Piazza Navona
Rome's most elegant Baroque square, built on an ancient stadium, featuring Bernini's masterpiece Fountain of Four Rivers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Piazza Navona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rome's most elegant Baroque square, built on an ancient stadium, featuring Bernini's masterpiece Fountain of Four Rivers.
"A must-see in Rome, with stunning fountains and a lively atmosphere that captivates day and night."
✨ Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning photos and a magical ambiance. The fountains glow beautifully!
🚶♀️ Explore Side Streets
Venture off the main square for authentic trattorias and charming shops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fountain of Four Rivers
Center of Piazza Navona
Bernini's masterpiece, a stunning Baroque fountain symbolizing four major rivers. A true Roman icon!

Sant'Agnese in Agone
North end of Piazza Navona
A magnificent Baroque church with a striking facade, designed by Borromini. Admire its grandeur!

Stadium of Domitian (Underground)
Beneath Piazza Navona
Explore the ancient Roman stadium's ruins, offering a unique glimpse into history. Fascinating underground tours!

Street Artists and Performers
Throughout the piazza
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere created by talented artists and musicians. A lively and engaging experience!
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Piazza Navona
Navigating Piazza Navona's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning photos and a magical ambiance. The fountains glow beautifully!
🚶♀️ Explore Side Streets
Venture off the main square for authentic trattorias and charming shops.
🏛️ Underground History
Don't miss the Stadium of Domitian for a unique historical perspective.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe for a classic Roman experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Sunset Views
Catch the golden hour for stunning photos and a magical ambiance. The fountains glow beautifully!
🚶♀️ Explore Side Streets
Venture off the main square for authentic trattorias and charming shops.
🏛️ Underground History
Don't miss the Stadium of Domitian for a unique historical perspective.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe for a classic Roman experience.
🎨 Admire Bernini's Art
Take time to appreciate the intricate details of the Fountain of Four Rivers.
⚠️ Check for Restorations
Some landmarks might have scaffolding; check ahead for current conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piazza Navona is universally loved for its stunning Baroque architecture, particularly Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers, and its vibrant atmosphere filled with artists and performers. Visitors appreciate its historical significance as the site of an ancient Roman stadium and its lively ambiance, especially in the evenings. Some find the immediate area quite touristy with higher prices, and occasional scaffolding can detract from views.
"One of many piazza in Rome where people segregates at for all sorts of purposes. Be amazed by the fountains here and the obelisk which seems to be Egyptian more than Rome or Greek. From here, you can easily walk to the pantheon to spend hours at. Lots of restaurants and stores are here for local food and cuisines. Careful of the non-locals street peddlers. There are videos online of what they do."
Lucas Tan
"Piazza Navona is easily the most beautiful piazza in all of Rome. Three stunning fountains anchor the north, center, and south ends of the square, each one a masterpiece. The piazza is lined with lively restaurants offering plenty of outdoor seating, and there's always a vibrant buzz in the air. Whether you're stopping by during the day or in the evening, it's full of charm and atmosphere."
Casey Perepelecta
"The Piazza was pretty, but the real stunner was the church just beside it, you randomly walk in and see beautiful sculptures and a wonderful pained domes building. Stand in the centre and look up and you will feel the cold air coming up from the crypt below."
Steve James
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Colosseum, you can take a bus (e.g., line 87) or a taxi to reach Piazza Navona. Alternatively, it's a pleasant walk of about 25-30 minutes through historic streets.
Yes, several bus lines stop near Piazza Navona, making it easily accessible. The closest tram stop is Largo di Torre Argentina, which is a short walk away.
From Termini Station, you can take bus number 64 or 492 directly to a stop near Piazza Navona. Taxis are also readily available.
Absolutely! It's a very short and scenic walk, taking only about 5-10 minutes. The route is well-signposted and passes through charming streets.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Piazza Navona is very difficult and expensive due to its central location and pedestrian-friendly nature. It's best to use public transport or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza Navona itself is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time.
The fountains, including the famous Fountain of Four Rivers, are part of the public square and do not require tickets or have entrance fees.
Piazza Navona is always open, as it is an outdoor public space. However, shops and restaurants around the piazza will have their own operating hours.
Yes, there is a fee to enter the Stadium of Domitian museum and explore the underground ruins. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Piazza Navona often hosts various events, concerts, and street performances, especially during festive seasons. It's worth checking local listings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the Fountain of Four Rivers by Bernini, the Fountain of Neptune, the Fountain of the Moor, and the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
Piazza Navona retains the shape of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, which was used for athletic contests.
Yes, many guided tours are available that cover Piazza Navona and its history, including the underground stadium.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Dress in layers as Roman weather can change.
The piazza itself is largely flat and accessible. However, some older buildings and underground sites may have limited accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Look for trattorias in the smaller streets east of the piazza for more authentic and less touristy options.
Yes, Osteria de Memmo and Il Conte Brillo are recommended for their great food and nice ambiance, perfect for a semi-romantic meal.
Hosteria Grappolo d'Oro, Armando al Pantheon, and Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (reservations essential) are frequently praised for their quality.
Pizzeria Da Baffetto is a highly recommended spot for pizza, though it's known for its queues.
The 'tartufo' is a famous chocolate ice cream dessert, and it's said to have been created in the vicinity of Piazza Navona.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon/evening offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and beautiful golden hour hues.
The Fountain of Four Rivers, Sant'Agnese in Agone church, and the general ambiance of the piazza with its artists are highly photogenic.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography in the public areas of Piazza Navona. However, be mindful of private businesses and churches.
For daytime, a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field. For evenings, a wider aperture and higher ISO or a tripod for sharper shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in central Rome, especially over historical sites and public squares like Piazza Navona, due to safety and privacy regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to food, look for pizzerias or trattorias in the side streets that offer simpler pasta dishes or pizza, which are usually kid-friendly. Keep an eye out for gelato shops – a guaranteed hit with children. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as exploring the piazza and nearby streets involves a lot of walking.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
For affordable meals, explore the side streets away from the main square, where you're more likely to find trattorias offering better prices and authentic local food. Consider a 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice) or a simple pasta dish from a 'pastificio' (pasta shop) for a delicious and budget-conscious meal.
couples
For a romantic dinner, seek out restaurants in the charming side streets that offer a more intimate atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. Consider a gelato from one of the many shops for a sweet end to your evening. The proximity to other historic sites like the Pantheon also makes it ideal for a romantic evening walk through Rome's historic center.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath Your Feet: Stadium of Domitian
These underground excavations offer a fascinating glimpse into Rome's imperial past, revealing the scale and purpose of the original stadium. The site often hosts exhibitions and provides context about the gladiatorial games and athletic events that once took place here. It's a stark contrast to the vibrant Baroque square above, highlighting centuries of Roman history layered upon each other.
Exploring the Stadium of Domitian is a highly recommended activity for those interested in Roman history and provides a unique perspective on how the modern piazza evolved from its ancient origins. It’s a testament to Rome’s enduring historical footprint.
Bernini vs. Borromini: A Baroque Rivalry
Facing the fountain is Borromini's Sant'Agnese in Agone, a church whose facade curves inward, creating a sense of theatricality and dialogue with Bernini's fountain. Legend has it that Borromini designed the church to 'turn away' from Bernini's fountain, though this is debated by art historians. Regardless, the interplay between the fountain and the church is a defining feature of Piazza Navona's Baroque splendor.
Beyond these two titans, the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Moor also add to the piazza's artistic richness, showcasing the era's grandeur and Bernini's influence. The entire square is a living museum of Baroque art and architecture.
Culinary Delights Around Navona
For a truly Roman pasta experience, Senza Fondo is highlighted for its all-you-can-eat Roman pasta dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Other highly praised establishments include Hosteria Grappolo d'Oro, recognized by Slow Food and Michelin, and Armando al Pantheon, both offering traditional Roman cuisine.
Don't forget to try local specialties like 'supplì' (fried rice balls) or enjoy an 'aperitivo' at places like I Pizzicaroli. For dessert, the famous 'tartufo' ice cream is a must-try, with origins linked to the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit