Rome’s squares (piazzas) are among the most beautiful in the world, and each one bears witness to the immense splendor of the Italian capital and its evolution over the last millennia. Rome is a unique city that tells its own story around every corner, in every alley and in every square.
If you’re walking around the city, this is the best way to see it. You’ll discover many Piazzas, each with its own story to tell. Rome also knows how to be discreet, and its story can be told in many different ways: it’s unique, and each of us has the right to live it in our own way.
That’s what the travel experience is all about: making the city you love your own. A little piece of Rome also belongs to you, the reader of our guides, always bearing in mind that Rome belongs to no one, not even the Romans.
Let’s discover Rome’s Piazzas, the most beautiful and liveliest in Rome, a city with a thousand faces, many stories and, above all, an eclectic and artistic spirit.
There’s so much to do in Rome, and a visit to the wonderful Piazzas di Roma in particular. So we’re going to talk about Rome’s three most important squares. We recommend that you observe, photograph and also experience them through guided tours if possible.
Guided tours are a highlight for those who visit Rome, as they allow you to learn anecdotes, shortcuts and a great deal about the city’s history and culture. Falling in love with Rome is really easy: it happens to almost everyone who visits, and its squares bear witness to an artistic and cultural heritage rich in lustre and splendour over the centuries. We owe many of the monumental works we see in the Piazza to the emperors and the Papal Curia.
Let’s take a look at the first square: Piazza di Spagna, world-famous for its charm. Located right in the center of Rome, it’s easy to get to: just take the A metro and get off at the Spagna stop of the same name. Once there, just ahead, you can admire Bernini’s Barcaccia fountain, recently restored.
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Then, behind the Barcaccia, you’ll see the magnificent Trinità dei Monti staircase, whose 136 steps lead up to an esplanade offering breathtaking views. Please note that it is forbidden to sit on the steps of this staircase, precisely because it is a protected monument.
Opposite the Barcaccia fountain, you’ll find one of the most beautiful streets in town, especially during the Christmas season. It’s a truly exceptional street, not least because it’s home to so many brand names and magnificent window displays. You could call it the street of haute couture and elegance, very reminiscent of via Montenapoleone in Milan.
Linger a few minutes longer after you’ve seen the Piazza, and head next door to visit the church of the same name at the top of the Spanish Steps. Then take a few minutes to reach the Pincio terrace. We then move on to Piazza del Popolo in all its splendour. Let’s discover this fantastic square and its special features.
The second Piazza we absolutely recommend is the magnificent Piazza del Popolo. With its imposing obelisk and the Fontana dei Leoni, it is in the imagination of many visitors and Romans who love this city, a favored destination for onlookers.
It’s also the starting point for three of Rome’s main streets: Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via Ripetta. You can admire Rome’s twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. They are the landmark churches of Piazza del Popolo, along with the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.
From Porta Flaminia you can admire the Piazza Royale del Popolo with its obelisk and churches. You’ll also find the Fountain of the Goddess Rome and the Fountain of Neptune. From Piazza del Popolo, we move on to the third and last, but not least, Piazza Navona.
One of Romans’ favorite squares is the Piazza Navona. Its shape is highly unusual, similar to that of an ancient stadium. It’s a real open-air spectacle, with the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a masterpiece by Borromini and Rainaldi. In the center is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Legend has it that Bernini’s fountain is designed in such a way that his arm is placed in front of his face for fear that the church might collapse on him, since the church was built by Borromini.
On either side of the square are two fountains: the Fountain of the Moor and the Fountain of Neptune, of truly shocking excellence. Once you’re there, you can go deeper. You can also take advantage of the many specialized guides available at very low prices.
It’s possible to enjoy guided tours of Rome’s Piazzas. Of course, entering a piazza to observe its open-air beauty is free, but being accompanied by a guide can be a meaningful experience.
You can often find fabulous free walking tours, where for a small fee you can enjoy a walk immersed in the beauty of the world’s cities through the eyes of an expert guide.
This can make sense if you want to learn a lot about the art, history and culture of the place. After all, you don’t go to Rome every day, and some experiences are priceless.
Prices for a guided tour start from 20 euros per person, and are very low considering the experience and skill of the staff who will help you discover the beauty of Rome. It’s also always nice to learn more about a place from someone else’s analytical mind and culture.