Piazza Navona: A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Rome

Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most celebrated squares, is a testament to the city's layered history and artistic brilliance. This elongated piazza, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture, draws millions of visitors each year. But beneath its elegant surface lies a fascinating story that spans nearly two millennia.

The Birth of a Stadium

From Domitian's Vision to Athletic Spectacles

Piazza Navona's story begins in 86 AD when Emperor Domitian commissioned the construction of a stadium for athletic competitions. Known as the Stadium of Domitian or Circus Agonalis, this vast arena could seat up to 30,000 spectators. Unlike the bloody gladiatorial contests of the Colosseum, Domitian's stadium hosted Greek-style athletic events, reflecting the Roman elite's fascination with Hellenic culture.

The stadium's original shape - an elongated oval measuring 275 meters in length and 106 meters in width - is still evident in the piazza's current form. For nearly 300 years, it was a center for sports and entertainment in ancient Rome.

Transformation Through the Ages

From Ruin to Renaissance

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the stadium fell into disrepair. During the Middle Ages, the area became a market and gathering place for Romans. The name "Navona" is believed to derive from "in agone" (place of contests), which evolved to "n'agone" and finally "navone" or "navona."

 

The piazza's transformation into its current Baroque splendor began in the 15th century. Pope Innocent X, of the powerful Pamphili family, spearheaded a grand renovation project in the mid-17th century, turning Piazza Navona into a showcase of Baroque art and architecture.

Baroque Masterpieces

Fountains and Facades: The Artistic Heart of Rome

Piazza Navona is home to three magnificent fountains:

 

1. Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers): The centerpiece of the piazza, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651. It features an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by personifications of four major rivers: the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.
2. Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain): Located at the southern end, it was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 and later embellished by Bernini.
3. Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain): At the northern end, this 19th-century addition completes the trio of fountains.

 

The piazza is dominated by the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Francesco Borromini, Bernini's great rival. The Palazzo Pamphili, now housing the Brazilian Embassy, adds to the square's architectural grandeur.

Modern-Day Piazza Navona

A Living Museum and Cultural Hub

Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant public space where history, art, and daily life intersect. Street artists, cafes, and restaurants line the square, creating a lively atmosphere day and night. During December, it hosts a popular Christmas market, transforming into a winter wonderland.

Visitors can explore the ancient stadium's remains by visiting the underground museum "Stadio di Domiziano" accessible from Via di Tor Sanguigna. This hidden gem offers a unique glimpse into the piazza's ancient past.

Planning Your Visit

Tips for Experiencing Piazza Navona

• Best times to visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience or evening for a lively atmosphere.

• Nearby attractions: The Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, and the Vatican are all within walking distance.

• Dining: While restaurants in the piazza can be touristy, nearby side streets offer more authentic Roman cuisine.

• Events: Check local listings for concerts, art exhibitions, and seasonal events held in the square.

 

Piazza Navona encapsulates Rome's ability to reinvent itself while preserving its rich history. From ancient stadium to Baroque showpiece to modern gathering place, it continues to captivate visitors with its beauty and stories spanning millennia.

Piazza Navona
Public open space in Rome, Italy

 

Significance
Built on the site of the 1st century AD Stadium of Domitian

 

Historical Transformation
Transformed into a showcase for Baroque design in the 17th century

 

Key Attractions
Features the Fountain of Four Rivers and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone

 

Luggage Storage

Don't carry your valuable luggage while walking in Rome. Store your lugagge in a safe place nearby for just €5 per day.

 

Recommended books

 

• Lonely Planet Pocket Rome: top experiences, local life (Pocket Guide)

 

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Walking Tours & Sightseeing in Rome

 

 

FIND A FLIGHT TO ROME