Arch of Constantine: Complete Guide to Rome’s Greatest Triumphal Arch

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch built in 315 AD to celebrate Emperor Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Standing directly beside the Colosseum, it is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch at 21 metres tall and 25 metres wide. Entry is free — it can be viewed from the outside at any time without a ticket.

Step out of the Colosseum and you’ll find yourself face to face with one of Rome’s most spectacular monuments — the Arch of Constantine. Standing 21 metres tall at the junction of the Via Triumphalis and Via Sacra, this triumphal arch has greeted Roman emperors, medieval pilgrims, and modern visitors for more than 1,700 years. It is free to admire from the outside, and its remarkable story — assembled from fragments of earlier imperial monuments — tells as much about Roman politics and propaganda as it does about architecture.

Whether you’re visiting the Colosseum or simply walking through the ancient heart of Rome, understanding the Arch of Constantine transforms this striking structure from a beautiful backdrop into a fascinating historical document. Combine your visit with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill — both included in all Colosseum tickets.

Top Tickets

The General Entry ticket lets you explore at your own pace, while the Guided Tour adds an expert guide to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Want to stand on the arena floor? Go for the Guided Tour + Arena. For the full experience including the underground hypogeum, the Arena + Underground is the one to book.

Quick Facts: Arch of Constantine

History of the Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine was dedicated in 315 AD to mark Constantine’s victory over co-emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312 AD. The victory made Constantine the sole ruler of the western Roman Empire. Shortly after, the Edict of Milan (313 AD) established religious tolerance across the empire, laying the groundwork for Christianity’s rise as Rome’s dominant religion.

In 312 AD, Constantine marched on Rome to challenge his co-emperor Maxentius, who commanded a larger force. According to the Christian historian Eusebius, Constantine received a divine vision — a cross and the words ‘In hoc signo vinces’ (In this sign, conquer) — the night before battle. He had soldiers mark their shields with the Chi-Rho symbol and won decisively. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the retreat. Three years later, the Roman Senate erected this arch to honour the victory.

Architecture: How the Arch Was Built

Unlike most Roman triumphal arches, the Arch of Constantine is largely composed of elements taken (or ‘spoliated’) from earlier imperial monuments. Reliefs and sculpture from the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius were removed, reworked, and incorporated into the new arch. Constantine’s portrait was substituted for those of earlier emperors on many of the repurposed roundels.

The Three Archways

The arch features the classic triumphal format: a large central archway flanked by two smaller ones. The central arch is 11.5 metres tall and 6.5 metres wide — wide enough for a chariot procession.

Spolia: A Political Patchwork

The arch’s use of spolia — architectural elements taken from earlier monuments — is one of its most fascinating aspects. Material came from three earlier emperors:

• Trajan (98–117 AD): Dacian prisoner statues atop the attic level; eight large relief panels from a Trajanic monument.
• Hadrian (117–138 AD): Eight circular medallions (tondi) depicting hunting scenes. Constantine’s head was re-carved onto the figure originally bearing Hadrian’s likeness.
• Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD): Eight rectangular relief panels on the attic level; again, Constantine’s head replaces the original emperor’s.

The use of spolia was both practical — faster and cheaper than commissioning new sculpture — and political, associating Constantine with Rome’s most celebrated ‘good emperors’.

The Constantinian Frieze

The original Constantinian sculpture — the horizontal band running below the roundels — depicts the campaign against Maxentius: the siege of Verona, the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine’s entry into Rome, and his address to the people. The figures are shorter and more stylised than the borrowed classical sculpture, marking a new artistic direction toward late antique and eventually Byzantine art.

How to Visit the Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is free to view and accessible at all times from the surrounding piazza. It stands between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, immediately adjacent to the Colosseum exit. No ticket is required to view it from outside. Interior access is not available to the general public.

The arch is located on Via Sacra, approximately 50 metres from the main Colosseum entrance. After exiting the Colosseum, you will walk directly toward it. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo on Metro Line B. See our guide to getting to the Colosseum for full transport options.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (before 9 am) offers the quietest crowds and best photography before the tourist groups arrive. Evening light — golden hour before sunset — is spectacular, and the arch looks magnificent when illuminated at night. See our guide to the Colosseum at night for the best nocturnal viewing spots.

Photography Tips

For the classic shot with both the arch and the Colosseum, position yourself at the southeastern edge of the Piazza del Colosseo, looking northwest. For detail shots, morning light from the east picks out the sculptural relief beautifully. See our guide to Colosseum photo spots for the best angles in the surrounding area.

Nearby Attractions

• The Colosseum — 50 metres north
• The Roman Forum — immediately to the west, included in all Colosseum tickets
• Palatine Hill — immediately to the south, included in all Colosseum tickets
• Imperial Fora & Nearby Sites — a 10-minute walk northwest

See our recommended routes around the Colosseum for a suggested itinerary combining all of these sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

• Colosseum History & Architecture — The Complete Guide
• Roman Forum — What to See, Tickets & Visitor Tips
• Palatine Hill — Complete Visitor Guide
• Imperial Fora & Nearby Ancient Sites
• Best Photo Spots Around the Colosseum
• Colosseum at Night — Illumination & Viewing Spots
• Recommended Routes Around the Colosseum