡 In short:

• The Arch of Titus stands on the Via Sacra, at the entrance to the Roman Forum and near the Colosseum.
• It was erected in 81 AD to commemorate Titus's victory in the Jewish War.
• The reliefs inside the passageway show trophies from the Jerusalem temple and the emperor's triumph.

In ancient Rome, a triumphal arch was a ceremonial gateway to the city. Through it, a victorious general rode in a chariot, followed by his legions after a victory. The Arch of Titus was the last to be placed in this row on the Via Sacra, and it is dedicated to one specific war.

The Jewish War began in 66 AD with an uprising in Jerusalem against Roman rule. Emperor Nero sent the experienced commander Vespasian to suppress it, and he struggled to bring the province back under Rome's control.

A few years later, Nero died, and the empire descended into a power struggle. The legions proclaimed Vespasian emperor, and he left for Rome, leaving his son Titus in Judea. Titus besieged Jerusalem, took the city, and carried off the treasures of the temple. For Rome, this became the greatest triumph of those years.

In 79 AD, Titus succeeded his father on the throne, and two years later he died. The Senate declared him a god, and the new emperor Domitian began building an arch in honor of his brother. It was built by Jerusalem prisoners captured in the war. The monument was intended as a permanent reminder of the conquered province (historical background from the operator).

In the 12th century, the arch was incorporated into the fortifications of the palace of the Roman Frangipane family. Fighting between clans raged around it, and the monument suffered heavy damage. Part of the facing was dismantled for other buildings at that time.

The arch was reassembled only in 1821. Pope Pius VII commissioned the architect Valadier to carry out the work. He dismantled the structure and reassembled it using travertine. The new stone is noticeably different from the original white marble, and you will see this on site (operator's website).

What the arch looks like and what is on the reliefs

The Arch of Titus is a single powerful arch with a round vault. It stands on the slope of the Velian Hill, right by the Via Sacra. Its dimensions are modest compared to the Colosseum: about 15 meters high and about 13 meters wide (according to the operator). The facade is supported by composite columns, one of the earliest examples of this order, and winged figures of Victoria are carved at the corners of the passageway.

The main decoration is hidden inside the passageway. On one relief, you can make out legionaries carrying trophies from the Jerusalem temple. Among them are a golden seven-branched menorah, the table of showbread, and silver trumpets. The menorah on the arch is considered the most famous ancient depiction, and it is what travelers most often look for.

On the other relief, Emperor Titus rides in a chariot. Winged Victoria crowns him with a laurel wreath, and the goddess Roma drives the quadriga. The horses are shown in motion, so the scene reads at a glance. Between the reliefs, in the center of the vault, lies a small panel with an eagle carrying Titus up to heaven.

At the top, the arch is crowned by an attic with Latin inscriptions. One faces the Colosseum and thanks Titus on behalf of the Senate and citizens of Rome. The other states that Pius VII ordered the restoration of the dilapidated monument in 1821. Look closely at the letters: part of the text was cut off during restoration.

Tickets and opening hours

The Arch of Titus stands inside the archaeological park, so a ticket is needed not for the arch itself, but for the entire Roman Forum. The combined ticket includes the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Palatine Hill, and is valid for 24 hours from the first entry (as of 09/2026, tickets on the official website).

The Forum is open from morning to evening, with hours changing by season. The last entry is usually closed about an hour before the complex closes; check the exact time on the schedule page.

Colosseum tickets and Forum tickets with a time slot are best booked in advance: in summer, free slots for the time you want sell out quickly. Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide

How to get to the Arch of Titus

The most convenient way is to take the metro to Colosseo station, line B. From the exit near the Colosseum, you walk along the arena and then go up the Via Sacra to the Arch of Titus. From the Colosseum to the arch is about 300 meters on foot according to the map, about five minutes. The second entrance to the park is at Via di San Gregorio, on the Palatine side.

Buses and trams also stop at the Colosseum, but the metro is simpler and does not depend on traffic. Come at opening time or after 4:00 PM, when the main tour groups are already leaving.

Open the point on the map in your app so you don't wander around the fence looking for the entrance.

Arch of Titus on the map

Below is an interactive map with the arch's location. Use it to plan a route from your hotel.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is the Arch of Titus and when was it built?

The Arch of Titus is a triumphal arch on the Via Sacra in Rome, erected in 81 AD by order of Emperor Domitian in honor of his brother Titus and the victory in the Jewish War.

How much does a ticket to the Arch of Titus cost?

There is no separate ticket. Entry is by the combined ticket to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. See the current price and time slot on the official ticket sales page. We checked the data in September 2026; prices change once a season.

How to get to the Arch of Titus?

Take metro line B to Colosseo station, then walk through the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.

When is the best time to come to avoid crowds?

At park opening or closer to evening. In the morning, the main groups have not yet arrived; in the evening, they are already leaving, and the light on the reliefs is softer.

What is depicted on the reliefs of the Arch of Titus?

Two main panels show the triumph of Titus. On one, legionaries carry trophies from the Jerusalem temple, including the menorah. On the other, the emperor rides in a chariot wearing a laurel wreath. In the center of the vault is an eagle carrying Titus up to heaven.

In short: what is worth booking

The Arch of Titus is a short but rich stop on the route through the Roman Forum. You need very little time to see the reliefs, but the ticket still takes you through the entire park. So plan your visit together with the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

• If you are coming for ancient history: get the combined Colosseum ticket, Forum, and Palatine Hill.
• If you are looking for accommodation near the Forum: find a hotel in Rome on Trip.com.