Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome

By Megan Hills

Take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome

There's a sculpture, church and pasta place on every corner in Rome - and the same rings true for its many piazzas. Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, there's a number scattered around the capital nearby some of the biggest tourist attractions or in quieter areas perfect for city break. Here's our guide to the top piazzas in Rome.

This town 💜#balconyview #sunset #rome #travel

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Piazza Campo de'Fiori

This atmospheric piazza thrives with energy and culture. This rectangular square is home to one of the best street markets in Rome, where you'll be able to grab everything from fresh produce to street food. In the evenings, it becomes a massive hang out area for people from all walks of life and there's a number of fantastic restaurants for ideal date nights.

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Piazza Navona

An ancient Roman stadium once stood where this piazza does now. This large area retains the general shape of the arena and is filled with interesting statues and architectural marvels, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Obelisk of Domition. With restaurants and benches scattered around the piazza, it's a fantastic place to chill out with a cold glass of white wine.

Пьяцца дель Пополо или «Народная площадь" В центре площади стоит обелиск Фламиния – 24-х метровая каменная колонна возрастом 3400 лет, которая была вывезена из Египта как военный трофей. Вначале колонну поставили в Большом цирке. Там он простоял долгие годы, разрушился и рухнул. Архитектор Доменико Фонтана по распоряжению Папы соединил обломки, и установил восстановленный обелиск посреди Пьяцца дель Пополо. Каждый шаг в Риме - это возможность увидеть своими глазами историю, прикоснуться к прекрасному. Единственное, что меня под конец стало раздражать - это торговцы цветами, подходят предлагают цветы и говорят, что это бесплатно. Начинаешь отказываться, пытаются всунуть их тебе в руки, в платье, вообщем лишь бы цветы оказались у тебя 😤 Настырные такие, слов не понимают, так и хотелось им уже 👊🏼 А так Рим прекрасен💓 Ставьте 💗, вам несложно, мне приятно😊 #travelnotes_Mfamily

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Piazza del Popolo

As one of the larger squares in Rome, this piazza is named after the nearby church Santa Maria del Popolo. Located within throwing distance of the Borghese Gardens which houses the Borghese Gallery, it draws on neoclassical elements while incorporating fun sculptures such as an Egyptian obelisk and a tall arched gateway into the central area. A number of fountains add natural elements to the square and it's worth dipping into the three churches ringing the piazza.

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Piazza del Campidoglio

This breathtaking square was designed by the Italian master himself - Michelangelo. Trace the charcoal and cream oval pattern on the ground and pose alongside the intimidating bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor. Once you've finished basking in the sun, head into the Capitoline Museums nearby to get your fill of ancient Roman art and architecture.

Mijn buitenverblijfje. #vaticaan #vatican #vaticano #vaticancity #basilica #italy #rome #zweten

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Piazza San Pietro

If you're keen on seeing the pope, this large Vatican City piazza is the place to be. On select dates, the pope appears in a window of St Peter's Basilica - the gigantic cathedral that dominates the square - and addresses those below with blessings. It functions as the spiritual heart of the deeply religious state and it's worth passing through on your way to the rest of the Vatican's attractions.

Spanish Steps 👣 #Rome #italy #NasaEuropeSia #europalma #europetraveldiaries #beautifuldestinations

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Piazza di Spagna

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and head to the Spanish Steps on your Roman holiday. Piazza di Spagna, the large square at the base of the famous staircase, is a charming place to cool off and grab an espresso after running round the sights. Grab a picture of Bernini's ivory fountain before heading into the English poet John Keats' former home, where he and his fellow literary celebrity Percy Shelley are celebrated.

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Explore the Ancient Ruins of Rome

Rome is not shy of a few ancient ruins; in fact there are a number of buildings and areas that still stand and remain to be explored. As Rome dates back to 27 BC, when it was founded by the two brothers Romulus and Remus, there’s certainly plenty of history behind the city. Surprising at first, as a tourist when you stop to marvel the rubble and ruins every corner, it’s not long before you become accustomed to the juxtapositions of the ancient and the new wherever you look. However, because there are so many ruins and so much to see we thought we’d whittle it down for you, and pick our Top 10 must-see ancient Roman ruins in and around Rome. After all, you can’t leave Rome without a bit of culture. Coliseum One of the most iconic buildings in Rome, the Coliseum dates back to 72 AD and was commissioned by the Emperor Flavius. Did you know the name of the building was originally called Amphitheatrum Flavium after its patron? You can still see the name engraved in its wall today. Used largely for entertainment and events, the Coliseum is famous for its gladiator fights and wild animal battles. Pantheon Re-built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. It stood as a temple for all the Roman gods, yet has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Its impressive structure makes it one of the most iconic temples in the world with a huge oculus and dome, granite portico and rotunda. Pyramid of Cestius The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient Roman tomb (and reminiscent in design of the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Nubia), built for Gaius Cestius around 18 - 12 BC. Its white marble façade measures nearly 30m2 at the base and is 37m high. At the fork of two ancient roads, Via Ostiensis and the ancient Via della Marmorata, it’s also one of the best preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Although visitors are not permitted entrance into the tomb, the burial chamber is decorated with orate frescoes by Bartoli, too. Arch of Constantine Standing tall between the Coliseum and the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine is an epic monument to Rome’s past. Built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. Spanning over the ancient Via Triumphalis – the street emperors took to enter the city in triumph – it measures 21m high and 26m wide and marks a departure from the stylistic trends of the previous century. Terme di Caracalla These Roman baths of Caraccalla are the second largest public baths in Rome, built between 212 and 216 AD. Built as a form of political propaganda, they were used to unite Romans from every social class – blurring lines of caste and class. The baths were still in use until the 6th century and nowadays their impressive ruins act as a backdrop to host famous opera and ballet performances in the summer months. Roman Forum For centuries, the Roman Forum was the centre of Ancient Roman life. As a bustling market place, traders would exchange commerce, it would host gladiator fights at the neighbouring Coliseum, even political trials and public speeches. In the valley of the two hills; the Palatine and the Constantine, the Forum includes many famous landmarks such as the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Shrine of Vulcan and the Temple of Romulus. Castel Sant’angelo Having passed through the centuries, built over 2,000 years ago by the Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’angelo (or Mausoleum of Hadrian) is a testament to ancient Roman construction. Housing the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, it is now a museum but was once a fortress, prison and refuge for the Popes. Did you know there’s a secret underground tunnel that runs to the Vatican? Ostia Antica Forum Just outside of the city centre, Ostia Antica forum is one of Rome’s most famous archaeological sites and namely so as Ostia was the old harbour city of Ancient Rome. You can walk around this sprawling rural forum dating from 7- 3 BC and admire the ruins of the military camp, the Castrum, and the temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva in the Capitolium – to name a few. Palatine Hill Just higher than the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome and backs onto the Circus Maximus, beside the Coliseum, too. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was where the she-wolf found the two founders of Rome, as babies hidden in a cave. There is evidence to trace the Palatine Hill back 1000 years BC, and you can see the ruins of the Flavian Palace and the Statium of Domitian. 10. Aurelian Walls Built to enclose the Seven Hills of Rome and the Trastevere district as a military defence, the walls ran 19kms in total and were 3.5m thick. Built between 271 and 275 AD they have undergone some extension over the years, however, they remain surprisingly well preserved considering their part played in the protection of the city up to the 19th century. Head to Muro Torto in Villa Borghese for one of the most intact areas.
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Discover the Roman Summer with 'Estate Romana'

Estate Romana, which literally translates as Roman Summer, is the summer event in Rome that’s worth keeping your eye on... It’s so much than just one event; it’s actually a series of events that run from the beginning to the end of the summer, starting early June to the end of September. Explore the four corners of culture; from dance and music, to theatre productions and art exhibitions - and much more! Piazzas are turned into performance venues, while open air cinemas pop up in every available space. It’s a haven for those in need of some edifying or even those after a unique experience of Rome. We’ve highlighted some of the best events you can catch this summer, from paint throwing to night-time walks, classic opera and off-the-wall perfomances. Holi Festival of Colours The Holi Festival of Colours has taken over the world as a summer rite. From its origins as an Indian celebration to celebrate the happiness and wellbeing of one’s families, it's turned into a modern phenomenon as people are handed paintballs while dancing to DJ sets. On the 14th June, Rome will host its first ever Holi Festival of Colours at the Capannelle Hippodrome. It will fall, symbolically, on the following day of the full moon that month – and will be celebrated in a (playful) fight in which powder paint balls are launched through the air in celebration. Something for those who aren’t afraid to get a bit messy, it’s a fun filled experience! Tour the Roman Forum at Night See the sights by night and explore a different side of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum comes to life in this night-time tour held every Wednesday and every Saturday evenings from May to November. Take in the impressive illuminated ruins after dusk has fallen and admire Rome’s ancient history. Starting at 9pm at the Teatro Marcello in Piazza Campidoglio, you’ll follow a trail outside of the Roman Forum itself for the best views of the ruins from above. You’ll be taken past the Mamertime Prison, Caesar’s Forum and scale some medieval steps to complete your nocturnal experience. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel After Dark To continue the theme of night-time excursions, the Vatican Museums are holding after dark tours every Friday from the 2nd May to the 25th July, as well as from the 5th September to the 31st October. You’ll be able to visit the world famous Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel from 7pm to 11pm. With over 9 miles of art to be admired, including mosaics, tapestries and sculpture, you can walk around the museum like a VIP – when everyone else has gone home! If you’re not a fan of crowds this is a great opportunity to get an undisturbed view of the great masterpieces and of course Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. C!rca Beyond International Festival For something a little more contemporary and mind-bending, the C!rca Beyond International Festival is taking over Villa Adriana, Hadrian’s archaeological ruins, in Tivoli, just outside Rome. This stunning setting is a picture-perfect scenario for the wild festival-come-circus that promises crazy performances by animals and humans; it will confuse madness with sanity and blur the lines between dreaming and reality. ‘Intense, surreal and unexpectedly touching’ – this re-constructed circus dynamic will shock, amaze and inspire. Not to be missed – book online for tickets on the 6th July, starting at 9pm. Ballet at the Terme di Caracalla For something a little more cultured and conventional, the ancient Terme di Caracalla – the ruins of the public baths of ancient Rome – play host to classical performances, including ballet and opera. Kicking off on the 24th June until the 9th August, Carmen opens the season, followed by the Tokyo Ballet on the 27th - 28th June and Swan Lake from the 3rd to the 15th July. The Prodigal Son and La Bohème are also in the programme, so it’s not short of a few classics. Enjoy the novelty of sitting under the stars watching awe-inspiring performances of some of the crème de la crème of classical music and dance.
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Rome on wheels with Roma Cristiana Bus Tours

Although Rome is a relatively compact city you can explore quite easily by foot; there’s nothing better than a good old bus tour. You can’t deny it, sitting on an open-top (especially when it’s sunny!) and taking in the sights like a proper tourist is actually good fun! Obviously, the Roma Cristiana bus tour in Rome is a must-do on your trip. It’s an easy kill-all-the-birds-with-one-stone method of seeing all the important landmarks and monuments of the city, whilst learning interesting facts on the way. For example, did you know left handed people in Ancient Rome were considered unlucky? It’s where the word sinister comes from, from the Italian sinistra meaning left. With a three day hop-on, hop-off ticket you’re guaranteed to see all the major sights of Rome as the bus stops at 12 major points around the city, from the Coliseum and St Peter’s Basilica, to the great squares of Piazza Navona and Campo de’Fiori. Whether you choose to stay seated on the bus and sit on it for the full 2 hour tour, or whether you jump off and on at various points to explore the city in depth, this bus tour is a great way of discovering Rome at your leisure. Here are some of the best sights to see on the way: Coliseum As one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, the Coliseum is as deep-rooted in Rome’s history as you can get. Built in 70AD it has stood the test of time and is pretty much the world’s all time event arena! Hosting some of the most daring, controversial and undeniably entertaining events in history from gladiator fights to miniature boat races, the Coliseum is a must-see. Admire the imposing structure of the 156m wide amphitheatre and learn about its influential history. Hop off to explore the exhibitions and take a walk around the ancient architecture. St Peter’s Basilica As the most important landmark in the Catholic Church, St Peter’s Basilica symbolises the epicentre of their holy community. Its Renaissance and Baroque art history and decoration makes it a monumental masterpiece from its marble façade, to its interior opulence – featuring Bernini’s baldacchino and Bramante’s dome. Explore the underground crypts or climb up to the very top of the dome for sweeping views across the city. Don’t forget to cover up your arms and legs though, they’re quite strict when it comes to entry admission. Circus Maximus With a seating capacity of 250,000, Circus Maximus was the other main arena that staged popular events; the most popular were the chariot races. Circus Maximus is even older than the Coliseum and dates back to the 6th century BC, where a racing track was created between the two main peaks, the Aventine and the Palatine hills. After two fires destroyed the original construction, the arena was made in stone and marble, and stood at a height of 3 stories, measuring over 600m long! Unfortunately during the Medieval and Renaissance eras most of the material was stolen from the structure of the site for new builds, which is why so little of the architecture remains today. Piazza Navona One of Rome’s most famous Baroque examples, Piazza Navona, is in the heart of Rome and is a popular piazza for tourists and locals alike. Stop off at this marble masterpiece for a spot of lunch in one of the traditional Italian restaurants that spill onto outside tables on the cobbled square and overlook the fountains and statues that make Piazza Navona so beautiful. Why not go through Campo de’Fiori on your way back to the bus and walk through the famous artisanal food market. There’s everything from fresh produce to funny pasta shapes, as well as ingredients for the perfect picnic! With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can explore Rome with the Roma Cristiana bus tour for free. The 3 day hop-on, hop-off ticket is included in the price of the package – just turn up and get your ticket from the stop at Piazza Pio XII, 9.
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