The Timeless Piazza Navona – discover the charms of Rome, Italy
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Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural splendor. Among its many iconic sites, Piazza Navona, is a magnificent square that embodies the city’s unique blend of history, art, and culture. Piazza Navona is, without a doubt, one of Rome’s most celebrated and lively piazzas, and its allure has captured the hearts of countless visitors over the centuries.
Here are the highlights of Piazza Navona that you should not miss on your next tour of Rome, Rome private excursion from Civitavecchia, or sightseeing on your own on a sojourn in the Eternal City.
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Historical Significance of Piazza Navona
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Dating back to the 1st century AD, Piazza Navona has roots that extend into the annals of ancient Rome. In this era, the square was far from the charming piazza we see today. The elongated shape of the piazza we see today echoes its ancient past, as it once accommodated the Stadium of Domitian, a colossal ancient Roman arena that played a central role in the city’s entertainment scene.
With the capacity to host up to 20,000 spectators, the Stadium of Domitian was a pivotal hub of entertainment, echoing the cheers of the crowd as chariots thundered around the track and athletes displayed their prowess. It was, without a doubt, one of ancient Rome’s main entertainment venues, a place where citizens gathered to celebrate the spirit of competition and revel in the grandeur of the games.
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This stadium, once a prominent arena, continued to see use into the 5th century as Rome faced decline. Throughout the Medieval era, the Campo remained a venue for games, races, and knightly tournaments. Noble families began to cluster their residences in the southern and western parts of the piazza. Over time, small churches dedicated to saints Catherine and Agnes were established amid its arches.
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The Fountain of the Four Rivers
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Piazza Navona is crowned by the mesmerizing Fountain of the Four Rivers, a true masterpiece of Baroque artistry. Designed by the illustrious Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this fountain is a testament to the artistic prowess of the 17th century. Its creation and symbolism unveil a tale of the blending of art, history, and culture.
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At its core, the fountain represents the four great rivers of the known world during the 18th century, each with its unique significance. The Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata flow together harmoniously, symbolizing the universality of the Catholic Church. Bernini’s design suggests that the church’s influence and embrace extend to all corners of the globe.
The Nile is depicted with a veiled head, representing the river’s unknown source during Bernini’s time. The Ganges holds an oar, a symbol of its navigability. The Danube is illustrated with the river god clasping the papal coat of arms, emphasizing the church’s authority. Lastly, the Río de la Plata features a symbolic embrace of a mound of coins, signifying the riches and treasures of the New World.
What truly sets the Fountain of the Four Rivers apart is its dynamic and animated design. The figures and animals that adorn the fountain appear to be in motion, with twisting and contorted bodies that add a sense of energy to the scene. This dynamism is a hallmark of Bernini’s work, as he sought to create art that was not static but a living, breathing expression of life.
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The fountain is not merely an artistic marvel; it serves as the heart of Piazza Navona. Its grandeur and symbolism are a testament to the cultural and historical significance of this stunning square.
As you explore the piazza, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and powerful storytelling that the Fountain of the Four Rivers brings to life. It is a timeless reminder of Rome’s rich artistic heritage and the enduring allure of its Baroque masterpieces.
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The Egyptian Obelisk on the Fountain of Four Rivers
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The crowning jewel of the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona is an ancient Egyptian obelisk that brings a touch of history and mystique to the square. This magnificent obelisk, a symbol of the enduring fascination with antiquity, has a remarkable journey from the sands of Egypt to the heart of Rome.
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This particular obelisk, crafted from red granite and standing at an impressive 16 meters (52 feet) tall, originally graced the Temple of Isis in ancient Egypt. The hieroglyphics and inscriptions that adorn its sides offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural significance it held in its homeland.
Emperor Domitian, in the 1st century AD, orchestrated the relocation of the obelisk to Rome as part of his effort to enhance the city’s grandeur and pay homage to Egyptian culture. However, the journey from Egypt to Rome was no small feat. Moving an obelisk of this size and weight required the expertise of engineers and architects of the time, reflecting the dedication and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.
The Egyptian obelisk was commissioned to be placed on the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Pope Innocent X, who was born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj. The Pope’s intention was not only to enhance the beauty of the square but also to celebrate the power and influence of the Catholic Church, which was symbolized by the central obelisk.
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The Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona
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Located at the southern end of Rome’s Piazza Navona, the Fontana del Moro, or Fountain of the Moor, is a captivating aquatic spectacle. Originally crafted by Giacomo della Porta in the 1570s, it served as a reservoir for water from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct.
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Ludovico Rossi, the skilled stone carver, meticulously carved the basins in 1575 and the travertine balustrades in 1577, creating an exquisite row of column-like structures.
Della Porta’s masterful touch was the addition of four tritons, which he repurposed from a previous project. These tritons, blowing into shells, sent water cascading. Della Porta collaborated with other sculptors to create four heads, each flanked by dolphins.
Each head spouted water from its mouth, with a dragon on its back also contributing to the aquatic display. Della Porta incorporated these dragons as an homage to his patron, Pope Gregory XIII, whose coat-of-arms featured a dragon. Though Della Porta initially planned to include a central column, this vision was left incomplete, and a striking rock took its place.
In 1651, after Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s triumphant completion of the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Pope Innocent X was so impressed that he entrusted Bernini with the renovation of the other two fountains in Piazza Navona. This included the transformation of the Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor) into the magnificent work we admire today.
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The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona
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Once dubbed ‘Fontana dei Calderari‘, the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona boasts a colorful past, owing its original name to the bustling blacksmiths and metalworkers nearby. This fountain’s story began with the restoration of the Roman Aqua Virgo aqueduct in 1570, spurring an expansion of water supply to the Campo Marzio district, the city’s most densely populated area at the time.
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Designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1574, the lower basin features pristine white marble, while local Pietrasanta stone graces the upper part. For centuries, the fountain stood without its iconic sculptures.
In 1878, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà breathed new life into the fountain, introducing the dramatic sculpture of Neptune battling an octopus. This addition, along with other sculptures themed around ‘Nereids with Cupids and walruses‘, followed a competition in 1873. These changes aimed to harmonize the square’s artistic elements, ensuring a striking presence in Piazza Navona.
Today, the Fountain of Neptune stands as a captivating blend of history, art, and culture, beckoning visitors to admire its transformation and historical significance in the heart of this vibrant square.
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The Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona
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On the western side of the square, you’ll find the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a stunning Baroque church designed by Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This architectural gem offers a tranquil contrast to the square’s lively atmosphere.
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Agnes, a Roman noble born in AD 291, was martyred at the age of twelve or thirteen during Emperor Diocletian’s rule in 304. She was accused of practicing Christianity by suitors from high-ranking families due to her devotion to religious purity.
Prefect Sempronius sentenced her to be dragged through the streets to a brothel, but she miraculously escaped harm. Her trials culminated in beheading or stabbing.
The romantic atmosphere of Piazza Navona is undeniable. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand with a loved one or enjoying a romantic dinner at one of the candlelit restaurants, the square exudes an enchanting ambiance that makes it a favored destination for couples.
Enjoy Rome!
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