Basilica Ulpia

Basilica Ulpia is an ancient civil basilica in Trajan's Forum in Rome, Italy. The ruin shows column remains, floor fragments, and the outline of the original rectangular hall with five aisles.

Apollodorus of Damascus designed the structure, which was completed around 112 CE and stood as the largest basilica in Rome. Its role as a court and assembly space ended in the fourth century.

The name comes from Trajan's family name Ulpius and marks the building as part of his forum complex. Visitors today recognize the foundation walls of the great hall where judges delivered verdicts and merchants sealed contracts.

The excavation site is accessible during the day and allows a clear view of the ongoing work where columns are raised again using old techniques. A walk around the complex gives insight into the form and scale of the ancient hall.

Two large apses formed the ends of the hall and served as chambers for judicial panels. The complex also had two inner courtyards that are now visible only in their floor plans.

Location: Rome

Architects: Apollodorus of Damascus

Part of: Regio VIII Forum Romanum, Trajan's Forum

GPS coordinates: 41.89556,12.48457

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30