Piazza Navona, Rome

Also on Piazza Navona is Palazzo Pamphilj, the largest building in the square. Currently housing the Brazilian Embassy, the palazzo is a 17th-century creation by architect Giralamo Rainaldi for Pope Innocent X (Cardinal Giambattista Pamphilj) whose family, the Pamphilj, owned a smaller version of the palace before his accession to the papacy. The palace was enlarged following the cardinal's election to the throne - mainly to mark the family's increased prestige.

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Piazza Navona was ancient Rome's main market for centuries. Today, it is a focal point for hordes of tourists attracted by the piazza's lively atmosphere, stylish cafes, local art market and the three fountains: Fontana del Moro (photos 1-3), Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and the ever popular Fontana del Nettuno (photos 4-5). The centerpiece is Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), but it was under restoration at the time of my visit.

Between the two functional fountains, I found the Fontan del Moro to be more dramatic and more worthy as a photo subject - especially the sculpture of a Moor wrestling a dolphin added by Bernini to Giacomo della Porta's original design.

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The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers) is one of the 3 fountains on Piazza Navona. The rivers in question - the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile and the Plate - are represented by four huge allegorical figures who in turn represent the four continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The Nile is blindfolded because the source of the river was then still unknown. Rising above the statues is an obelisk taken from the Circus of Maxentius. The obelisk is topped by the figure of a dove with an olive branch to show that this once pagan monument has been converted into a Christian one.

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Piazza Navona is one of the most animated squares in Rome, full of tourists and Romans wandering among stalls set up by artists or relaxing with a coffee in one of the many bars. Piazza Navona was built over the remains of the emperor Domitian's ancient atheletics stadium. It was originally used for atheletic contests and horse races. Three baroque fountains can be found on the piazza: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno - all Bernini's masterpieces.

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Arguably the epicenter of Rome's tourism industry, tourists easily outnumber locals at Piazza Navona. But this doesn't mean you have to give this venue a pass - that is if you can escape it. Its location in the heart of Rome's centro storico (historical center) means that you would have to pass by this amazing public square built on the ruins of a Roman arena. Might as well make the most it.

I specifically liked the energy that pervades around the piazza. It's tourism-oriented (think tourists haggling for painting), but very much intense in terms of energy and character from the beautiful baroque palazzi and fountains. It, too, is a perfect refuge for tired tourist's feet, while being entertained by the throng of tourists, who, most probably share your purpose in being there.

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Rome holds a very special attraction for me at sunrise. Even the most popular destination will unveil her heart to you at dawn - when it is quiet, solitary, with lingering traces of the previous night's revelry (photo 1). Strewn evidence of the racous nightlife will shortly give way to the artisan's easel. The commanding presence of the Church of Santa Agnese en Agone will open its doors to the devoted - not an unusual scene in Rome where revelry and reverence co-exist, seemingly oblivious to each other or, perhaps, choosing to ignore one another. Sunrise reveals the secrets of the night and you are privy to the transition. The absence of people provides an unobstructed view of the resident art - the rising sun baths the piazza in radiant light. Witness nature embellish art - changing the tint of travertine from moment to moment. I won't blink - won't miss a shade.

Photo 2 - Piazza Navona is bustling during the day and always a center of Rome's night life. The Piazza in daytime with artists and browsers with the Church of Santa Agnese in Agone in background.

Photo 3 - Piazza Navona was frequently flooded - nope, not by rain nor storm runoff or the Tevere -- by Romans themselves to provide fun for all! This plate by Vasi shows us Piazza Navona in summer when it was flooded to provide refreshment to the Romans - reminiscent of an ancient era when the Stadium of Domitianus was used for "naumachias" - combat boat games.

Photo 4 - Marcel's show early evening in summer - a "must see" especially for families - more detail on Local Customs tip

The Piazza was embellished at the end of 19th century by the third fountain on the north side. Pope Innocentius X, Giovanni Battista Pamphili 1572-1655, was elected in 1644. (More detail on the fountains in another tip). He was born in the family palace in Piazza Navona and is buried in the Church of Santa Agnese in Agon. This gives us a hint as to why he devoted effort and resources to transform the former vegetable market among the ruins of the Stadium of Domitianus into one of the most impressive piazzas in all of Rome.

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This oval shaped piazza was my favourite square in Rome. It takes its shape from being on the site of an ancient Roman stadium. The square is visibly beautiful, the main style of architecture is Baroque.

The square is dominated on one side by the church Sant' Agnese in Agone. In the centre is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The four rivers are represented by four giants & in the centre an obelisk. There are fountains at either end of the square also. As the square is a magnet for tourists it is surrounded by shops & cafes.

This piazza is a beautiful place to relax and stop for a while. It's full of fountains and ringed by restaurants and cafes.

It owes its elliptical shape to a stadium and racetrack that was built here in AD86 by Emperor Domitian.

Be ready to take plenty of pictures of fountains from all angles.