Rome Navona Square

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history, as the Romans do! When in Rome visit baroque squares and enjoy your Italian cappuccino next to renaissance palaces or medieval Roman churches. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. This is ItalyTravelista personal list of the most beautiful squares of Rome.

Piazza Navona

Once a site for spectacular Roman games, Navona Square maintains an oval shape, akin to the most famous game arena, Circus Maximus. During the late 15th century, the square underwent a remarkable revamp, and is now the greatest example of Baroque Roman urban architecture. Navona square is dominated by the outstanding Four Rivers Fountain designed by Bernini, and across from the “Nile”, by the church of St’Agnese in Agone designed by Borromini. Here you can relax in one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy one of the several shows performed in the square by street performers and artists.

Piazza del Popolo

Once a site for public executions, these days Popolo Square is far more peaceful, and given its proximity to Borghese park and Via del Corso, it maintains a lively crowd of café-goers, shoppers and businessmen. Enjoy the mighty obelisk in the center of the square while sipping a nice espresso at one of the two pricey bars located in square’s corners. Nearby do not miss the pleasant Via Margutta, a quiet narrow street home to artists and painters.

Piazza Farnese

A quieter alternative to the busy Campo dè Fiori, located just a short walk away. Farnese Square is dominated by the eponymous Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace, boasting works by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, Michelangelo, and Giacomo della Porta. While it is necessary to obtain permission from the resident French Embassy to visit the interior, an evening stroll through the piazza allows a glimpse at the frescoed ceilings. The piazza itself is simple and elegant, with two fountains and few cafés. Enjoy a glass of wine at the classy Camponeschi wine bar or a roman dinner at the traditional trattoria Ar Galletto. If you decide for the Galletto make sure to make a reservation asking for a table just in front of the Embassy NOT in the back alley or indoor!

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, in the shopping heart of Rome, is one of the most elegant meeting places, and owes its name to the 4th century chapel of San Lorenzo, built on the home of Christian matron Lucina. Just around the corner from Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina is a regular hang out for politicians and journalists, who are easily spotted eating ice creams or chatting about the next reform at the smart and elegant bar Ciampini, enjoying small but excellent sandwiches and delicious gelati.

St. Lorenzo in Lucina Church | A Great Place to Enjoy Rome

Piazza di Pietra

The impressive facade of the Temple of Hadrian, embedded in the walls of the Italian Stock Exchange building, is the distinctive backdrop for this quiet and pleasant square. The temple was dedicated to the deified Emperor Adriano by his adoptive son and successor Antoninus Pius in AD 145. The temple has just been renovated and its 11 massive corinthian columns shine. A cozy and relaxing setting, the piazza hosts the trendy bar Salotto 42, and La Caffettiera, an elegant Neapolitan-style cafe serving extra-strong espresso to keep you going!

Piazza della Rotonda

The best preserved ancient Roman, the Pantheon was conceived as a temple to all Gods and was later turned into a Catholic church. Michelangelo referred to this temple as “a work not of humans but of an Angel”, and the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda is the Pantheon’s perfect frame. The structure’s balanced geometry and the outdoor cafés lined around the square are a soothing experience for passers-by. Fiocco di Neve Gelateria on Via del Pantheon 51 and Caffè Tazza d’Oro are just a short walk away, while for a hearty roman dinner you can try Armando al Pantheon.

Piazza St. Mary in Trastevere

This lively square is home to one of the oldest and most original churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also thought to be one of the sites where Christians first openly celebrated the Holy Mass. The popular Trastevere quarter is a pleasant place to enjoy traditional roman food and typical Rome thin-crusted pizza.

Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Nestled within the narrow alleys of the Monti hill, between Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, the small and charming Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti, hosts the main church of the Monti neighborhood and the Catholic Ukrainian Seminar of Rome. Lots of sitting room around the fountain makes the perfect spot to rest your tired feet or to read a book under the sun. Don’t miss a very pleasant pre-dinner rest in one of the several Monti wine bars like Tre Scalini, Al Vino al Vino, Barrique or an Indian dinner at the Maharajah, otherwise you can enjoy a creative Italian dinner at Urbana 47.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Have a nice walking tour of Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

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St. Mary in Trastevere | Enjoy Rome as the Romans do!

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The Spanish Steps in Rome

When in Rome enjoy a relaxing Rome walking tour covering at your own pace the Eternal City’s historical center and visit enchanting churches, monumental fountains and Egyptian obelisks.

Discover Renaissance and Baroque Rome in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini by touring the famous Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the marvelous Piazza Navona the heart of Baroque Rome and the lively Campo dè Fiori.

La Barcaccia Fountain in Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Start your walking Rome Tour from the bottom of Via dei Condotti exploring Rome’s most exclusive designers and jewelers window shops. Reach the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk, the refreshing Barcaccia Fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Father, and the rosy Trinità dei Monti beautiful French church draws visitors and photographers to the square from all over the world.

From Piazza di Spagna continues your enchanting journey through Rome Baroque and Renaissance past, and a bit further sometime. On the way to the Trevi Fountain don’t miss the opportunity to explore the off the beaten path ancient roman aqueduct of the Aqua Virgo and the outstanding two marble angels crafted by Bernini located in the Baroque Borromini Church of St. Andrea delle Fratte. A curiosity often people think that the two angels in St. Angel Castle bridge are original but..these are just copies of the real ones placed in the Church of Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte!

Bernini's Angels inside the Borromonini's Church St. Andrea delle Fratte

Next stop will be the outstanding Trevi Fountain! Before leaving the Trevi Square do not forget to throw a coin (over your shoulder with your back to the fountain) into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome!

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Continue your pleasant stroll through Rome narrows streets till you reach the ancient roman Pantheon to appreciate its amazing “oculus”, the central point of the Pantheon far above visitors’ heads, and the richly decorated colored marble floors, that the make the 2000 years old landmark an unforgettable experience.

The Oculus inside the Pantheon in Rome

Once here do not miss the Egyptian Obelisk in the middle of the Piazza and pay attention to the other Bernini’s gem the small but remarkable Obelisk on top of the elephant statue in the nearby Piazza della Minerva.

Bernini's Extravagant Elephant Statue in Piazza della Minnerva

After a tasty gelato and a short walk you will reach Piazza Navona (Navona Square), the most Baroque of the roman squares, built on the perimeter of the ancient Domitian’s Stadium and today adorned by the Borromini Church of St. Agnes in Agone and three outstanding fountains: the Bernini’s Masterpiece Fountain of the Four Rivers decorated with an Egyptian obelisk on top, the Fountain of the Moor in front of the 17th century Palazzo Pamphilj, today home to the Brazilian Embassy, and the Fountain of the Neptune also known as the Fountain of the Boilermakers located at the northern side of the Piazza. Today the square is lined with outdoor café and lively wine-bars making Piazza Navona one of the best places in Rome to fully enjoy art, history and la Dolce Vita lifestyle.

4 Rivers Fountain by Bernini in Navona Square, Rome

You will end your walking tour of Baroque Rome in Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers) which derives its name from the Flowering Field that till the Renaissance was really here.

Nowadays Campo, as it usually referred by locals, is very popular with Romans and foreigners alike, who enjoy one of the several shows by street artists performed in the evening or a relaxing glass of wine in one of the many cafés and wine bars located in this very charming square. In the middle of Campo there’s the Giordano Bruno’s Statue, a philosopher burnt to die the 17th of February of 1600 after the Roman Inquisition found him guilty of heresy. Interesting to note that Campo de’ Fiori is the only big Roman square with no churches.

Giordano Bruno overseeing Campo dè Fiori, Rome

Behind Campo dè Fiori you can admire the beautiful Palazzo Farnese wanted by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and designed by major artists of the Renaissance, today home to the French Embassy. Also Michelangelo was involved with the project trying to link the Farnese palace to Villa Farnesina, located on the other Tiber’s bank also owned by Farnese family. Observe the two beautiful granite basins that were relocated to the Farnese Square in the 16th century from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

It’s time to eat now and sure you will find several tasty Italian restaurants, cozy wine bars and yummy pizzerie around to enjoy Italian food & wine as a nice way to celebrate your Renaissance and Baroque Rome Tour.

Slow Food Restaurants & Pizzerie in & around Campo dè Fiori

• Ristorante & Forno Roscioli
• Pizza al Taglio Il Forno di Campo dè Fiori
• Trattoria la Carbonara
• Trattoria da Giovanni
• Ristorante il San Lorenzo Ristorante il Pagliaccio

Did I miss anything? Do you want to share with us any Rome’s tip or insight? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com
ItalyTravelista.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for our free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

Related posts:

1. Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour
2. Rome Walking Tour | Best Bars and Restaurants around the Trevi Fountain
3. Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

Downtown Rome, The Vittoriano Monument (The wedding Cake)

When in Rome: Top 10 Sights to enjoy Rome in 48 Hours!

Everybody knows the Eternal City is the world’s biggest open air museum.
Rome’s history spans over two and half thousand years, and the Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site!
So, if you only have 48 hours in Rome what are the 10 top sights you can’t miss to visit?

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Also spelled “Coliseum” this massive marble structure is one of the most famous monuments of ancient Rome. It was built around 2000 years ago to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators happy to enjoy bloody contests between gladiators and lions. With the same 12 Euro ticket you get access to the nearby Palatine and Roman Forum.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the modern-day Gladiators!

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Fontana di Trevi is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

After the spectacular Trevi Fountain take a break for an Ice Cream at the nearby Giolitti Parlour where Michelle Obama’s daughters made and then ate blackberry and banana gelato. Needless to say: A must for first time visitors!

Capitoline Square and Capitoline Museums

Enjoy the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelio and the great view over the Roman Forum from the square designed by Michalangelo. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the most ancient publicly owned museum in the world dating back to 1471.

The Pantheon

Another Landmark you can’t miss when visiting Rome! Once inside look at the top of the dome and see the large opening, the oculus, which was the only source of light! The Pantheon contains the tombs of Raphael and of several Italian Kings.

Check San Crispino for a gelato or Caffe’ Tazza d’Oro for a traditional granita!

Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Holy See–Vatican city is a country in its own right owned by the Catholic Church.  St. Peter Basilica is the world’s largest church while the Vatican Museums own the biggest collection of art in Rome, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling as well as a 500 year old collection of statues, paintings, tapestries including the Octagonal Court (Cortile Ottagono), the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps) the Raphael Rooms and the Galleries of the Apostolic Library.

St. Clemente Basilica (Basilica di San Clemente)

This Medieval Church has a beautiful interior, but it is especially notable for its 3 historical layers. The 12th-century Basilica is built on top of a well-preserved 4th-century Church, which was built next to a 3rd-century Temple. For a fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)

The little island in the middle of the Tiber River had long been dedicated to Aesculapius, the roman god of medicine. There is a Church on the island, named after Saint Bartholomew, which stands above the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to Aesculapius. Another interesting landmark further down the river is the Ponte Rotto (the Broken Bridge) one of the oldest stone bridges built in Rome.
From here you can walk east to the Jewish Quarter for delicious Kosher food or west to the popular Trastevere area for the real pizza!.

Navona Square (Piazza Navona)

This stunning Piazza, the most famous Baroque Square in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain erected in 1651. Get an artist in the Piazza to draw your cartoon portrait and relax in Rome’s liveliest square sitting at one of the outdoor cafés while watching musicians and street-artists.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

Piazza di Spagna was at the center of the Strangers’ Quarter, the triangle made by Via del Corso, Via Frattina and Via del Babuino, where most foreigners used to live. Today it’s a vibrant and elegant square from where to start your Made in Italy shopping tour by strolling around the famous fashion streets like Via dei Condotti, Via Bogognona and Via del Babuino.

Here is located the famous Antico Caffè Greco

Campo dè Fiori

I love the previous nine sights but my favorite place in Rome is Campo dè Fiori!Lively daily food & flower market, outdoor cafés, good restaurants, trendy shops,   the freshly baked pizza bianca, posh people, and much more!

What is your favorite and unmissable place in Rome?
Look forward to hear your comments!

Ciao from Rome!
Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

Related posts:

1. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
2. Rome Walking Tour | Ancient Rome and the Grand Tour
3. Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City