An Introduction To Piazza Navona

When you go to Rome, you can easily find many delightful indoor sights such as the museums, theaters, churches and bars. But at heart Rome is a city that is seen best from one of the artistic piazzas that can only be enjoyed outdoors. That is why - for many - Rome will always be an outdoor city.

“Piazza” can be translated to mean public square. But the piazzas of Rome are unique from other famous cities because they are genuine places for lovers of outdoor art to gather and enjoy such beauty together.

A wonderful example of such art is the Piazza Navona, where in 1651 one of the greatest fountains of the artist Bernini was built: the Fontana dei Fiumi or the “Fountain of the Four Rivers”. Bernini’s students helped construct the central obelisk that is proudly perched atop a rocky mass at the center of the fountain and surrounded by four huge sculptures. One of those sculptures, The Ganges, was created by Bernini’s student Claude Poussin who himself became one of the most famous artists of his time.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a delight because there is so much to see, including sea monsters, cacti, palm trees, a lion and all kinds of other wonderful pieces woven into a delightful artwork around the central unifying column.

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.

There is plenty more to see by walking to the other end of the piazza to enjoy the Fountain of the Moor which has on display the famous statue of the sea god Triton triumphantly riding a dolphin. This is another wonderful vantage point in the piazza to soak up the sunshine, to plan your next activity around Piazza Navona or just to give in to some good old fashioned people watching. The variety of things to do in addition to taking in the wonderful outdoor fountains in Rome is amazing.

Along the rows of cafe’s, restaurants and shops in the piazza, you will find dozens of stalls where merchants offer their wares and services. Here you can stop and have your portrait skilfully sketched by the many artists who populate this public gathering place.

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 enjoying a Tartufo at the Tre Scalini while you are there. Another option is to take in the Caffe della Pace, the oldest operating bar in Rome, which is not far away. The atmosphere here is a delight as is the taste of the Campari. This will put you in a good frame of mind to stop at the Church of Sant’Agnese for confession and still be walking distance from three of those renowned Bernini fountains.

The sea creature theme of the piazza’s design continues at the Fontana dei Calderai or the Fountain of the Coppersmiths. But locals often call it the Fountain of Neptune because it is alive with sea creatures like sea horses, sea nymphs (known as Nereids) and dolphins witnessing a classic battle between Neptune and an octopus. The beautiful rose marble that was used to make this popular fountain is the same stone that was used for the doorjambs at St. Peter’s.

Another option is to enjoy a stroll to the location between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, where you can hear some soothing classical music at the Piazza Sant’Eustachio. It is also a short distance to find a bus if your next destination is a tour of the Pantheon.

However your day is organized, don’t miss out on enjoying one of the most famous public squares in Rome. Enjoy the fun and beauty even if that public square is in fact round.