Piazza Navona Guide
Piazza Navona: Rome's Baroque Masterpiece Guide
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most beautiful and lively squares. This stunning Baroque masterpiece is a feast for the eyes, with its magnificent fountains, elegant architecture, and bustling street performers. Whether you're admiring the Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers, enjoying a gelato, or simply soaking up the Roman ambiance, Piazza Navona is an unforgettable experience. Piazza Navona stands on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. The stadium was used for athletic contests and could accommodate over 30,000 spectators. In the 17th century, Pope Innocent X commissioned the transformation of the square into its current Baroque form. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain represents the four major rivers of the world known at the time: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Río de la Plata. Admire the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain), and the Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain). Visit the Sant'Agnese in Agone church, designed by Francesco Borromini, which faces the Fountain of Four Rivers. Enjoy the street performers, artists, and vendors that fill the square. Indulge in a gelato or a coffee at one of the many cafes surrounding the piazza. While Piazza Navona itself doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, it's surrounded by restaurants offering classic Roman cuisine. Try pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara, or sample Roman-style pizza.
Transportation
Piazza Navona is centrally located and easily accessible by bus. Several bus lines stop near the piazza, including lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628.