Via Sacra (Sacred Street), Rome

The Sacred Street, once the main ceremonial and religious road in ancient Rome, dates back to the city's regal age. It used to link key settlements, such as Velia, to major landmarks like the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill. As Rome grew, the street became central to both political and religious activities, passing through significant sites such as the Regia, one of the oldest buildings in the Forum, and the Comitium, the city's political hub.

The name 鈥淪acred鈥� derives from its association with sacred events, including the peace treaty which united the Romans and Sabines under a dual kingship of Romulus and Titus Tatius. Over time, the road was paved and modified, becoming the primary route for triumphal processions celebrating military victories. These parades, which frequently followed Roman conquests, moved through the Arch of Titus and concluded at the Arch of Septimius Severus.

As the street鈥檚 importance grew, it underwent improvements, including the addition of colonnades and other architectural enhancements. The Arch of Titus was among these significant upgrades. Over the centuries, the Sacred Street evolved from a residential area, where noble families once lived, into a monumental corridor lined with structures like the Basilica of Maxentius, the Temple of Venus and Roma, and the Temple of Peace. Its proximity to early Christian churches underscored its continued religious significance even as Rome transitioned into the imperial era.

Following the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero redirected and straightened the eastern stretch of the street, adding colonnades and commercial spaces, effectively transforming it into a grand boulevard. In this capacity, the road was a stage for everyday Roman life, hosting solemn festivals, public gatherings, business dealings, and even prostitution.

Since the reign of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, it became part of the apotheosis ceremonies for deceased rulers; their bodies were carried along the street to the Forum for public tributes.

Visitors can still see wear and tear from Roman times on the Sacred Street's pavers, including smooth surfaces and wagon-wheel crevices. As such, it's a must-see highlight of the Roman Forum, offering a tangible connection to Rome鈥檚 ancient grandeur.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 911爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Via Sacra (Sacred Street)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour

Rome has long played host to pilgrims鈥攁fter all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual... view more

Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.

The name 鈥淩ome鈥� originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it鈥檚 a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy鈥檚 most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caff猫s are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

On this... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...

17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...

Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome

Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...