The Triumphal Arch of Constantine is one of the largest and best preserved times of Ancient Rome. Unlike the arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, you can view it for free by going around. Go through it will not succeed.
Arc de Triomphe of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
The Arc de Triomphe of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) in Rome is one of the most famous ancient Roman buildings, a vivid example of ancient architecture, a symbol of the sunset of the great Roman Empire.
History reference
Unlike other triumphal arches, Konstantinova does not symbolize victory over an external enemy, but a triumph in a civil war. In October 312, Konstantin utterly defeated the army of Mark Maxentius at the Mulviev Bridge, showing himself to be an excellent strategist.
Arch of Constantine - evidence of the triumph of the great emperor
There is a legend that before this most important battle Konstantin had a sign: in a dream he saw the sign of the cross. He took the Christian symbol with him into battle and won with him. Later, Constantine, named the Great, declared Christianity the single religion of the empire and transferred the capital to Constantinople.
The arch was built for three years and completed in 315. A squat monumental structure of 21 meters in height, of three spans, with a length of facades of about 26 m and a width of the front sides of 7.5 meters was erected. Eight Corinthian columns of Numidian marble stood out on the front sides of the arch. Above them were installed statues of Dacians made of marble of another breed - light, with purple veins. The main part of the structure was made of massive white marble blocks.
Decor
Trim details
The builders took the decor for the arch from pre-existing Roman buildings: the creators of such a grandiose structure had little time for its sculptural decoration. Three years for that era was considered a very short time. Historians suggest another explanation for this fact - the symbolic union of Constantine with the great rulers of the past. On some elements of the decor of the arch, the images of the earlier ruling emperors are guessed - they were given the resemblance to the emperor Constantine.
Attic
Bas-reliefs with attic arches
Eight statues for the attic of the arch were taken from the forum of Trajan. Eight bas-reliefs on the attic were moved from another, previously destroyed arch of the times of Marcus Aurelius. The marble frieze was also borrowed - it was divided into four fragments and installed over small arches and inside the main span. On these decorations you can recognize the military scenes of the times of Trajan. Medallions mounted above the side arches depict hunting scenes of Emperor Hadrian.
Today, the Arch of Constantine is considered the most famous of the ancient Roman arches and the best preserved. It stands on the ancient Via Triumphalis road, between the Coliseum and Palatine Hill. This arch has become a good example for many later triumphal structures built in the world.
Visiting this attraction is free.
Arch of Constantine near the Coliseum
View from the other side
How to get there
The nearest stop is the Colosseo metro (line B).
You can get to Arka by bus:
51, 75, 85, 87, 118, No. 2 to the Colosseo stop;
75, 85, 87, 118, C3, No. 2, No. 10 - to Celio Vibenna.
By tram 3, 8 - to Piazza Del Colosseo.
