Piazza Navona was one of the very first places I explored on my trip to Rome, and it instantly set the tone for the rest of my journey. Visiting it on my first day, as part of my itinerary, felt like stepping straight into the heart of the Eternal City.
The lively square, with its baroque fountains, street performers, and buzzing cafés, captured the mix of history and energy that makes Rome so magnetic. Standing there, surrounded by Bernini’s masterpieces and centuries-old buildings, I felt both the grandeur of the city’s past and the warmth of its present.
Piazza Navona Guide
Piazza Navona History
Piazza Navona stands on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD for athletic competitions. The elongated oval shape of the square reflects the outline of the stadium’s arena.
In the 17th century, Pope Innocent X transformed the area into the Baroque masterpiece we see today, commissioning architects and artists like Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Their creations turned the square into one of Rome’s most iconic public spaces.
Piazza Navona Fontana (Fountains)
Piazza Navona is famous for its three stunning Baroque fountains. At the centre stands the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651. It represents the four great rivers of the known continents at the time, the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), and the Rio de la Plata (Americas), with dramatic statues surrounding a towering Egyptian obelisk.
At the northern end of the square is the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), completed in the 19th century with sculptures of Neptune battling sea creatures.
On the southern side sits the Fountain of the Moor (Fontana del Moro), originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in the 16th century and later enhanced by Bernini, featuring a Moor wrestling a dolphin surrounded by tritons and masks.
Piazza Navona Location and Directions
Piazza Navona is located in the historic center of Rome, just a short walk from landmarks like the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori.
How to get there:
- On foot: About 5 minutes from the Pantheon and 10–15 minutes from Campo de’ Fiori or Trevi Fountain.
- Piazza Navona Metro: The closest stations are Spagna and Barberini (Line A), about a 15–20 minute walk.
- By bus: Several buses, including routes 30, 70, 81, 87, and 492, stop near Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, just a short walk away.
Tickets & Tours
Piazza Navona is free to visit, and platforms like GetYourGuide offer several tours, including:
- Rome: Spanish Steps, Trevi, Navona and Pantheon Sunset Tour
- Rome: Navona Underground & Domitian Stadium Guided Tour
Tips for Your Visit
- Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid heavy crowds.
- Bring a camera; the fountains, street performers, and architecture make for fantastic photos.
- Enjoy a coffee or gelato at a nearby café, but expect higher prices right on the square.
- Don’t miss the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone for a quick look inside.
- Explore the square at night; it’s beautifully lit and has a magical atmosphere.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori.
- If visiting in December, check out the Christmas Market for festive stalls and local treats.
Piazza Navona Restaurants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Piazza Navona so famous?
Piazza Navona is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, lively street performers, and vibrant cafes.
What does Piazza Navona mean in English?
The name comes from the Latin word “agone” meaning “games,” as the square was originally a stadium for athletic contests.
What are the three fountains in Piazza Navona?
They are the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Bernini), the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Moor.
What metro station is closest to Piazza Navona?
Piazza Navona doesn’t have a direct metro stop; the closest is Spagna or Barberini on Line A, about a 15–20 minute walk.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide helpful for your trip. If you plan to visit here, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
