Navona, the square in Rome: photo and description of the fountains

In Rome there are many sights that are worth seeing. One of them is Piazza Navona (square), known primarily for its original fountains and palaces that were built in the XVII century. In their reviews tourists often call it the best square of the city. What is it interesting for travelers? We will tell more in detail in this article.

History of Navona Square

The first mention of the building of the future square dates back to the IV century BC, when sports competitions took place in its place. They were called agonies, and it was from them that piazza later got its present name. It is known that Julius Caesar ordered to build here a temporary stadium, which in 80 AD was significantly rebuilt and expanded by the Emperor Domitian. It accommodated almost 15 000 spectators. There were competitions for running, throwing discs, fisticuffs, as well as large celebrations of Roman nobles. The stadium was decorated with antique works of art, and at the entrance there were numerous shops of merchants.

After the fall of Rome, the stadium was destroyed. The arena gradually turned into a square, and the stands began to be built up by apartment buildings. In the XII century on the site of the ancient brothel was erected a Catholic church dedicated to the martyr Agnes. In 1477, the city market was moved here, which was located here until the middle of the XIX century. At all times on piazza held carnivals, tournaments, equestrian competitions and holidays. Now Navona square, fountains of which are famous all over the world, has become a favorite place for walks of citizens and tourists. At the end of December at Christmas, fairs are organized here, where toys and New Year souvenirs are sold.

How to get to Navona?

Find Navona is not difficult, because the area is located in the central part of Rome, surrounded by numerous attractions. The city is well-developed public transport, so tourists can get to the piazza by bus. One ticket operates on land routes, and on the metro station for 100 minutes. From the famous Castle of Saint Angel you can walk to the square along the waterfront in 15 minutes. The distance to the Pantheon is only 500 meters. In addition, on the streets of the city there are many signs in English, with the help of which tourists can walk to the piazza on their own.

How to get from Termini to Navona Square? This question is asked by many travelers. Termini is the main station of the city. Here, two major branches of the Roman metro cross . Sowing at the station of the same name, you must drive along the red branch to the Spagna stop. From here you can walk to the square in a few minutes.

Navona (square): the main buildings

Modern Navona, which is so popular with tourists, was built in the middle of the XVII century, when the architecture was popular baroque. Therefore, most of the buildings adjacent to the square are made in this style. Piazza is a rectangle stretched from the south to the north, along which there are palazzos, churches, shops, cafes and museums. Navona - walking area. For rest of visitors on all territory benches are established. However, the area's great popularity was brought by its original fountains. In the central part of Navona there is a majestic Fountain of four rivers. It is additionally decorated with a granite obelisk. At the beginning of the square you can see the fountain of Neptune. Finishes the composition of the southern pond Moor.

Opposite the Fontana of the four rivers is the beautiful church of Sant'Agnese in Angone. Next to it are numerous palaces of Italian nobles and churchmen. The earliest of them was built at the beginning of the XV century. Tourists can also see the ruins of an ancient Roman stadium. On the square there is the Museum of Rome, whose expositions narrate about the nuances of the medieval life of the city. It can look at old paintings and engravings, frescoes and mosaics, first printed books, furniture, sculptures. The museum exhibits real samples of medieval ceramics and clothing. You can relax after a walk around Navona in cozy cafes, each of which is equipped with an open terrace so that visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the square.

Fountain of four rivers in Navona Square

The main attraction of the square is the Fountain of four rivers. Its construction was completed in 1651, and the project was developed by Giovanni Bernini, the leading architect and sculptor of his time. Innocent X, then Pope of Rome, decided to erect near his family palazzo an Egyptian obelisk, created in ancient Rome. Bernini, through his patron, introduced the fountain project to the Pope. He was so impressed by the beauty of the creation that he ordered the architect to immediately begin construction.

According to Bernini's idea, the obelisk should be surrounded by sculptures of river gods - the patrons of the great rivers Ganges (Asia), Nile (Africa), Danube (Europe) and La Plata (America). The figures are surrounded by sculptures, symbolizing the flora and fauna of each continent. Here you can see the vine, tropical flowers, palm trees, and from animals - snakes, lions and dolphins. Water to the fountain comes from the nearest aqueduct Aqua Virgo. Every day, local acrobats, conjurers, mimes and musicians arrange for him. All the sculptures of the fountain are made of white marble. In winter, around it are built shopping arcades.

The Moor Fountain

In the south of the square is the Moor Fountain. Find a construction is not difficult, because it is located opposite the Museum of Rome. Its main part was built in the second half of the 16th century by the architect Giacomo della Porta, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. Four marble statues of tritons were installed on the water structure. The figure of the Moor, which is now considered the central element of the composition, was installed a whole century later, and it was developed by the notorious Bernini. According to his design, initially the final element was to become another newt, but it was replaced by Moor, fighting with the dolphin. In 1874, the original statue was moved to the museum, and in its place was placed a similar copy. And not in vain, because in 2011 a passerby climbed into the Moor Fountain in Navona Square and mutilated the sculpture. Fortunately, it was quickly restored, returning the old look.

The Neptune Fountain

Navona is an area famous for its fountains. The northernmost of them is a building dedicated to the Roman god Neptune. It is known for sure that its construction was completed in 1574 after the reconstruction of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. But then it had a completely different appearance: the fountain was not decorated with sculptures and was just a round bowl. The structure performed a practical function, rather than an aesthetic, supplying clean water to the residents of the city. In the XIX century, the fountain was decided to radically rebuild. In 1878, Italian sculptors Gregorio Zappali and Antonio della Bitta erected figures of marble above the cup.

By its size, the fountain is much inferior to its neighbors. In the center of the composition stands Neptune with a trident in his hands, which fights with an octopus. Around it in a circle there are small sculptures of cupid, Nereid, cherub, horse, dolphin and sea monsters.

Palazzo in the square

Navona is the square, the reviews about which are often found positive. But it is famous not only for its fountains, but for the numerous palazzos in which the Roman nobility once lived. Now they have state institutions. For example, in the Braski Palace, built in 1792, now is the Museum of Rome. Next to it is a "talking" statue of Paskvin: the city dwellers anonymously hang their opinions about the current government. It was found in 1501, and scientists believe that the sculpture adorned the city back in the days of ancient Rome.

Tourists can see the Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650, which now houses the Brazilian embassy. Pay attention to the Palazzo de Coupis, built in 1450.

Church of Sant'Agnese in Angone

Another building, attracting the attention of tourists, was the church in Piazza Navona in Rome, dedicated to the Catholic martyr Agnes. According to legend, she died in a brothel, which was located on piazza in the time of Rome. The church was built in 1652 on the site of a medieval chapel. Initially, the project involved the architect Girolamo Rainaldi, but after it was replaced by the famous Francesco Borromini. Now in the church there are Catholic services that can be visited by believing tourists. You can look at its interior every day, except Monday. The church is open from 9:00 and until noon, and then from 15:00 until 19:00.

Reviews of tourists about the area

Piazza Navona impressed tourists with its baroque architecture, so they write positive reviews. In their opinion, the square is worth a visit to all travelers who came to Rome. The best of Navona looks late in the evening or in winter, when the flow of visitors here is significantly reduced. But there were some shortcomings. Tourists think that the overall picture is seriously spoiled by shopping arcades. Photographed at the fountain is also difficult, because there are always a lot of people here. Sometimes annoying sellers of souvenirs stick to visitors.

Whatever the case, the Navona square will pleasantly surprise tourists. Fountains, the description of which can be seen in our article, will not only please you with its beauty, but also will be pleasantly refreshed in hot weather. Piazza is a great place for leisurely walks, especially in the evening.