Piazza Navona – Rome’s Famous Square
Rome thrives on outdoor life. Naturally, it is obvious that Rome has a lot of museums, restaurants as well as churches, theaters and many other kinds of indoor activates. But the places to see Rome really shine are the many piazzas.
In Italian, the word “piazza” means public square. Rome’s piazzas are distinctive from other famous international cities because in every way public squares are where citizens and tourists alike gather to admire a wide variety of outdoor art.
Probably the finest location of Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers” can be found at Navona. Four striking sculptures that Bernini’s students executed are artistically arranged around a rocky mass at the center of the fountain which holds up an obelisk. One of those stunning sculptures named “the Ganges” was created by Claude Poussin who went on to become a well known master as well.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a classic Roman fountain that seems alive with a rich diversity of life from a cactus to palm trees to sea monsters and dozens of wonderful pieces all mixed together artfully around the unifying column in the middle.
When this fountain was created, it was so expensive that Rome actually put taxes on bread to fund the work. This resulted in loud complaints from every level of Roman society. That scandal is now part of the lore of this artwork to enhance the fun of relaxing and enjoying a coffee as the bustling metropolis goes by.
Just across the piazza is another magnificent fountain that has the sea god Triton riding a dolphin as its centerpiece. The “Fountain of the Moor” is a great place to relax and take in the activity in the public square, catch some warm sun on your face or discuss with your travel mates what site to see next in the Piazza Navona. The piazza is full of things to see, do and taste that will enhance your experience just as much as the wonderful and artistic fountains outdoors.
For example, scattered throughout the many Roman cafes and restaurants are dozens of merchant kiosks. Many Italian artists dot the piazza, ready to sketch your portrait to give you a lovely souvenir of your visit.
There is plenty to do in the piazza once the sun goes down. The nightlife is active with tourists mingling with natives, beggars, mimes and artists all milling around in the crowded oval piazza. This active public space was built on an ancient circus, which was not a place where trapeze artists and elephants performed. Rather it is a circular public area where many streets come to a common intersection.
Don’t miss out on a delightful Tartufo from Tre Scalini. Or for a great story to tell, go to Caffe della Pace, the oldest extant bar in the city. What a wonderful place to soak up some atmosphere and enjoy a Roman delicacy like a Campari. Afterwards, take in the night air as you stroll to the Church of Sant’Anese for mass or confession, only to return later to admire those famous Bernini fountains just a short walk away.
One of those fountains is the Fountain of the Coppersmiths or the “Fontana dei Calderai” which later came to be known as the Fountain of Neptune. This artwork takes the fountain theme of sea creatures to the next level with its many denizens of sea including sea horses, sea nymphs, an octopus and the great sea god Neptune himself. Rose marble construction that was used to create this magnificent fountain was also used for the doorjambs at St. Peter’s.
From your time at the Fountain of the Coppersmiths, it is a short walk to hear some great classical music at the Piazza Sant’Eustachio that lies between Navona and the Pantheon. Or you can easily catch a quick bus to see the Pantheon if your schedule takes you there next.
Rome’s public squares – which oddly enough are universally round – are a sight and an experience not to be missed on your next trip to Rome.
