The Curia, or Senate House was the heart of Rome, both physically and politically. It is one of the more significant buildings within the Roman Forum. Built by Julius Caesar, building started around 44 BC, just before his assassination. He wasn’t to know that he would never see it finished. Augustus, his successor, would go on to complete it in 29 BC. Amidst the broken columns and other ruins, the Curia stands out because it is largely intact. The original tiled floors are still in place mainly because it was converted into a church in 623 AD. It was restored to its original appearance in 1938. If it looks deceptively plain from the outside, that’s because it’s missing a number of external features. A series of square holes beneath the 3 large windows caught our eye. This is where beams were inserted for a chalcidicum (a colonnaded porch) which was raised on a high podium at the front. Slabs of marble would also have decorated the lower part of this wall. Inside Roman senators met to debate and deliberate current issues, to vote and to issue decrees. They were responsible for allocating funds for various public building and projects, appointing governors to the provinces, declaring war and negotiating peace. Three low steps on each side provided seating for about 300 Senators. What you see today are some frescos, mosaics, relief fragments, the marble floor with precious inlaid porphyry and serpentine. ENTRY: It is worth noting that you cannot buy a separate entry to the forum. It is included in the combo Colosseum/Roman Forum ticket and therefore its essential to book ahead.

The senate house in the Roman Forum started to be built under the orders of Julius Caesar way back in 44 BC.