Posted by For many Romans, Piazza Navona is the most beautiful square in their city. The long and narrow square, in the heart of today’s Rome, is surrounded by baroque buildings. Highlights of Piazza Navona are a beautiful church and three fountains
In ancient times, the Circus Agonalis stood here, a competition venue for ancient athletics based on the Greek model. The old stadium was built in the same elongated shape. 30,000 spectators were seated in the Arena Circus Agonalis. The grandstands were around the square where the houses and churches stand today.
The large church in Piazza Navona is the baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone (Italian: Sanctae Agnetis in Agone) from the 17th century.
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Pope Innocent X built the church. The tomb of this pope can be found in the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Important for travellers to Rome: We have only seen queues of hundreds of metres or several hours in Europe in Rome so far. This is especially true for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum. Tickets without queuing (skip-the-line tickets) should be bought in advance on the internet and go past the queue!: This link offers such tickets
The 3 fountains in Piazza Navona
Tourists love the three magnificent fountains on Navona Square.
The most famous fountain is the middle one called the Four Rivers Fountain (also known as the Four Streams Fountain, Italian Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi). The fountain dates from 1649 and was built by the famous artist and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It symbolizes 4 large rivers on the then known 4 continents (Nile for Africa, Danube for Europe, Ganges for Asia and Río de la Plata for America). The 5th continent Australia was already discovered at this time, but hardly explored.
The second fountain is somewhat older (16th century). The Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain) was redesigned by Bernini.
Stone Figures Moor Fountain Rome
The third fountain is the so-called Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno). The main figure is especially worth seeing: The Roman god of water Neptune is depicted in battle with a large octopus. This sculpture was only created in the 19th century by the artist Antonio della Bitta.
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There’s always a lot going on in Piazza Navona. Artists, street musicians, souvenir shops, cafes and taverns cavort on and around the central city square.
Piazza Navona is in the centre of Rome. Sights nearby are the Pantheon and the Campo di Fiori market square.
Museo the Roma
At one end of the square is the palace “Palazzo Braschi”. Today this old building houses the more than worth seeing city museum of Rome. The Museum of Rome aims to document the history and traditions of the city. But it is also an important art museum.
Opening hours 2019: Tuesday to Sunday 10 to 19 o’clock. Closed Monday. Otherwise, the Rome City Museum is closed only on the 3 holidays New Year, 1 May and 25 December. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the opening hours are reduced to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Entrance fees: The Museum of Rome costs 11 euros. There are reduced admission prices and family tickets (22 euros). Admission is especially worthwhile if you are interested in art.
Status of data: Year 2018, partly updated January 2021
Navonna Square Rome Video (Youtube, English, 3 min)
Map with the square Navona
Piazza Navona is an important square right in the centre of Rome.
Nearby (up to 500 meters away)
The Pantheon, the great ancient landmark must be seen: More info here
Also the flower market Campo de Fiori is worth a visit: More info here
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Important for travellers to Rome: We have only seen queues of hundreds of metres or several hours in Europe in Rome so far. This is especially true for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum. Tickets without queuing (skip-the-line tickets) should be bought in advance on the internet and go past the queue!: This link offers such tickets
Don’t miss it in the square Piazza Navona
Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi)
The central fountain, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is a masterpiece with sculptures depicting the four great rivers of the continent, as they were then called.
Sant’Agnese in Agone
This Baroque church, designed by Francesco Borromini and Girolamo Rainaldi, highlights the splendor of the square. The impressive facade overlooks Piazza Navona.
Moor fountain (Fontana del Moro)
This fountain, another Bernini creation, features a sculpture of a dolphin fighting in the middle of a wasteland. It is located at the southern end of the square.
Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno)
The fountain at the northern end was designed by Giacomo della Porta and depicts Neptune surrounded by sea nymphs.
Palazzo Pamphilj
Located on one side of the square, Palazzo Pamphili is an impressive structure that was once the residence of the influential Pamphili family. It currently houses the Brazilian embassy.
Obelisk of Domitian
The ancient Egyptian obelisk in the center of Piazza Navona adds a historical touch. It was moved here in the 17th century by the Maxentius Circus.
Artist
Piazza Navona is famous for its lively atmosphere, where street performers, artists and musicians create a lively atmosphere.
Cafes and restaurants
The square is surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants where visitors can relax, enjoy local cuisine and admire the picturesque surroundings.
Events and markets
The square hosts numerous events, fairs and markets throughout the year, giving visitors additional reasons to explore and enjoy the lively atmosphere.