There are quite a few things to see in Rome. One of them is Piazza Navona (square), known primarily for its original fountains and palaces, which were built in the 17th century. In their reviews, tourists often call it the best square in the city. Why is it interesting for travelers? We will tell you more in this article.
History of Piazza Navona
The first mention of the construction of the future square dates back to the 4th century BC, when sports competitions were held in its place. They were called agons, and it was from them that the piazza subsequently received its current name. It is known that Julius Caesar ordered the construction of a temporary stadium here, which in 80 AD was significantly rebuilt and expanded by the emperor Domitian. It accommodated almost 15,000 spectators. Running competitions, discus throwing, fist fights, as well as major celebrations of Roman nobles were held here. The stadium was decorated with antique works of art, and at the entrance there werenumerous merchants' shops.
After the fall of Rome, the stadium was destroyed. The arena gradually turned into a square, and the stands began to be built up with residential buildings. In the XII century, on the site of an ancient brothel, a Catholic church dedicated to the martyr Agnes was erected. In 1477, the city market was moved here, which was located here until the middle of the 19th century. At all times, carnivals, tournaments, equestrian competitions and holidays were held on the piazza. Now Navona Square, whose fountains are famous all over the world, has become a favorite place for walking citizens and tourists. At the end of December, Christmas fairs are held here, where toys and New Year's souvenirs are sold.
How to get to Navona?
Finding Navona is not difficult, as the square is located in the central part of Rome, surrounded by numerous attractions. The city has well-developed public transport, so tourists can get to the piazza by bus. One ticket is valid for both land routes and the metro for 100 minutes. From the famous Castel Sant'Angelo, you can walk to the square along the promenade in 15 minutes. The Pantheon is just 500 meters away. In addition, there are many signs in English on the streets of the city, with the help of which tourists can walk to the piazza on their own.
How to get from Termini to Piazza Navona? This question is asked by many travelers. Termini is the main station of the city. Here the 2 largest branches of the Roman metro intersect. Sitting at the station of the same name, you must drive alongred line to the Spagna stop. From here you can walk to the square in a few minutes.
Navona (square): main buildings
Modern Navona, which tourists love so much, was built up in the middle of the 17th century, when baroque was popular in architecture. Therefore, most of the buildings adjacent to the square are made in this style. Piazza is a rectangle elongated from south to north, along which there are palazzos, churches, shops, cafes and museums. Navona - walking area. Benches are installed throughout the territory for visitors to relax. However, its original fountains brought great popularity to the square. In the central part of Navona, the majestic Fountain of the Four Rivers is installed. It is additionally decorated with a granite obelisk. At the beginning of the square you can see the fountain of Neptune. The composition is completed by the southern pond of the Moor.
Opposite the Fountain of the Four Rivers is the beautiful church of Sant'Agnese in Angone. Near it are numerous palaces of Italian nobles and churchmen. The earliest of them was built at the beginning of the 15th century. Tourists can also see the ruins of an ancient Roman stadium. On the square is the Museum of Rome, whose expositions tell about the nuances of the medieval life of the city. In it you can look at old paintings and engravings, frescoes and mosaics, the first printed books, furniture, sculptures. The museum exhibits real samples of medieval ceramics and clothing. You can relax after a walk around Navona in cozy cafes, each of which is equipped with an outdoor terrace so that visitors canenjoy the beautiful views of the square.
Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona
The main attraction of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Its construction was completed in 1651, and the project was developed by Giovanni Bernini, the leading architect and sculptor of his time. Innocent X, the then Pope, decided to build an Egyptian obelisk near his family palazzo, created in ancient Rome. Bernini, through his patron, presented the design of the fountain to the pope. He was so amazed by the beauty of the creation that he ordered the architect to immediately begin construction.
According to Bernini's idea, the obelisk should be surrounded by sculptures of river gods - patrons of the great rivers Ganges (Asia), Nile (Africa), Danube (Europe) and La Plata (America). The figures are surrounded by sculptures symbolizing the flora and fauna of each continent. Here you can see a vine, tropical flowers, a palm tree, and from animals - a snake, a lion and a dolphin. Water to the fountain comes from the nearest aqueduct "Aqua Virgo". Every day local acrobats, magicians, mimes and musicians perform near it. All fountain sculptures are made of white marble. In winter, shopping arcades line up around it.
Moor Fountain
In the south of the square is the fountain of the Moor. Finding the building is easy, because it is located opposite the Museum of Rome. Its main part was built in the second half of the 16th century by the architect Giacomo della Porta, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. On the water structure werethere are four marble statues of tritons. The figure of the Moor, which is now considered the central element of the composition, was installed a whole century later, and the notorious Bernini was involved in its development. According to his project, originally the final element was supposed to be another triton, but it was replaced by a Moor fighting a dolphin. In 1874, the original statue was transferred to the museum, and a similar copy was placed in its place. And not in vain, because in 2011 a passer-by climbed into the fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona and mutilated the sculpture. Fortunately, it was quickly restored, returning its former appearance.
Neptune's Fountain
Navona is a square famous for its fountains. The northernmost of them is a structure dedicated to the Roman god Neptune. It is known for certain that its construction was completed in 1574 after the reconstruction of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. But then it had a completely different appearance: the fountain was not decorated with sculptures and was just a round bowl. The construction performed a practical function, not an aesthetic one, supplying clean water to the inhabitants of the city. In the XIX century, the fountain decided to radically rebuild. In 1878, the Italian sculptors Gregorio Zappali and Antonio della Bitta erected marble figures over the bowl.
In terms of size, the fountain is much inferior to its neighbors. In the center of the composition stands Neptune with a trident in his hands, who is fighting with an octopus. Around it in a circle are small sculptures of Cupid,Nereids, cherub, horse, dolphin and sea monsters.
Palazzo on the square
Navona - the area, reviews of which are most often positive. But it is famous not only for its fountains, but also for the numerous palazzos in which the Roman nobility once lived. Now they house government offices. For example, the Braschi Palace, built in 1792, now houses the Museum of Rome. A "talking" statue of Pasquin is installed near it: the inhabitants of the city anonymously post their opinions about the current government. It was found in 1501, and scientists believe that the sculpture adorned the city in ancient Rome.
Tourists can see the Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650, which now houses the Brazilian embassy. Pay attention to the Palazzo de Cupis, built in 1450.
Church of Sant'Agnese in Angone
Another building that attracts the attention of tourists was the church on Piazza Navona in Rome, dedicated to the Catholic martyr Agnes. According to legend, she died in a brothel, which was located on the piazza in Roman times. The church was built in 1652 on the site of a medieval chapel. Initially, the architect Girolamo Rainaldi was involved in the project, but after that he was replaced by the famous Francesco Borromini. Now Catholic services are held in the church, which can be visited by believing tourists. You can look at its interior decoration every day except Monday. The church is open from 9:00 to noon, and then from 15:00 to19:00.
Reviews of tourists about the square
Piazza Navona impressed tourists with its baroque architecture, so they write positive reviews. In their opinion, the square is a must-see for all travelers who come to Rome. Navona looks best in the late evening or in winter, when the flow of visitors here is significantly reduced. But it was not without drawbacks. It seems to tourists that the overall picture is greatly spoiled by the malls. Taking pictures at the fountain can also be difficult, because there are always a lot of people here. Visitors are sometimes harassed by annoying souvenir vendors.
Be that as it may, Navona Square will pleasantly surprise tourists. Fountains, the description of which can be seen in our article, will not only delight you with their beauty, but also pleasantly refresh you in hot weather. Piazza is a great place for a leisurely walk, especially in the evening.
