Rome's Piazza Navona - An Introduction

by: JillKammer
Total views: 19 | Word Count: 749

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 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.

The story goes that to raise the funds for this expensive fountain, taxes were actually placed on bread which infuriated the citizens of Rome, from the poorest to the most wealthy. That bit of history now is a fun part of the background of the fountain to discuss over a relaxing cup of coffee as you watch the busy city go 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.

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.

At night the piazza explodes with activity until the sun comes up, as natives and locals mix with artists, mimes, merchants and beggars, all crowding the oval plaza together. The piazza actually stands on the site of an ancient circus, which is not a place where animal acts come to perform. Instead a Roman "circus" is a public square where many roads come to one meeting place.

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 Fountain of Neptune, also known as the "Fontana dei Calderai" (translated: Fountain of the Coppersmiths) is another great artwork here for your viewing pleasure. This classic sculpture of the god of the sea Neptune killing an octopus is abundant with sea creatures such as Nereid (or sea nymphs), dolphins and sea horses. The Fountain of Neptune takes the sea creature theme of the piazza to the next level. And the rose marble that was used to create this artwork is also what was 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.

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.

About the Author

If you're visiting Rome for a Vacation and need some place to stay, try our Apartments in Rome. We have nearly 200 quality apartments for rent near most of the important and popular Rome tourist attractions. Rome-Accom.com provides Anglo-quality service and all our staff are native English speaking.  

More Articles from: Travel