Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona stands on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. Originally known as the Circus Agonalis or competition arena, it hosted athletic contests and gymnastics for over 30,000 spectators. The unique elongated oval shape of the modern piazza directly follows the footprint of the ancient stadium's track, preserving a piece of Roman imperial history in its very layout. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the square underwent a dramatic transformation into a masterpiece of urban design. Pope Innocent X, whose family palace overlooked the square, commissioned the greatest architects of the day to redefine the space. This led to the creation of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini and the iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, famously fueling a rivalry between the two masters. Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant cultural landmark and a symbol of Roman life. It is famous for its three magnificent fountains, street performers, and seasonal markets, such as the traditional Christmas market. The square serves as an open-air museum where the layers of Rome's history, from imperial ruins to Baroque grandeur, coexist seamlessly for visitors from around the world.