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Piazza Navona

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description Piazza Navona Overview

Piazza Navona is a large public city square in Rome, Italy, built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which established its distinctive elongated oval shape. The square is a prominent example of Baroque architecture, featuring major works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Its central focal point is Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, completed in 1651, which is surrounded by the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. Today, the square functions as a major pedestrian zone, hosting street artists, cafes, and traditional holiday markets.

help Piazza Navona FAQ

What ancient Roman structure is Piazza Navona built upon?

Piazza Navona is built directly on top of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which was constructed in the 1st century AD. This ancient athletic stadium is what established the public square's distinctive elongated oval shape.

What famous fountain is located in the center of Piazza Navona?

The center of the square is dominated by the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi). This masterpiece of Baroque sculpture was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651.

What church faces Bernini's fountain in Piazza Navona?

The Sant'Agnese in Agone church directly faces the Fountain of the Four Rivers. It was famously designed by the architect Francesco Borromini, a fierce professional rival of Bernini.

Which major rivers are represented by the statues in Piazza Navona's fountain?

The four giant marble figures on Bernini's fountain represent four major rivers from four different continents: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges, and the Río de la Plata. An ancient Egyptian obelisk sits atop the fountain.

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