Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona is generally considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture even within the treasure trove of architectural greatness that is Rome. The exquisite square gained its façades in the mid-17th century as commissioned by Pope Innocent X, with the Pope choosing renowned artists such as Bernini, Borromini and Rainaldi to turn this piazza into yet another Roman example of great artistry. Rainaldi is also known for having built the Palazzo Pamphilj, which faces the Piazza Navona, another spectacular building which has housed the Brazilian Embassy in Rome since 1920.However, the building that seems to dominate the square is the Church of Sant'Agnese, which is dedicated to the young martyr, believed to have died in the place the church is located. This spectacular building is noted for its incredible domed ceiling, which is decorated with huge, exquisite murals pained by Ciro Ferri and Sebastiano Corbellini. Another memorable feature is the shrine of St. Agnes, which features her skull encased in a box decorated with sumptuous jewels. Guided tours of the church are regularly available, with guides ready to regale you with the finest detail about its incredible interior.If you take the time to walk into the centre of Piazza Navona, you’ll see the beautiful spectacle of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), designed by Bernini and intended to resemble four gods at its base. Out of the base shoots the totemic Obelisk of Domitian, which bears a certain resemblance to the Egyptian monument in Piazza San Pietro. The fountain appears in the film “Angels & Demons”, the sequel to “the da Vinci Code”. There are also two more beautiful water features at either side of the Piazza, namely Giacomo Della Porta’s Fontana del Moro, which features a unique rose coloured marble base, and the Fontana del Nettuno, which portrays Neptune having a contretemps with an octopus.The atmosphere in Piazza Navona is quintessentially Italian, with cafés and restaurants aplenty, and street performers and musicians constantly on hand to entertain you. Piazza Navona is located in central Rome, under 15 minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain, meaning you can take in both in one trip. The best way to get to Piazza Navona is by taking a combination of the bus and Metro.