Piazza Navona: The Heartbeat of Baroque Rome

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-vo-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [graht-zee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-vo-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-vo-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Dieci e mezza
  [dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ee-eh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-ttroh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seh-tteh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-stahr-mee/sool-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh/ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh/pehr]

Piazza Navona was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, constructed in 86 AD. This ancient Roman structure was primarily used for athletic contests and could accommodate around 30,000 spectators. Over the centuries, the stadium fell into disrepair, but its outline shaped the current layout of the piazza.

In the 17th century, Piazza Navona underwent a significant transformation under the influence of Pope Innocent X, who commissioned the construction of several Baroque landmarks. The square became a showcase of artistic achievement, featuring the iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, completed in 1651, representing the four major rivers of the four continents known at the time.

During the Renaissance, Piazza Navona evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting artists, poets, and intellectuals. The surrounding area became dotted with cafés and art galleries, and the square hosted various festivals and public events. This period solidified its reputation as a central meeting place in Rome.

The Pamphili family, particularly through Pope Innocent X, played a crucial role in the development of Piazza Navona. The family palace, Palazzo Pamphili, which overlooks the square, was completed in the 17th century and contributed to the area’s architectural grandeur, reflecting the power and influence of the family in Rome.

Today, Piazza Navona remains a lively public space, known for its street artists, musicians, and open-air cafés. The square is a focal point for both locals and tourists, celebrated for its Baroque fountains and vibrant atmosphere. Events such as the Christmas market and various cultural festivals continue to attract visitors, making it a living testament to Rome's historical and cultural legacy.

Piazza Navona is centrally located in Rome, easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Termini Station, take bus 64 or 40, which will take you to the nearby Largo di Torre Argentina. A short 10-minute walk will lead you directly to Piazza Navona. From the Vatican, it's a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Alternatively, taxis are available throughout the city, and rideshare services like Uber operate in Rome.

Piazza Navona is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it ideal for walking. The nearest metro station is Barberini (Line A), approximately a 15-minute walk away. Public buses also serve the area; lines 30, 81, and 87 stop nearby. Bicycles can be rented via local bike-sharing services, and walking is the best way to enjoy the surrounding streets and hidden gems.

Piazza Navona is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Avoid poorly lit streets at night. While no specific high-crime areas exist targeting tourists, areas near major tourist attractions can see increased petty crime. Always stay aware of your belongings and surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Ospedale Santo Spirito, located a short distance from Piazza Navona. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your country's embassy. Pharmacies are also available in the area for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones can be uneven; don't wear overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do dress modestly when visiting nearby churches; don't enter sacred sites with bare shoulders or shorts. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno'; don't overlook basic courtesies. Eating & Drinking: Do try local gelato and enjoy outdoor dining; don't eat while walking, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Piazza Navona like a local, visit in the early morning to enjoy the quiet atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Explore the surrounding streets for authentic trattorias offering traditional Roman dishes. Take time to appreciate the street performers and artists who showcase their talents in the square. For an insider’s perspective, join a local walking tour focusing on the history and architecture of the area.