Portico of Pompey

The Portico of Pompey was a large complex in Rome featuring colonnaded corridors that surrounded an inner garden decorated with sculptures and fountains. Remains of the original structure are now embedded in the walls of buildings between Campo dei Fiori and Largo Argentina.

The complex was built in the 50s BC and formed part of the first permanent stone theater in Rome, commissioned by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. It shaped urban life in this area for centuries until the passage of time and Tiber flooding left their mark.

The site functioned as a gathering place where Romans participated in social activities while viewing art collections obtained from military campaigns.

You can walk through the neighborhood between Campo dei Fiori and Largo Argentina to observe the ancient remains scattered throughout the area. The fragments are fairly low-level structures, so pay attention to your surroundings and allow time for a leisurely exploration.

The ground level in this area rose significantly due to Tiber River flooding, leaving the original street level several meters below today's surface. Shop owners creatively solved this by incorporating pieces of the ancient columns and walls into their new buildings at the higher elevation.