Piazza Navona is a plaza or square in Rome. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium. The ancient Romans went there to watch the games, and hence it was known as "Circus Agonalis" or competition arena. It is believed that over time the name changed to in avone to navone and eventually to navona.
The Piazza Navona is situated in the historic center of Rome, west of the Pantheon. It is one of Rome's liveliest squares, with many outdoor cafes, restaurants and night clubs in the neighborhood. Defined as a public space in the last years of 15th century, when the city market was transferred there from the Campidoglio, Piazza Navona was transformed into a highly significant example of Baroque Roman architecture and art during the pontificate of Innocent X, who reigned from 1644 until 1655. It features important sculptural and architectural creations: in the center stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, brought in pieces from the Circus of Maxentius; the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone and the Pamphili palace. Piazza Navona has two other fountains. At the southern end is the Fontana del Moro at the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune. The main attraction in Piazza Navona is the Fontana die Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). The fountain was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Innocent X. The base of the fountain is travertine rock which supports the four river Gods. Above the Gods is an ancient Egyptian obelisk with a dove and Pamphili. The Fontana del Moro or Fountain of the Moor, is located on the southern end of the square. The fountain was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 with a dolphin and four Tritons. However, in 1653 the statue of the Moor was added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. During 1874 the original statues were moved to the Galleria Borghese. The current statues are replicas. The third fountain of Piazza Navona is located on the north end of the square. The Neptune Fountain was formerly called the Fontana dei Calderari due to the many blacksmith shops located on the street near the fountain Of all Rome's piazzas, this isola pedonale (pedestrian precinct) is one where the liveliness of Roman life is most tangible. It has long been a meeting place for the inhabitants of Rome. The piazza revolves around the open-air-cafés and the seasonal fairs. Of these the most popular is the one held in December and early January where toys and crib figures are sold. Its theme if the Feast of Epiphany as well as Christmas, so la Befana (the Epiphany witch, who his roughly the Italian equivalent of Father Christmas) features prominently. In the summer the piazza provides a continous festival of painters, caricaturists, fortune-teller and buskers, who entertain visitors until the small hours.
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Rome Private ToursThere are plenty to do in Rome, Italy. Here is our recommended points of interest for Groups of friends and family to get together and enjoy. Categories
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