Originally a stadium built in the 1st century for athletics and chariot racing, Piazza Navona was reworked in the 15th century and then added to in the 17th century to take on its present form consisting of Baroque palaces, lavish churches, three spectacular fountains and several smart cafés and restaurants.In the centre of the square stands the celebrated Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers), which depicts four river gods that represent the Nile, Danube, Ganges and Rio de la Plata or the four continents through which papal authority had spread, all topped by the Obelisk of Domitian and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651. Then at the northern end is the Fontana di Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), which contains a statue of the Roman god of water fighting an octopus, and at the southern end is the Fontana del Moro (the Moor Fountain) portraying a Moor wrestling a dolphin surrounded by four Tritons. Both fountains were created by Giacomo della Porta in 1574 and 1575 respectively, however, the statues of Neptune and the various sea creatures and were added in the 19th century.The most imposing building in the square is the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, rebuilt by Pope Innocent X whose palace, the Palazzo Pamphili now the Brazilian Embassy, is adjacent to the church which contains the skull of the martyr St. Agnes. The church is boasts sumptuous decorations by Ciro Ferri and Sebastiano Corbellini and a beautiful domed ceiling.The square has featured in numerous films including the recent thriller Angels & Demons adapted from the Dan Brown novel of the same name, the 1970 adaptation of Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22 and Sophia Loren’s character in the 1964 film Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow lived in an apartment overlooking the square.Piazza Navona today is enjoyed by Romans and tourists alike who gather there to enjoy the street entertainments, buy a souvenir or simply take a break from pounding the streets to have a coffee and a tartufo (an Italian ice-cream dessert).Piazza Navona is in the heart of Rome and is close to many of the city’s most famous sights. It is easily reachable by Metro, bus or on foot.
Piazza Navona Tours and Activities
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History & culture
See all 1106 activitiesOpens in new tabColosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Cruises & boat tours
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabAmalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome with Coastal Cruise
Attractions
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabSkip-the-Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Admission Ticket
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 254 activitiesOpens in new tab3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Private & custom tours
See all 323 activitiesOpens in new tabFlying dress photoshoot: Kauai
Reviews of Piazza Navona
3/5 - Okay
restaurants are over priced
Popular places to visit
Fountain of the Four Rivers
You can learn about the history of Rome with a visit to Fountain of the Four Rivers. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone
You can find out about the history of Rome with a stop at Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.
Palazzo Madama
After visiting Palazzo Madama, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rome. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Museo di Roma
You can study the exhibits at Museo di Roma, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Rome. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.
Cloister of Bramante
You can study the exhibits at Cloister of Bramante, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Rome. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
You can learn about the history of Rome when you stop by Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.
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