Rome is famous for its historical squares and piazzas. These beautiful areas are full of character and have become one of the main attractions of the Italian Capital.
More than anything else, the best squares and piazzas of Rome offer visitors a chance to experience the city’s history through architecture and art pieces displayed around them.
Originally these areas were developed as the centers of their communities. Nowadays, they are still used for public gatherings. However, they have also become places that offer entertainment and relaxation. Staging celebrations, protests, and religious ceremonies, as well as being the perfect location to grab a bite to eat and drink.
For example, Piazza Venezia is associated with military parades and political demonstrations. The same goes for Piazza Navona, which is home to religious ceremonies like the Blessing of the Waters during Easter.
In contrast to these events, Piazza della Repubblica has a more secular purpose: it hosts concerts by popular artists such as Bob Dylan or Sting. Finally, another popular place among Romans is Piazza dei Cinquecento (Fifth of May Square) which was named after Italy’s national holiday on May 5th, 1861, when Italy became united under one flag with Rome as its capital city. This square was also used by anti-fascists in World War II who protested against Benito Mussolini’s dictatorship regime before they were arrested by police forces.
Today there are over 2000 piazzas in Rome. Having also served as marketplaces, places of worship (as many have their own churches built on them), and even battlefields. In fact, some of the most famous battles of ancient Rome were fought in or near piazzas.
The most famous piazza in Rome is Piazza Navona, with its fountains and baroque buildings. It is also the biggest piazza in Italy and one of the most popular gathering points for Romans and visitors alike.
It was named after a fountain built by Pope Innocent X (1644-55), which was originally named ‘Fountain of the Four Rivers’. The name changed when it was renovated during Sixtus V’s papacy to reference his family name instead of its geographical origins.
Other important squares and piazzas include Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo (the largest square in Europe), and of course, the most famous public square in Rome, St. Peters Square.
You can explore these areas on your own or with a tour guide, and they’re just one way to experience the rich history of this amazing city.