About Arch of Constantine
Attractions Near Arch of Constantine
Located at a distance of 0.19 km from the arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus is another ancient Roman monument dating back to 81 C.E. The Triumphal Arch was placed to showcase the victories of Emperor Titus, and his father Vespasian against the Jewish War. This was placed at the foot of Palatine Hill by Domitian to honor his brother, and father. The Arch displays the religious, and political significance of Emperor Titus in Ancient Rome.
A flatland named a hill, the Palatine Hill is a four-sided plateau at a distance of 0.26 km from the arch of Constantine. It rises 168 ft above sea level and lies 131 ft south of Forum. Originally, this place belonged to upper-class Roman citizens that built lavish homes. Not much remains out of those houses from the Republican period, but some of the sites are still preserved. Today, this place features the open-air large Palatine Museum that showcases artifacts found in excavations in the Roman sites.
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Lying 0.42 km from the Arch of Constantine Rome, Domus Area is Emperor Nero’s favorite “Golden Palace”. This place was built by Emperor Nero amidst the center of the city and remained his favorite during his short life span. A major source for finding Ancient Roman Paintings, and decoratives, this area encompasses an artificial lake in Marshy Valley. Some of the Renaissance work belongs to the Domus Area as well. The Domus Area covers the slopes of the Caelian, Palatine, and Oppian Hills.
Just a half kilometer from the arch of Constantine, the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli is an Ancient Roman Church built in the 5th century. It is a Roman Catholic Titular Church, and a minor Basilica in Rome, Italy. It was built to contain the relics of Saint Peter at the time of his imprisonment in Jerusalem. Today, this Church possesses the same religious significance as it preserves the chains that held Saint Peter during his imprisonment. The Church holds an artistic value as it nestles Michelangelo’s colossal statue of Moses.
Running straight from Piazza Venezia to Colosseum with a distance of 0.5 km from the arch of Constantine, Via dei Fori Imperiali is an ancient Roman road. The road runs through the center of Rome, Italy, and holds a great archaeological character. It has been a crucial part of excavations on both of its sides. Several imperial Roman relics were found on the road with utmost historical, and religious significance.
Roman Forum was a center of religious, cultural, social, and legal affairs in Ancient Rome. It is located 0.5 km from the arch of Constantine, and served well for criminal trials, elections, and speeches. Originally, this place was used as Necropolis, but later it became a sports stadium for Ancient Romans. Several combats between Romans, and Sabines, and various Gladiatorial matches were enjoyed by hundreds in this place. All these events were documented by Roman Historian Livy.
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Just as the name suggests the St. Clement Basilica is dedicated to Pope Clement I. Located at a distance of 0.58 km from the Arch of Constantine Rome, this Church is a Minor Basilica. This Church is an architectural symbol owing to the fact or showcasing the history from Ancient Rome to Middle-age Christianity. This place went on multiple transformations throughout its age-old existence. Ranging from a private home in Ancient Rome, a Christian Worship site in the first century, Grand Public Basilica by the 6th century, and again, a Roman Catholic Church.
Septimius Severus Arch is another arch lying 0.6 km from the arch of Constantine that dates back to 203 CE. This arch was built as a powerful symbolic representation of Roman Victories over Parthians during the 2-3rd centuries. It looks like one of the most elegant Ancient Roman monuments, owing to its architectural beauty. The monument lost many of its paintings, reliefs, and statues owing to the sands of time, but remains well-preserved, and maintains its charm.
Circus Maximus is a chariot racetrack located 0.6 km away from the arch of Constantine. Constructed around the 6th century BCE, this U-shaped structure has space for spectators along its 3 sides. There is a wall with a low elevation that runs down in the middle of the arena on which the races were conducted. Even public events like Roman Games, and Gladiator Flights as the citizens enjoyed watching, later it was turned into a circus. Today, this place is a public park open to visitors.
0.6 km near the arch of Constantine, the Imperial Forum is a group of Ancient Roman monuments built between 46 BCE, and 113 AD. These groups of Piazzas have been a political center of the Romans for years. Slowly these structures were built one by one until a group formed. Multiple Emperors and architects were involved in its construction and design. Many religious ceremonies were conducted at these monuments. Today, this monumental square remains an archaeological site, where you can take guided tours.
Trajan’s Market is 0.7 km from the arch of Constantine, and is one of the historically significant sites owing to its glory in the administrative time period. This place was even a place to shop as most people call it one of the World’s oldest and first “Shopping Centers”. The architecture of this place showcases the best of Ancient Rome and narrates the history of the Imperial City. It encompasses the Museum of Imperial Forums and currently holds various exhibitions and events.
Piazza del Campidoglio is a large Ancient Roman square with monuments located 0.7 km from the Arch of Constantine. It nestles on the top of Campidoglio Hill, the origin of the Ancient Roman City. The large monumental square stretches between Campus Martius and Roman City. Several archaeological excavations have been carried out in this place to uncover medieval, and Renaissance objects.
History of Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine I symbolizes the valor of the Emperor and his victory over Roman Tyrant Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge around 312 CE. This was erected in 315 CE, 3 years after the victory- yet an important event of power as it was the 10th anniversary of Constantine’s reign. It is the largest Ancient Roman Triumphal Art that survives to the present day. The arch is nicknamed as “tour de force”, marking the successful reign of Constantine I. Although the Arch has an imperial Roman structure. It has inscriptions of Constantine The Great marking his biggest wins. There are engravings of Constantine I with his magnificent crown for the Victory. The Roman Gods Hercules, Apollo, and Diana are drawn on the Arch as a result of Ancient Roman mythology. Over the long course of time, the monument suffered several times but has been restored successfully.
The Arches Architecture
The Arch of Constantine I has beautiful Imperial Roman Architecture with a width of 25 meters, and a height of 21 meters. The rectangular-shaped arch has four Corinthian columns that separate the three arches. The middle column is the largest one and each of the columns has a statue that depicts the prisoner from the territory lost to Emperor Constantine. The central column has inscriptions in Latin, and the other two smaller arches have a marvel roundel with engravings of a bear, and lion hunt, showcasing Roman Gods- Hercules, Diana, Apollo, etc. Some of the reliefs of the arch are taken from Trajan Frieze and various other monuments. Several colorful materials like white, and grey Peloponnesian marble, green porphyry, yellow marble, and dark red materials decorate the arch. Scenes of the Emperor addressing people, winning battles, sitting on the throne, etc, are presented through sculptures of the Arch.
Plan Your Visit to Arch of Constantine
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Location: Via di S. Gregorio, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
How To Reach: Board a train along metro line B to reach the Arch of Constantine, located between the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum at the foot of Palatine Hill.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Arch of Constantine is during the early morning hours. There is very little shade on the monument, making it difficult for you to escape from the heat. Hence, you should visit during the morning to escape from the heat, and avoid crowds.
- The Arch of Constantine is situated in the open-air middle of the Colosseum, and Roman Forum, at the foot of Palatine Hill. This makes it susceptible to direct sunlight. Hence, wear sunscreen, and hats to beat the heat.
- Arch is accessible to people with reduced mobility on wheelchairs.
- You can get close to the Arch but cannot cross it as an iron fence encircles it.
- You can click photos unapologetically!
FAQ's of Arch of Constantine
What is significant about the Arch of Constantine?
The Arch of Constantine is important because it showcases the valor of Constantine I the Great. It was a celebration of his victory over Roman Tyrant Maxentius and his 10-year reign anniversary. The Arch depicted his wins and the achievements of the Roman Empire under his reign. Today, this Triumphal arch is the largest surviving one from the Roman Times.
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Who built the Arch of Constantine?
The arch of Constantine was built by the Ancient Emperor Constantine I in 315 CE, to mark his victory over Roman Tyrant Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.
When was the Constantine arch built?
The Arch of Constantine Rome was built in 315 CE, just 3 years after the War of Milvian Bridge. The date of Arch’s completion, 28th October 315 CE, marked the 10th anniversary of Constantine the Great’s reign at that time.
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What is the best time to visit the Arch of Constantine?
The best time to visit the Arch of Constantine is during the early morning hours. This place is located in the open-air middle of the Colosseum, and Roman Forum, at the foot of Palatine Hill. The location makes direct sunlight hit directly. Hence, the early morning hours are the best as they do not witness much sunlight and crowds.
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What are the nearby attractions of the Arch of Constantine?
The attractions near the Arch of Constantine are- the Arch of Titus at 0.19 km, Palatine Hill at 0.26 km, Domus Aurea at 0.42 km, Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli at 05 km, Via dei Fori Imperiali at 0.5 km, Roman Forum at 0.5 km, and St. Clement Basilica at 0.58 km.
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