Piazza Navona, Lazio Travel Guide

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Experience the grandeur of Baroque Rome in Piazza Navona, a vibrant square with stunning fountains and a rich history.

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Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, a vibrant public space in the heart of Rome, stands on the site of the 1st-century Stadium of Domitian. Today, it showcases stunning Baroque architecture, including Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers, and offers a lively atmosphere with street performers and cafes.

A brief summary to Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00186, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piazza Navona.

Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Take time to appreciate the details of Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the other fountains.
Explore the underground ruins of the Stadium of Domitian to discover the square's ancient past.
Enjoy a coffee or gelato at one of the cafes surrounding the square for a relaxing break.
Keep an eye on your belongings, as the area can be crowded.

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Explore Piazza Navona on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Piazza Navona, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Piazza Navona is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from many popular attractions. From the Pantheon, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. From Campo de' Fiori, it's about a 15-minute walk. As you approach, look for the distinctive oval shape of the square and the towering obelisk of the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Public Transport

While Piazza Navona doesn't have a direct metro stop, the closest stations are Barberini and Spagna on Line A, each about a 20-minute walk away. Several bus lines stop near Piazza Navona, including 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628, stopping at Senato and Rinascimento. A single bus or metro ticket costs €1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Rome, but can be more expensive and not always the fastest option due to traffic. A taxi from Termini Station to Piazza Navona will cost approximately €15-€19. Taxi stands are located throughout the city center, or you can book a taxi by phone or through a mobile app.

Discover more about Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most celebrated and beautiful squares, famed for its impressive Baroque architecture and lively ambiance. Constructed on the grounds of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, commissioned by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, the piazza retains the stadium's elongated oval shape. In ancient times, this stadium hosted athletic competitions and could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the stadium fell into disrepair, and houses were gradually built where the stands once stood. In the 15th century, the square was officially defined as a public space when the city market was moved here from Campidoglio. During the papacy of Innocent X (1644-1655), Piazza Navona underwent a significant transformation into a Baroque masterpiece.The square boasts three magnificent fountains: the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) designed by Bernini, the Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor), and the Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). The Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, commissioned by Pope Innocent X, is another architectural highlight, representing the Baroque style of Francesco Borromini.Today, Piazza Navona is a bustling hub filled with cafes, terraces, street artists, and portrait painters. Visitors can explore the remains of the Stadium of Domitian beneath the square, providing a glimpse into ancient Roman sporting events. A Christmas market is held annually from December to early January, adding to the square's vibrant atmosphere.