Piazza Navona
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The Piazza Navona, one of the most fascinating squares in Rome, embodies the rich heritage of the eternal city in an impressive way. The characteristic, oval shape was created by building the Piazza Navona over the ruins of the ancient Stadium of Domitian (a UNESCO World Heritage site), whose remains can still be seen today. If you prefer to stay on the 'surface', there is also a lot to see here. Surrounded by elegant Baroque palaces, the square hosts some of the city's most significant art treasures, including especially Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain and Francesco Borromini's church Sant'Agnese in Agone.
By Jessica Donev
By Jessica DonevSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
Tickets
4.5m (14.8ft) below the street level is the Stadium of Domitian. Discover the underground and travel back in time to the Roman competitions.
Rome: Navona Square Underground Ticket with Audio Guide
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Navona Square Underground Ticket with Audio Guide
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Piazza Navona underground - Stadium of Domitian exclusive route entrance tickets
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Navona Square and École Française Underground ticket
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Tours
Find a tour that combines further highlights of Rome with a visit to Piazza Navona. You can even book a food tour here!Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum and Navona Private Tour
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Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona Guided Walking Tour
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Walking Tour of Piazza Navona, Pantheon & Trevi Fountain
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Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Wine and Sightseeing Tour of Rome
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Specials
How about some wine and delicacies overlooking Piazza Navona? Visit the possibly most delicious balcony in the city and watch the hustle and bustle on the Piazza. Another rooftop terrace overlooking Piazza Navona is perfect for music lovers and offers you a special experience: an open-air concert in the middle of Rome. Can you decide?Open Air Opera Concert with Terrace aperitivo over Navona square
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Wine Tasting in Rome Historic Center - Piazza Navona
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Piazza Navona Underground with Heart of Rome Audio Guide
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6 tips for visiting the Piazza Navona
Fountain at Piazza Navona | Unsplash: Gabriella Clare Marino
1
Fabulous FountainsPiazza Navona is home to three fountains, of which the Fontana di Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most prominent. Take your time to admire these masterpieces of the Baroque period, to decipher the history and symbols hidden in their elaborate details.
Piazza Navona | Unsplash: Daniel Zbroja
2
Rhythms and BrushstrokesThe Piazza is lively and full of street artists and musicians, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Take a moment to watch the performances or listen to the sounds of music that fill the air with a touch of art and culture. You can also sit down in the chair of painters who will create a portrait of you. Please do not forget to leave some change in the hats of the artists.
3
Pizza & PastaThe numerous cafés and restaurants around the square offer an ideal opportunity to experience Roman cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner on one of the terraces and watch the bustle of the square.
4
A Look into the History BookTake your time to explore the history of Piazza Navona. From ancient competitions in the Stadium of Domitian to Baroque redesigns, there are many stories to discover. A walk with a guide or an audio guide can be very insightful!
5
Dive into the UndergroundThe Stadium of Domitian is now 4.5m (14.8ft) below street level. This Unesco World Heritage Site is the first and only known masonry stadium. Today, it can be visited and even booked as an event location for events.
6
In Vino VeritasWine already had a significant role as a luxury in ancient Rome and became a mass beverage during the imperial era. Taste Roman wines on the Piazza Navona balcony and enjoy small delicacies alongside.
Piazza Navona | Unsplash: Marialaura Gionfriddo
The Exciting History of Piazza Navona
The history of Piazza Navona dates back to 46 BC. Even 'bathing' Romans in the middle of this square were not uncommon in summer.Model of the Stadium of Domitian | Flickr: Gary Todd CC-BY 2.0
Antiquity
Already in 46 BC, Caesar had a sports field for athletic competitions built on the current site, which was expanded in 85 BCE by Emperor Domitian and offered space for over 30,000 visitors. The stadium was used for horse races, gladiator games, and athletics competitions.
The name of the square probably derives from the Latin word agones and means 'competition' or 'games'. The name of the square then developed from agone to nnagone, to navone, and finally Navona.
The name of the square probably derives from the Latin word agones and means 'competition' or 'games'. The name of the square then developed from agone to nnagone, to navone, and finally Navona.
Piazza Navona 1699 | Wiki Commons: By Gaspar van Wittel - Colección Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza en depósito en el Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7699036
The Middle Ages
Wealthy Romans moved to the city and started to frame the square with buildings. A first church was also built. In this church, the Sant'Agnese in Agone, you can visit the remnants of the ancient stadium today. Nonetheless, horse races, fairs, markets, and festivals still took place in the square.
The shape of the arena remains preserved to this day, as the builders used the outer walls for their houses.
The shape of the arena remains preserved to this day, as the builders used the outer walls for their houses.
The Baroque Era
The square was to be rebuilt as the Forum Pamphilj following the model of pompous imperial forums. This was the reason why an ancient aqueduct was extended to this point. However, the Forum remained unfinished. Thanks to the aqueduct, the Neptune Fountain, the Fontana del Moro, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers are now standing here. The four rivers symbolize the largest rivers of the previously known four continents: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges, and the Rio de la Plata.
The Cool Waters
The summers of the Eternal City could get very hot, which is why starting from the 17th century, Romans regularly flooded the square by blocking the fountain drains to create a kind of open-air swimming pool for cooling off. However, due to the rapid spread of malaria and concerns about an epidemic in Rome, this water fun was prohibited in the mid-19th century.
Piazza Navona | Unsplash: Fernando Mola-Davis
Our Insider Tips for Piazza Navona
During the summer of 2023, I had the pleasure of spending a beautiful week in Rome and gathered many tips for our readers. Selflessly, I gobbled down 5kg of pasta and at least 1kg of Gelato to give you restaurant tips. I also walked 20,000 steps a day to tell you about the most beautiful squares, churches, and attractions. Having walked through Piazza Navona multiple times, I therefore bring back several insider tips for you.Painters at Piazza Navona | Unsplash: Egor Myznik
Artists at Sunset
The Piazza is most lively at sunset. When tourists are on their way to dinner, artists come out and transform the Piazza into a place full of music and art. So, make sure to bring enough time on your way to dinner to soak up this ‘exhilarating’ atmosphere. The square itself feels like a live show from Italy’s Got Talent in the evening. My highlight was an acrobat in a large ring, performing tricks.
Ice cream at Piazza Navona | Unsplash: getty images
The Fountains
Aside from the art, whether it be acrobatics, music, or painting, the three fountains also fascinated me. The splashing has a calming effect, and standing next to the water feels cool. However, I would not reach into the water. For a direct cooling off, it's better to use the drinking water fountains named Nasoni that you can find all over Rome.
The Underground
The journey into the ‘Underground’ is very exciting. Some arches of the stadium are visible below the Sant’Agnese in Agone church. Further remains of the ancient structure can also be found in Via Zanardelli.
Foodie Tips
When you're done visiting Piazza Navona, I suggest you visit the neighboring Osteria da Fortunata for Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. It's known for making the pasta fresh in front of the guests. Due to its high popularity, unfortunately, you have to wait up to an hour in the summer to get a seat. Just a few steps away, Mr. 100 Tiramisu waits with dessert. Here too, you'll need to queue, but you'll need the break between pasta and tiramisu anyway. If you're a fan of Gelato, there's a Gelateria Venchi branch near the Pantheon, just a short 5-minute walk away.
Through the Change of Seasons
According to a friend who lives in Rome, Piazza Navona is worth visiting at other times of the year as well. At Christmas, a beautiful Christmas market takes place on the Piazza where handicrafts are sold, and visitors can snack on sweets. During Lent, the Piazza becomes a colorful spectacle of festivities, masks, and music. The carnival on the Piazza is known for its lively atmosphere, where people dance, sing, and celebrate in elaborate costumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attractions can I find on Piazza Navona?
Piazza Navona hosts impressive Baroque architecture, including the Four Rivers Fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini. Read more.
Are there events in Piazza Navona?
Yes, Piazza Navona is often host to various events, markets, and festivals. The Roman Carnival is a particularly popular time with colorful celebrations. The Christmas market wraps the Piazza in beautiful light. Read more.
Are there restaurants and cafés in Piazza Navona?
Yes, along the Piazza there are numerous restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of culinary delights. An opportunity to enjoy Roman cuisine while watching the hustle and bustle of the square. Read more.
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00186 Roma RM
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Written byJessica DonevJessica is the definition of Jack of all trades. When she wants to do something, she just does it. That's why Jessica is an event manager, professional dancer, trainer, content creator, speaker / presenter in training and much more. Having traveled the world a lot, she knows what's important when traveling and shares it with you here on TicketLens.
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