Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali

The Markets of Trajan (Mercati di Traiano) is a vast complex of ancient Roman ruins located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end to the Colosseum. Built between 100-110 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus, Trajan's architect, it is widely considered the world's first multi-story shopping mall, complete with over 150 tabernae (shops or offices). Beyond its commercial past, the complex also served administrative purposes and housed various public services. Today, it hosts the Museum of the Imperial Fora (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which tells the story of the Imperial Fora's construction, purpose, and subsequent transformation through the display of architectural fragments, sculptures, and multimedia reconstructions. Vistors can wander through the multi-level structures, including the Great Hemicycle and the Great Hall, gaining a unique perspective on Roman urban planning and daily life. The museum provides an in-depth understanding of the archaeological area it inhabits, making it an essential complement to a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.