Rome's Piazza Navona: a practical guide to discovering it

The baroque style of Rome's Piazza Navona makes it one of the most popular squares in Rome. When you visit, you'll find more than one fascinating fountain, quality restaurants and lots of people, both locals and tourists. So you will feel the welcoming and lively spirit that reigns in the square.

There are a lot of fun and creative events that you will want to see and keep in your memory forever. There are also plenty of places nearby where you can learn more about Roman history, take great pictures and eat like the Italians do. Add this visit to your list of things to see and do in Rome and enjoy a day in and around Piazza Navona by doing one or more of the things on this list.

The famous Fountain of Four Rivers steals all the attention of visitors and is one of the best fountains in Rome. It is a huge sculptural ensemble made of marble bench and features an Egyptian obelisk, with a height of up to 16 metres. It is located in the central area of this square and is the most outstanding of the 3 fountains.

Its name, which is Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Italian, is due to the 4 statues that compose it. These are an allegorical representation of 4 rivers: the Silver, the Danube, the Nile and the Ganges. These were the largest and most important rivers known at the time it was built.

This work is attributed to the popular sculptor Bernini and was commissioned by Pope Innocent X. The fountain was sculpted in 1651 and also contains representations of significant animals. Among these are the alligator, the horse, the snake and the lion, which correspond to the different continents. It is a must-see on any of the best guided tours of Rome.

If you want to enjoy an excellent Roman exhibition, you cannot miss the interesting Gladiator Museum, located in the same square. There you will be able to see different weapons and the type of clothing worn by the gladiators who lived in those times. You will be transported back in time as you relive the epic battles of these men.

You will get, through an audio-guide, details related to those soldiers who fought amazing fights to the death. You will also be allowed to take pictures of the fine collection on display in this small but attractive place.

Clearly this visit will add some variety to your trip, and you can do it with your family or friends. It's also one of the things to do in Rome with children; I bet they'll be fascinated by the gladiatorial weapons and costumes.

Tickets and opening times for the Gladiators Museum in Piazza Navona

The museum is open every day from 10am to 7pm and you can get tickets at the ticket office or on the official website for 12 euros for adults and 10 euros for children aged 6 to 15.

Rome's Piazza Navona is the ideal place if, like me, you like casual and original events. Depending on when you go, you'll find daytime markets with souvenirs or evening shows of different kinds. If you go during the festive season, you will definitely find celebrations and much more.

Painters and cartoonists, both portrait and caricature artists, often gather in this square to show off their talent. So you can get a portrait that will make you treasure your visit to Italy even more. You will even see and hear musicians that will further enliven the artistic and bohemian atmosphere that characterises the area.

The Neptune Fountain is one of the popular fountains in Rome that contains fresh water. It is an attraction located in Rome's Piazza Navona and is a popular tourist attraction. I guarantee that the pictures you take of this architectural landmark will be worthy of the best photo tour of Rome.

You will be totally impressed by the works of various Italian artists who, over the centuries, participated in its formation. Among them Giacomo della Porta, who designed it, and Gregorio Zappalà together with Antonio della Bitta, who finished it.

Initially, the Fountain of Neptune had no statues, but only a white marble basin. However, large statues were added to give harmony to all the fountains that dominate this square. Therefore, it ended up being very striking and is worthy of more than a glance.

It is not every day that you get the chance to see an authentic ancient palace like the Palazzo Pamphili. However, being in Rome's Piazza Navona, you have that option at your fingertips. You will be amazed by the elegance of the imposing structure which is made up of 3 buildings of 3 grey floors each.

There is the central one, with a balcony supported by 4 columns above the portal, and one on each side. The windows differ on each floor, but they all convey a singular and beautiful architectural style. The coat of arms, which identifies the Pamphili family, stands out on the structure and has 3 lilies above the dove holding an olive branch in its beak

When it was completed in 1650, it was the noble residence of the Pamphili family, but since 1920 it has been used for the Brazilian embassy in Italy. Whatever its function, you will want to see it and take a few photos in front of it.

I want to tell you an interesting secret or curiosity about Piazza Navona that you probably didn't know. Underneath it, at exactly 4.50 metres, are the remains of the ancient Stadio Domiziano, declared a Unesco heritage site. Although it no longer exists, you have the possibility to visit what remains of its ruins.

The modern city has replaced it and almost buried it, but the square retains its dimensions and shape. In fact, the various remains of the stadium can be found in various basements of buildings. So they are an additional option to Rome's secret places. Escape the crowds and chaos by visiting these archaeological sites with an audio-guide, 3D videos and panels.

That way you will learn more about that stadium of the past Imperial Rome, which held almost 30.000 spectators. You'll be able to imagine the screams and excitement that filled the place for the athletic feats that took place there. To plan your sightseeing tour, go to the Stadio Domiziano website, although it's a curiosity you're sure to be told if you book a guided tour of the Piazza Navona.

Tasting Roman gelato is not something you can only do if you visit Rome in summer. While walking around the city of Rome, there is nothing better than tasting a tasty cold dessert. You can treat yourself to one by visiting one of the ice-cream parlours near Piazza Navona. While you are there, you will have the possibility to choose from a wide variety of flavours, according to your tastes.

I assure you that in the different places there is a pleasant atmosphere and the service they offer will meet your expectations. The elaboration of these ice creams not only includes presentations that will attract you and make your mouth water. They also use a variety of natural fruits and delicious, high quality ingredients.

There are many ice cream parlours that you can visit, which are in the same square or quite close to it. But, if you want to try the best ice cream in Rome, (and I know you do) you can't choose just any of them. Here I make it easy for you to choose by recommending at least 2 places:

• Cremi Gelateria Artigianale: It has very tasty ice creams that come in cones with different sizes and prices. Their ice creams are handmade and use a wide variety of fruits, depending on the season. As it is close to the Piazza, you can enjoy them watching the fountains.
• Gelateria Tre Fontane: Their handmade ice creams are of excellent quality and come at a very affordable price. They have a variety of flavours including chocolate, tiramisu and pistacchio. Enjoy these ice creams while sitting in Rome's beautiful Piazza Navona.

The Fountain of Moro, which is fed by virgin water, *has a charm not to be missed. To see it, simply head towards the southern end or side of the wide Piazza Navona. Its decoration used to include masks, dragons and tritons, thanks to the striking work of artists who lived in the 16th century.

However, in 1874 it was renovated to create the design that prevails to this day. Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned to create a pool copying the design of the previous basin. The statue carved by the artist Giannantonio Mari was placed in the centre of the pool.

This representative statue is of a Moor holding a dolphin's tail and head in his hands. From there is where the water flows or comes out, from the legs that the statue has. If you go at night, you will notice that the different coloured lights that illuminate these pieces add an extra positive touch.

If you spend a lot of time wandering around Rome's Piazza Navona and its surroundings, it's only natural that you'll want to eat. Fortunately, there are several restaurants nearby that offer multiple dishes that reveal the excellence of Italian gastronomy.

Try different pastas, pizzas, appetizers and other foods that will delight your palate. Due to the privileged location of this tourist area, prices tend to be higher than in other places. But trust me, the view, the ambience, the attentive friendly service and the quality of the food will justify what you pay.

Of course, to ensure that this is the case, you have to choose well which restaurant to eat at. I recommend 2 specific places that you can add to the best places to eat in Rome:

• Tucci: It stands out for its touristy atmosphere, its pastas, its risotto, its pizzas and the excellent service of the staff. From here you can look directly onto the square and, if you prefer, eat on an open-air terrace. If you are vegan or vegetarian, ask for their special menus.
• Bernini: With a good quality/price ratio, it stands out mainly for its ravioli, lasagne and pizzas. The waiters provide first class service, so you'll feel at ease and you'll be right in the square.

I can't think of a better way to end your tour of Rome's Piazza Navona than by visiting a souvenir shop. Although there are several, one of my favourites is L'Artigianato, which has very affordable prices. There you will also get a lot of variety in gifts that you will want to take home.

For example, there are some handmade wooden pieces and some captivating ceramic figurines. Everything you'll find is related to Italy and Rome, and many of these details are completely original. While others are good quality copies that you might still want to own.

It's worth immortalising your visit and taking away with you something that will last a lifetime. If you want something special, don't hesitate to look for it in this shop.