Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Guide

History: The square is rectangular in shape, stretching 240 meters from north to south. It is the remnant of an ancient Roman chariot racing arena, and you can still see a slight curve on the northern side of the surrounding buildings, which marks where the racetrack turned. You can get a sense of the thrilling races from scenes in the Hollywood epic film *Ben-Hur*. It is said that by the medieval period, the area had become a place for entertainment, often filled with water for nobles to enjoy boating. Most of the buildings on either side today date back to the Renaissance period.

Special Tip: From December 8 to January 6, Piazza Navona transforms into a festive market, with stalls selling Christmas decorations and toys everywhere. This has been a traditional part of Rome’s Christmas celebrations since the Middle Ages. Highlights    Piazza Navona is home to three famous fountains, which attract most visitors.

Fountain of the Four Rivers: Located in the center of the square, this is a work by Bernini. The four statues represent the four great rivers of the continents—Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata—encircling an obelisk. If you're interested, you might want to read Dan Brown’s novel *Angels & Demons*, which offers a refreshing interpretation of the fountain's symbolism.

Neptune Fountain: Located at the northern end of the square, a work by della Porta. Neptune is the Roman god of the sea, known as Poseidon in Greek mythology. Fountain of the Moor: Located at the southern end of the square, a work by Bernini.

Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone: Located in the middle section of the square, designed by Borromini. The façade of the church is considered a masterpiece of Baroque decorative art. Introduction    Piazza Navona lies at the heart of Rome and is not only a hub for tourists but also a favorite spot for street artists and vendors, bustling with activity from morning till night. Since motor vehicles are prohibited, the square features many casual outdoor seating areas where you can sit back and enjoy a relaxed lunch. Transportation    About 300 meters west of the Pantheon, a 5-minute walk; head west from Piazza Venezia along Via del Corso (Via Vittorio Emanuele II), walk for about 15 minutes, then turn right at Palazzo Massimo; buses 70, 87, 186 and tram 116 all pass by Piazza Navona.

Rome, Italy