Attractions in Piazza Navona in Rome

Piazza Navona is considered to be one of Rome's most well known landmarks. It is an impressive square that was used for chariot races and competitions during the height of the Roman Empire. Today, it is one of the most recognizable areas in all of Rome, shown in thousands of travel magazines and photographs and is a must visit for any traveler in the city. So if you are planning to discover the area soon, here are the best spots that you should never miss while visiting in the area.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers

This is the largest of all the three fountains that adorn the entire square. Known to locals as the Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi, the fountain was constructed between 1647 and 1651 on a commission by Pope Innocent X. The fountain depicted the four major rivers of the world: the Nile, the Rio de la Plata, the Ganges River and the Danube and a towering obelisk is located at the center of the sculpture.

Domitian's Stadium

The square itself is actually right in the middle of an older stadium that was created by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD. Its walls are oval in shape and were primarily used for festivals and other sporting events during the times. The area of the Stadium rivals that of the Roman Colosseum. Although majority of the structures from the old stadium were demolished as newer buildings were erected, there are still several remnants of the then-majestic Domitian's Stadium around the area.

Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone

Another highlight of the square is a church dedicated to St. Agnes. Legend tells that this was the very same place where St. Agnes was stripped naked and saved from public disgrace as her hair grew to cover her entire body. In 1652, Girolamo Rainaldi created the first designs and in the years 1653 until 1657, Francesco Borromini, a Baroque architect, completed the works of the façade.

Moor Fountain and Neptune Fountain

The Moor Fountain and the Neptune Fountain are the other two smaller fountains that adorn the Piazza Navona Square. The Neptune Fountain is found in the northern end of the square while the Moor Fountain is found at the southern side. These fountains were built by Giacomo della Porta. In 1576, della Porta built the Neptune Fountain, which was surrounded by sea nymphs. . Although della Porta made the majority of the Moor Fountain, additional works were done by Bernini during the 17th and 19th century with the addition of the dolphin at the center of the statue and the tritons.

The al Fresco cafes

Although the al Fresco cafes are no longer part of the historical sights, the number of cafes that line the square adds to the charm of Piazza Navona. The Tartufo dessert, which is a handmade chocolate ice cream roll, is one of the most famous eats in the square and is the perfect treat to have in the middle of the day.

The Piazza Navona

Throughout the year, the Piazza Navona square is always filled with various kinds of entertainment - from puppet shows, acrobatics, singers and many others. If you have had enough of lounging at those cafes, join in on all the entertainment and fun offered at the center of the Piazza. The crowd can get really thick and crazy during some times of the year, but this is definitely one of the best ways to experience the city's culture.

Rome's rich and deep history makes it one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Thousands of travelers flock to the city every year and the Piazza Navona is one of the top destinations.

Because of the ever-growing tourist industry, more and more hotels and accommodations services are now established in the area. The city offers various hotels for budget and luxury travelers alike. For those who want to experience the city with style, then there are world-class hotels that line the city, within walking distance from the square and all the other popular tourist sights. For those who are on a more modest budget but do not want to sacrifice comfort, then there are convenient holiday apartments in Rome as well.

So the next time you plan a vacation, head out to this part of the world and experience all these sights, sounds and tastes that only Rome can give. The city can cater to each and every traveler's needs. All you need to do now is to get on with that trip and enjoy the best that Rome can offer.

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