Rome’s Piazza Navona – An Introduction
Rome is perfect for outdoor activities. Of course, the wonderful indoor activities in Rome such as the museums, theaters, churches and cafes are not to be missed. But Rome truly is at its best when you view it from those wonderful piazzas all over town.
The public squares of Rome are also known as “piazzas”. However you will notice right away that Rome’s piazzas stand out from other famous international cities because they are filled with wonderful art and the people who love to gather outdoors to enjoy that art in many forms.
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.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a delight because there is so much to see, including sea monsters, cacti, palm trees, a lion and all kinds of other wonderful pieces woven into a delightful artwork around the central unifying column.
This fountain was so ambitious that to fund it, the Roman government levied a tax on bread. Naturally this led to a tremendous outcry from the citizens of Rome at the time, from the lowest to the highest echelons of society. That trivia has now become a wonderful part of the rich history of the Bernini fountain and a great story to tell while enjoying a coffee with a friend, or to reflect upon while relaxing and watching the city bustle to and fro.
You only need to cross the piazza to find the mighty sea god Triton riding a powerful dolphin in the Fountain of the Moor. This is an ideal location to watch the locals and tourists wander by or just bask in the Roman sun while you discuss where you will visit next. You will have a diverse selection of things to do in addition to taking in one of Rome’s delightful outdoor fountains.
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.
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 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.
Rome’s public squares – which oddly enough are universally round – are a sight and an experience not to be missed on your next trip to Rome.
