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.

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Have a nice walking tour of Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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

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

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When in Rome enjoy the Eternal City as the Romans do!

Bar S. Eustachio – Piazza S. Eustachio, 82 www.santeustachioilcaffe.it The best coffee in town celebrated by The New York Times as one of Rome’s tastiest espresso shops!

Caffetteria del Chiostro del Bramante - Arco della Pace, 5 www.chiostrodelbramante.it A very nice bar set inside the beautiful 16th-century Chiostro del Bramante. Good for a tasty brunch on weekends or a cocktail while visiting an Exhibition.

Cul de Sac – Piazza Pasquino, 73 Small but popular wine bar a short stroll from Piazza Navona. Here you will experience a wide selection of wines and eclectic food, especially the liver pâtés in a cozy environment. Outside tables get crowded fast, so arrive early, or come late, as they serve until about 1am.

Doney – Via Veneto, 139 Trendy bar attached to The Westin Excelsior with design furniture’s and a good jazz music selection. The view over the famous Dolce Vita Street is enchanting. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine based on the freshest and lightest ingredients together with innovative vegetarian dishes.

Gina – Via S. Sebastianello, 7/a www.ginaroma.com Fresh, chic and small restaurant with modern design, located a block away from the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese gardens. Good at lunch time for salads, cold cuts and traditional Italian food.

Il Gelato di S. Crispino – Via della Panetteria, 42 www.ilgelatodisancrispino.it This small gelateria is one of the best places in town for ice cream; try the signature San Crispino flavor with corbezzolo (wild-strawberry-tree honey from Sardinia). Stop by to get your gelato and then sit by the Trevi Fountain.

Le Pain Quotidien – Via Tomacelli, 24/25 The best place for a healthy breakfast with delicious cakes, bread and pastries baked on the premises. Very friendly service and atmosphere (with large shared wooden tables).

Obikà – Via dei Prefetti, 26 The only fresh milky mozzarella bar in town, very trendy and good for a long brunch or a quick aperitif. Obika’s selection includes also smoked Mozzarella and a smooth Burrata.  Due to the enormous success opened new branches in Manhattan and London.

Ristorante Caffè Universale – Via delle Coppelle, 16° www.universalecaffe.it In the historical centre of Rome this charming place opens form early morning till night. Here you can enjoy coffee, chocolates, wines and liquors; eat creative dishes and even buy books. Have a look at the video!

Salotto 42 – Piazza di Pietra, 42 www.salotto42.it In front of the Hadrian’s Temple, this retro-modern bar is perfect for a quick lunch, tea or cocktails. Formerly Known for as a “book Bar” for an intellectual elite , it is now one of the trendiest venues of the city for common people and for VIPs.Filled with fashion books and CDs you can relax with a glass of wine taking advantage of huge armchairs and sofas.

When in Rome, wherever you stop to sip your coffee or drink your Campari cocktail do not forget to enjoy the Eternal City by watching people go by!

When in Rome, wherever you stop to sip your coffee or drink your Campari cocktail do not forget to enjoy the Eternal City by watching people go by!

Look forward to hear your comments!

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

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