Foro romano di Catania

The Roman Forum of Catania is an underground archaeological site with multiple vaulted chambers and walls made of opus reticulatum stone. The remains include architraved doorways and various rooms that once served as commercial and storage areas.

The ancient Roman structure developed as a center of urban activity in Catania. During the 16th century, scholar Lorenzo Bolano recorded eight vaulted rooms to the south and four to the north before they vanished with the construction of Via del Corso.

The forum served as the marketplace and meeting place for daily commerce in ancient times, with shops and storage areas revealing how Romans conducted their business. These spaces show how the city's residents gathered here to trade and interact with each other.

The site is located underground and easy to miss, so it helps to research the location beforehand or book a guided tour. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as the underground chambers are cool and the floor can be uneven in places.

Several ancient artifacts found at the site, including a massive torso of an emperor from the early Roman period and limestone pavements, were moved to other locations. These pieces are now housed in Castello Ursino and reveal what valuable objects once rested here.