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Piazza Navona |
Rome's spectacular and historical square of Piazza Navona that all travelers visiting Eternal City should not miss. Piazza Navona is famous for its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and lively ambiance — truly, everyone will find something to love here.
In this blog as we explore its rich history, the attractions it offers, and great travel tips to ensure your visit is a memorable one.
The Fascinating History of Piazza Navona
There’s an almost 2,000-year history behind the Piazza Navona. Originally, it was the Stadium of Domitian, constructed in A.D. 86 for athletic competitions and games.
The oval form of the square today reflects this ancient stadium’s layout, which could accommodate around 30,000 spectators.
It has held its name since the name Navona comes from the Latin word Agones, meaning contests or games.
By the 15th century the former stadium had become a busy market place. The square underwent a Baroque transformation at the behest of Pope Innocent X in the 17th century, including the beautiful fountains and the striking church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Today, Piazza Navona is a lively square where history, art and modern life converge and coexist.
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Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi |
Amazing Facts About Piazza Navona
Oval shape: The square’s shape is patterned on the ancient Stadium of Domitian.
Three Fountains: Piazza Navona is home to three stunning fountains—the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Moor Fountain, and the Fountain of Neptune.
Bernini’s Masterpiece: It was designed in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and represents the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio de la Plata rivers in a single sculpture — again back to the beauty found in teamwork.
Egyptian Obelisk: A lofty obelisk rises over the Fountain of the Four Rivers, adding to the grandeur of the square.
Baroque Church: Sant’Agnese in Agone church, built to the designs of Francesco Borromini, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
Art Hub: Its an open air gallery with local artists displaying their paintings and crafts.
Ancient Ruins — And Underneath square are also the remnants of Stadium of Domitian where visitors can visit.
Street Performers: Musicians, magicians and others enliven the square.
Hollywood Favorite: Piazza Navona has been in movies including Angels & Demons and Roman Holiday.
No Cars: The square is a pedestrian zone, ideal for wandering.
Foodie Paradise: Nearby restaurants and cafes serve up some of Rome’s best gelato and classic dishes.
Old Square, Water Games: The square used to be flooded in the summer, according to Wikipedia, for makeshift naval battles.
Ghost Stories: Some locals say the square is haunted by spirits from its gladiatorial past.
Free Entry: Piazza Navona has no entrance fee so everybody can visit it.
Top Attractions and Activities
Love the Fountains: Each of the three fountains has its unique sculptures and details that represent the art of the Barroco time. Don’t miss Bernini’s masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Visit Sant’Agnese in Agone: Go inside this breathtaking church to see its elaborate interiors and hear about its namesake, St. Agnes.
Tour the Stadium Ruins: Visit the underground remnants of the Stadium of Domitian for a taste of ancient Roman history.
Try the Local Cuisine: Eat real Italian food at local trattoras and cafes And don’t miss the gelato!
Stall shopping: Explore the craft and souvenir stalls for handmade crafts, artwork, and other unique items.
Street Performers: Definitely interesting from musicians to dancers to magicians.
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Fontana del Moro |
Famous Visitors and Quotes
Over the centuries, Piazza Navona has set the scene for countless artists, writers and travelers. The poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, on his voyage through Italy, -- a great German literary figure, -- described the beauty of the square.
Books and Movies Featuring Piazza Navona
This iconic square has featured in a number of books and movies, adding to its cultural significance:
Books: In Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons, Piazza Navona plays a pivotal role in an action-packed story.
Movies: Onscreen, movies such as Roman Holiday and Eat Pray Love highlight the square’s romantic, historic appeal.
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Fountain of Neptune |
Unique Experiences in Piazza Navona
Historical Significance: Piazza Navona offers an incredible insight into the history of Rome with baroque artwork and architecture.
Festive Feeling: If you visit during Christmas time, not only is it festive, there’s also the holiday market.
Local Culture: Street performers and artists offer a glimpse into Rome’s vibrant culture.
Evening Enchantment: Carefully placed lights highlight the square at night, setting the scene for a moonlit walk.
Travel Tips and Precautions
Time to Visit: Early mornings or late evenings when the place is not swarming with people.
Weather: Summers can be hot; pack a hat and sunscreen. Winters are mild but cold, so pack a jacket.
Clothing: Dress conservatively if you want to enter the church.
Stay Safe: Be cautious about pickpockets in busy tourist areas and keep your belongings close.
Know the Rules: Please don’t climb on the fountains or leave trash.
Hydrate: Bring a water bottle, especially in summer, and refill it at the nearby drinking fountains.
Transportation Options
Walking: If you’re staying in central Rome, it’s easy to reach Piazza Navona on foot.
Bus: Many buses come right around the square, so its a great option.
Taxi: Taxis are widely accessible across the city.
Metro: The nearest metro station is a 15-minute walk.
Why Piazza Navona Should Be on Your Travel List
Piazza Navona is not only a square; it’s a trip through time. Whether you love art, enjoy history, or just appreciate pretty places, Piazza Navona has something to offer. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience one of the most iconic sites in Rome.
So pack your bags, your visit is just around the corner!