Rome’s Piazza Navona - An Introduction
June 7, 2008 – 9:29 pmWhen 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.
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.
There is no shortage of nightlife that continues non-stop until the sun comes up. At any time you might encounter a mime, a beggar, an artist as well as throngs of tourists and Roman natives all enjoying the oval plaza together. The piazza is ideal for such public life because it was built around what is called an ancient circus. This is not a lively animal show but an intersection of many streets in one circular area.
Don’t miss out on the luxurious taste of a Tartufo at Tre Scalini. And you don’t want to miss the ambiance at Rome’s oldest existing bar, the Caffe della Pace. This is a great place to savor a Campari and some fine conversation and atmosphere. What a perfect way to prepare for a reverent visit to the Church of Sant’Agnese, just a short walk from the three famous Bernini fountains of the piazza.
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.
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.
You will enjoy taking advantage of the opportunity to spend time at one of Rome’s famous public squares that ironically sprang to life in the public circles of Rome’s piazzas.
Tags: Travel and Leisure
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