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Piazza Navona

Art of Fountains and Sculptures

Piazza Navona, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, was transformed into a market square in the 15th century, with several restaurants and cafes nearby. Inside the square are the Fountain of Neptune, the Moor Fountain, and a representative of Baroque art, the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini.

Piazza Navona, located in the heart of Rome’s old town, was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, and was transformed into a market square after the 15th century. There are many specialty restaurants and cafes nearby, and the market at Piazza Navona always attracts visitors from near and far during the Christmas season.

Piazza Navona is famous for its three fountains, The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) located in the center, was designed and built by the master sculptor Bernini, and is a representative of Roman Baroque art. Bernini anthropomorphized the Ganges in Asia, the Nile in Africa, the Danube in Europe, and the Rio de la Plata in America, allowing Four River Gods to sit around the foot of a tall Egyptian obelisk. In the movie “Angels and Demons”, the Four Rivers Fountain is the location of the Church of Water. The Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone was built in 1652 and designed by Bernini’s rival Borromini.

The Moor Fountain

The Moor Fountain (Fontana del Moro) and the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), both originally designed by Giacomo della Porta, are located at the north and south ends of the square. The Fountain of Neptune is located on the north side of the square, depicting fighting scenes of Neptune and sea monsters. The Moor Fountain on the south side shows a Moorish figure wrestling with dolphins, surrounded by four Tritons, the statue of the Moor was added by Bernini in 1653.