PIAZZA NAVONA AND THE SQUARES OF THE HISTORIC CENTER – WALKING ITINERARY

Piazza Navona is one of the many wonderful squares in Rome’s historic center. Each square has its own singular style, and none should be missed. In order to visit them all, we created a walking itinerary you can include in your Rome holiday program, especially if your plan is to stay in Rome for 3 days.

1. PIAZZA COLONNA

The itinerary starts from Piazza Colonna, dominated by the 30-meter column of Marcus Aurelius. This is the heart of Italian politics, featuring the sixteenth-century Palazzo Chigi, which has been the official residence of the President of the Council of Ministers since 1961.

2. PIAZZA MONTECITORIO

Right next to it is Piazza Montecitorio. Here you will find the seat of the House of Deputies, active since 1871. Before the Unification of Italy, the seventeenth-century palace housed the Pontifical Curia and the Ecclesiastical Tribunal. The obelisk in the center of the square was brought from Heliopolis in Egypt by Augustus to celebrate his victory over Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 30 B.C.

3. PIAZZA DI PIETRA

From Piazza Colonna, follow Via dei Bergamaschi to reach Piazza di Pietra, a charming square with the remains of the Tempio di Adriano, dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

4. PIAZZA SANT’IGNAZIO

Walk through Via de’ Burro, past the majestic columns of the temple, and up to Piazza Sant’Ignazio and its eponymous church.

5. PIAZZA DELLA ROTONDA

Then, take Via del Seminario up to Piazza della Rotonda, a crowded square dominated by the amazing Pantheon, one of the most iconic buildings of Western architecture.

Visiting Rome: Piazza della Rotonda
Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, right outside the Pantheon.

6. PIAZZA SANT’EUSTACHIO

After admiring the Pantheon, walk along Via Salita dei Crescenzi, turn left unto Via di Sant’Eustachio, and reach Piazza Sant’Eustachio. Have a break at Caffè Eustachio and enjoy their espresso, considered the best in Rome. Continue through Via degli Staderari until you reach Corso del Rinascimento, then turn left, then immediately turn right.

7. PIAZZA NAVONA

You will finally arrive in the beautiful Piazza Navona, an exhibition of Rome’s historic center, featuring sculpted fountains, gorgeous baroque palaces and outdoor cafes. The square is always crowded with tourists, street performers and vendors. Piazza Navona has been the Rome’s main market place for 300 years. The works of two great Baroque artists can be compared here: Bernini’s Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi and the Church of Sant’Agnes in Agone of Borromini.
After leaving the square, follow Via del Governo Vecchio, a street filled with boutiques, second-hand shops and trattorias. At the end of it turn left unto Via dei Filippini. Then continue up to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a road that splits the historic center in two parts.

Piazza Navona: itinerary through the squares of Rome
Piazza Navona, always crowded with tourists

8. CAMPO DEI FIORI

Cross it, follow Via dei Cartari up to Via del Pellegrino and you will reach Campo dei Fiori. This loud and colorful square is one of the hearts of Roman life. In the daytime it hosts one of the most famous markets of the city. In the evening it turns into an outdoor bar.

The philosopher Giordano Bruno died here as heretic on the stake in 1600.
End the itinerary in Piazza Farnese, a square in the historic center right outside of the eponymous Renaissance-style Palace.

You may also be interested
Visiting Rome in 3 days – Our recommended itinerary 
Visiting Rome in 2 days with children – Where to go and what to do 
Trips outside of Rome – What to see and where to go
The Colosseo (Colosseum) – What is it like?

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