Rome's Piazza Navona - An Introduction

by: JillKammer
Total views: 3
Word Count: 697

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.

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.

This fountain is alive with a variety of life including a lion, a palm tree, a monster from the sea and a myriad of other figures all blended artfully together around the center of the fountain.

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.

Sprinkled amongst the many cafes, restaurants and shops of Piazza Navona are dozens of merchant stalls. Here you will find artists ready to sketch your portrait and capture this moment in time as you soak up the atmosphere of Rome.

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 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.

About the Author

If you're visiting Rome for a Holiday and need some place to stay, try our Apartments in Rome. Rome-Accom.com has a great alternative to Rome Hotels - rent a vacation apartment instead and save.  

More Articles from: Travel