Considered one of Rome’s most accomplished displays of baroque architecture, this fine square gained its facades in the mid-17th century under Pope Innocent X, who employed artists like Bernini, Borromini and Rainaldi to transform this square into a showcase of Rome’s great artistry.
Rainaldi built the Palazzo Pamphilj, the new home of the pope, but it is now home to the Brazilian Embassy. The building that dominates the square is the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, dedicated to the young martyr who is believed to have died on this spot. Famed for its domed ceiling (covered with the sumptuous murals of Ciro Ferri and Sebastiano Corbellini) and its shrine of St. Agnes (with her skull encased in a bejeweled box), there are expert, if expensive, guided tours of the church available on a regular basis.
Walk into the center of Piazza Navona and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacular Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), a design of Bernini’s that depicts four river gods at the base, from which sprouts the sizable Obelisk of Domitian, not dissimilar to the Egyptian monument in Piazza San Pietro. You may recognize this fountain from the hit movie Angels & Demons, based on the Dan Brown novel. At opposite ends of the Piazza are two more water features, Giacomo Della Porta’s Fontana del Moro, with its distinct rose-colored marble base, and the Fontana del Nettuno, portraying the god of the sea wrestling with an octopus. There’s perhaps no other square in the world that uses water so artistically.
Piazza Navona offers the perfect place for a quiet stop during any visit to Rome. Not only are there many cafés and restaurants, so you can reward your walk with espresso and a tartufo (an Italian ice-cream dessert) from the superb Tre Scalini, but the scores of street artists, musicians and performers ensures there isn’t a dull moment. Grand and ancient, yet brimming with life, that’s Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona is in central Rome, less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain, making these two sights an ideal duet. You can take a Metro/bus combination to get there.
Piazza Navona Tours
Visit Piazza Navona
Plan a trip to see Piazza Navona
Baglioni Hotel Regina - The Leading Hotels of the World
Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Piazza Navona
History & culture
See all 955 activitiesOpens in new tabVatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter’s Basilica Fully Guided Tour
Attractions
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabSkip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets or Tours
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 232 activitiesOpens in new tab3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Cruises & boat tours
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabAmalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome with Coastal Cruise
Private & custom tours
See all 256 activitiesOpens in new tabVespa Tour By Night
Reviews of Piazza Navona
5/5 - Excellent
Great side shops close by. The family got most of their souvenirs there.
5/5 - Excellent
Did a cooking class in a palazzo on Piazza Navona. One of the highlights of our trip.
5/5 - Excellent
Definitely take time to have a coffee, lunch or a glass of wine and savor the atmosphere here. It is a beautiful and busy square with some great spots to just sit and watch a diverse set of cultures pass by you.
5/5 - Excellent
Get the map from the hotel
4/5 - Good
Be prepared for very long wait times
4/5 - Good
Lively
Popular places to visit
Fountain of the Four Rivers
You can learn about the history of Rome when you stop by Fountain of the Four Rivers. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone
You can find out about the history of Rome with a trip to Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.
Palazzo Madama
After visiting Palazzo Madama, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rome. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.
Museo di Roma
You can study the exhibits at Museo di Roma, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Rome. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Cloister of Bramante
You can study the exhibits at Cloister of Bramante, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Rome. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theater scene.
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
You can learn about the history of Rome with a stop at Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Piazza Navona
Check availability on hotels close to Piazza Navona
- Vacations and getaways similar to Piazza Navona
- Other Hotels near Piazza Navona, Rome City Centre
- Hotels near popular Rome Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Colosseum
- Hotels near Trevi Fountain
- Hotels near Spanish Steps
- Hotels near Pantheon
- Hotels near Villa Borghese
- Hotels near Piazza di Spagna
- Hotels near Stadio Olimpico
- Hotels near Campo de' Fiori
- Hotels near Piazza del Popolo
- Hotels near Agostino Gemelli University Hospital
- Hotels near Via del Corso
- Hotels near Via Veneto
- Hotels near Piazza Barberini