Piazza Navona in Rome: History, Art and What to See

Piazza Navona is one of the most famous and fascinating places in Rome, a symbol of the Baroque era and a space where history, art, and daily life have intertwined for centuries.

Walking through this elegant open-air salon means immersing yourself in the most scenic heart of the city, where masterpieces by Bernini and Borromini converse with historic palaces, monumental churches, and an atmosphere that never sleeps.
Among street artists, open-air cafés, markets, and the constant flow of visitors from all over the world, Piazza Navona remains an unmissable stop, whether it’s your first time in Rome or a rediscovery of its timeless beauty.

History of Piazza Navona: from the Stadium of Domitian to Roman Baroque

The history of Piazza Navona in Rome dates back to ancient times, when the Stadium of Domitian (1st century AD) was built on this very site.
The stadium hosted Greek-style athletic competitions, and the oval shape of today’s square perfectly follows the area once reserved for spectators.

After the fall of the Empire, the structure fell into ruin, yet its outline remained visible, and during the Middle Ages it transformed into a lively commercial hub.
It was in the 17th century, under Pope Innocent X Pamphilj, that Piazza Navona became one of the most celebrated symbols of Roman Baroque, shaped by the genius of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini.
During this period, the square took on its current form, an urban masterpiece admired worldwide.
The Three Fountains of Piazza Navona: Baroque Masterpieces
The square features three monumental fountains arranged along its central axis.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Bernini)
The most iconic of all, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651, represents the four great rivers of the known continents:
- Nile (Africa)
- Danube (Europe)
- Ganges (Asia)
- Rio de la Plata (Americas)
  At its center stands the Agonal Obelisk, originally from the Stadium of Domitian.
Fontana del Nettuno
Located at the north end of the square, completed in the 19th century, it depicts Neptune battling a sea creature.

Fontana del Moro
At the south end, originally by Giacomo della Porta and later enhanced by Bernini, it features the central figure of the “Moor.”
Historic Buildings around Piazza Navona

Facing the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi stands the magnificent Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Borromini, Rainaldi, and Bernini.
The church was built on the spot where, according to tradition, the young martyr Saint Agnes suffered her fate in the Stadium of Domitian.
Its richly decorated interior is a perfect example of the dynamic harmony of Roman Baroque.

On the western side rises Palazzo Pamphilj, now home to the Embassy of Brazil, which houses Borromini’s Gallery and frescoes by Pietro da Cortona.
The square is also surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque palaces, such as Palazzo Tuccimei, Palazzo Braschi, and Palazzo Lancellotti — each narrating a fragment of Rome’s urban history.
Piazza Navona Today: Street Artists, Cafés, Markets

Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant, ever-lively meeting place.
Street artists and portrait painters animate its open spaces, while cafés and restaurants overlook the fountains, offering a front-row view of Roman life.

From November to early January, the famous Christmas Market fills the square with lights, decorations, and festive charm.
Throughout the year, exhibitions, traditional events, and outdoor shows make Piazza Navona one of the most beloved and photographed locations in Rome, perfect for a daytime stroll or a romantic evening at sunset.
How to Get to Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona lies in the heart of Rome’s historic center.
Although the metro does not reach it directly, it’s easy to access:

On foot:
- 10 minutes from the Pantheon
- 15 minutes from Campo de’ Fiori
- 20 minutes from the Trevi Fountain
By bus:
Lines 40, 64, 70, 87, 492 (stops along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II) conveniently connect the square with other parts of the city.
Where to Stay near Piazza Navona

To explore Piazza Navona and the historic center of Rome at your own pace, the ideal choice is to stay in the nearby Rione Monti, an authentic and vibrant district within walking distance of all major attractions.
Here stands the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, an elegant hotel in the heart of Rome that perfectly blends Italian hospitality, modern comfort, and a prime location for discovering the Eternal City on foot.

Just a 15-minute walk from Piazza Navona and 100 meters from the Cavour Metro B station, the hotel is the perfect base for reaching the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, and Trastevere, while immersing yourself in the city’s art and history.

The hotel’s refined and recently renovated rooms offer a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration, while the in-house Ristorante Le Spighe welcomes guests in an elegant setting to enjoy Italian and Roman cuisine reinterpreted with a contemporary flair.

Choosing the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino means treating yourself to a stay defined by comfort, quality, and authenticity — in one of the most charming areas of Rome, a short walk from Piazza Navona and its timeless wonders.
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