Piazza Navona is one of the most famous and iconic piazzas of Rome, Italy. It is located in the heart of the city, near the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. The piazza is a beautiful, large public square, with its three fountains, the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, the Neptune Fountain and the Moor Fountain. It has been a popular gathering place since the 15th century, and is a popular tourist destination today.
History
Piazza Navona is believed to have been built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, an ancient Roman athletic stadium. The original stadium was built in 86 AD by Emperor Domitian, and was used for athletic contests and chariot races. The stadium was later filled in and turned into a piazza in the 15th century.
Architecture
The piazza is a rectangular shape, with the three fountains located in the center. It is surrounded by buildings, many of which date back to the Renaissance period. The most notable of these is the Palazzo Pamphili, a 17th-century palace. The Palazzo has a beautiful façade, and is home to the Galleria Doria Pamphili, an art gallery with works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other Renaissance masters.
Fountains
The most famous fountain in the piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Innocent X and was completed in 1651. It features four river gods representing the four major rivers of the world: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Rio de la Plata. The fountain is surrounded by four obelisks and has a beautiful central figure of an Egyptian obelisk.
The Neptune Fountain is located in the southern end of the piazza, and was designed by Giacomo della Porta. It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and completed in 1574. The fountain is a depiction of the Roman god Neptune, and is surrounded by four Tritons.
The Moor Fountain is located in the northern end of the piazza, and was designed by Giacomo della Porta. It was commissioned by Pope Innocent X and completed in 1653. The fountain is a depiction of a Moor, or African, kneeling before an Egyptian obelisk.
Events
Piazza Navona is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It is often the site of festivals and events, such as the annual Festa de Noantri, which is held in June. The piazza is also home to the famous Christmas market, which takes place from December to January.
Conclusion
Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic and beautiful public squares in Rome. It is home to three beautiful fountains, and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rome.