Main Menu
Articles
Information
Home 
Home and Family Holidays Piazza Navona - Rome's Famous Square
Home and Family Holidays Piazza Navona - Rome's Famous Square| Piazza Navona - Rome's Famous Square |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Jill Kammer |
|
When you go to Rome, you can easily find many delightful indoor sights such as the museums, theaters, churches and bars. But at heart Rome is a city that is seen best from one of the artistic piazzas that can only be enjoyed outdoors. That is why - for many - Rome will always be an outdoor city. The public squares of Rome are also known as "piazzas". However you will notice right away that Rome's piazzas stand out from other famous international cities because they are filled with wonderful art and the people who love to gather outdoors to enjoy that art in many forms. There is no better place to admire the fountain work of the famous artist Bernini than at the Piazza Navona, where the Fontana dei Fiumi or the "Fountain of the Four Rivers" was built in 1651. Here in the public square Bernini's students executed four immense sculptures around an artistic obelisk sitting on top of a central rocky pedestal. One of those students was Claude Poussin who executed "the Ganges" as part of this fountain and who later went on to fame and renown himself. The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a classic Roman fountain that seems alive with a rich diversity of life from a cactus to palm trees to sea monsters and dozens of wonderful pieces all mixed together artfully around the unifying column in the middle. When this fountain was created, it was so expensive that Rome actually put taxes on bread to fund the work. This resulted in loud complaints from every level of Roman society. That scandal is now part of the lore of this artwork to enhance the fun of relaxing and enjoying a coffee as the bustling metropolis goes by. Just across the piazza is another magnificent fountain that has the sea god Triton riding a dolphin as its centerpiece. The "Fountain of the Moor" is a great place to relax and take in the activity in the public square, catch some warm sun on your face or discuss with your travel mates what site to see next in the Piazza Navona. The piazza is full of things to see, do and taste that will enhance your experience just as much as the wonderful and artistic fountains outdoors. Sprinkled amongst the many cafes, restaurants and shops of Piazza Navona are dozens of merchant stalls. Here you will find artists ready to sketch your portrait and capture this moment in time as you soak up the atmosphere of Rome. At night the piazza explodes with activity until the sun comes up, as natives and locals mix with artists, mimes, merchants and beggars, all crowding the oval plaza together. The piazza actually stands on the site of an ancient circus, which is not a place where animal acts come to perform. Instead a Roman "circus" is a public square where many roads come to one meeting place. Don't miss out on the luxurious taste of a Tartufo at Tre Scalini. And you don't want to miss the ambiance at Rome's oldest existing bar, the Caffe della Pace. This is a great place to savor a Campari and some fine conversation and atmosphere. What a perfect way to prepare for a reverent visit to the Church of Sant'Agnese, just a short walk from the three famous Bernini fountains of the piazza. One of those fountains is the Fountain of the Coppersmiths or the "Fontana dei Calderai" which later came to be known as the Fountain of Neptune. This artwork takes the fountain theme of sea creatures to the next level with its many denizens of sea including sea horses, sea nymphs, an octopus and the great sea god Neptune himself. Rose marble construction that was used to create this magnificent fountain was also used for the doorjambs at St. Peter's. From your time at the Fountain of the Coppersmiths, it is a short walk to hear some great classical music at the Piazza Sant'Eustachio that lies between Navona and the Pantheon. Or you can easily catch a quick bus to see the Pantheon if your schedule takes you there next. However your day is organized, don't miss out on enjoying one of the most famous public squares in Rome. Enjoy the fun and beauty even if that public square is in fact round. About Author: Need Rome Accommodation while exploring the delights of Italy's capital? Rome-Accom.com has nearly 200 Rome vacation apartment for rent in the middle of Rome, near all the major tourist attractions. Kindly provided by 4Girls.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include this link. |
Latest News
- What are some home remedies for acne
- Inspirational Resources On The Way In Which Interior Shutters Can Seriously Save Your Day
- Brilliant Resources On How You Can Make Certain That You Hold On Tight To Your Horse Trailers
- Final Star Wars Costumes
- Embroidered Boots Go Great Great On Custom Western Apparel
Members : 2569
Content : 3681
Web Links : 3
Content View Hits : 468519
Content : 3681
Web Links : 3
Content View Hits : 468519