The Spanish Square is one of Rome's most popular destinations, known for its blend of historical and cultural significance. Dominated by the iconic Spanish Steps next to it, the square also serves as a hub for high fashion, with designer boutiques lining the surrounding streets.

At the base of the Spanish Steps lies the "Fountain of the Longboat," an Early Baroque masterpiece created between 1627 and 1629. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII as part of a project to install fountains in Rome’s major squares, it was designed by Pietro Bernini, possibly with assistance from his son, Gian Lorenzo. The fountain’s design, a half-sunken boat overflowing with water, was inspired by a local legend. During a devastating flood of the River Tiber in 1598, a small boat was reportedly carried to the square and left there as the waters receded. The fountain’s water flows gently due to the low pressure of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, adding a soothing charm.

The fountain also features symbolic details, such as the Barberini family's papal coat of arms, honoring Pope Urban VIII’s ancestry. Its intricate design includes water flowing from seven points, with streams emerging from central balusters, human-faced suns inside the boat, and external spouts. This harmonious blend of engineering and artistry reflects the Baroque era's grandeur.

The Spanish Square is steeped in literary history as well. Adjacent to the fountain is the former residence of English poet John Keats, who died there in 1821. Now a museum, the house preserves memorabilia of the Romantic generation. Keats found solace in the sound of the fountain’s water, which inspired the epitaph on his tombstone: "Here lies one whose name was writ in water."

On the right side of the square stands the Ferrari di Valbona Palace, once home to Cardinal Lorenzo Cybo de Mari. The building, remodeled in 1936 under Fascist-era designs, showcases modern terraces that complement the surrounding Baroque architecture.

Spanish Square invites visitors to relax, bask in the sun, and enjoy its timeless beauty. The gentle gurgle of the Longboat Fountain and its rich history make it a serene yet captivating centerpiece of Rome.

The Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps, holds the distinction of being the longest and widest in Europe. The steps link Spanish Square, at the base, with the Trinity of the Mountains Square at the top.

The stairway was completed under Pope Clement XI in 1717, deriving its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Financed in part by a French diplomat, it features Baroque elements, inspired by garden stairs, and incorporates symbolic decorations such as the Bourbon heraldic lily flowers and papal eagles.

As a cultural and seasonal hub hosting public events such as Christmas cribs, spring azalea displays, and a flower market, the Spanish Steps have captivated artists and people of letters since the 18th century. Among them was the renowned English poet, John Keats, who lived and died practically next door. His house, at the base of the steps (located to the right, if you face the stairs), is now a museum.

Other nearby landmarks include the Ferrari di Valbona Palace, redesigned in 1936, and Babington's tea room, a resilient establishment that has withstood two world wars and numerous adversities, ultimately becoming a beloved tourist attraction.

The steps' cinematic appeal also made them a backdrop for numerous films, including the Hollywood blockbuster “Roman Holiday” made in 1953, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. In the scene where Joe Bradley, played by Peck, meets Princess Ann, played by Hepburn, she sits on the steps, enjoying the view and eating ice cream. Fresh after the haircut, the princess takes compliments for her new look and makes up a story that she has run away from school. She accepts his proposal to spend the day together before she returns, and thus the Roman Holiday story begins!

Other filmmakers also made a mark on the steps, such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley” movie with Matt Damon, shot in 1999, and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” featuring Tom Cruise, which premiered at the steps on June 19, 2023.

Consequently, the Spanish Steps became a magnet for aspiring models, affluent Romans, international travelers, and people from all walks of life. The tradition of gathering here is deeply ingrained in the locals and visitors alike. Today, the steps are protected by strict regulations against loitering, eating, or damaging, with heavy fines introduced to maintain decorum.

Tip:
The staircase offers picturesque views of Rome from its pinnacle, particularly at sunset-a truly unbeatable sight!
The afternoon and late hours are the best for visiting, so to avoid the heat of the day.
Alongside tourist activities such as carriage rides, you'll find nearby an array of shops and bars worth exploring.

Column Square in Rome derives its name from the monumental Column of Marcus Aurelius. Erected in 193 AD, it commemorates the emperor's wars against Germanic tribes along the Danube River. Modeled after Trajan’s Column, this 40-meter Doric column features intricate spiral reliefs depicting scenes from these military campaigns.

At a closer look, binoculars or a long-lens camera can reveal intricate images, including a depiction of the so-called "Miracle Rain" attributed to divine intervention. At a desperate moment during one of Marcus Aurelius' battles, the surrounded Romans, suffering from heat and thirst, were saved by a rainstorm. According to legend, the rain was invoked by an Egyptian magician, and while the Romans drank and regained strength, the storm unleashed fire and thunderbolts upon their enemies. This event reinforced the Romans' belief in their divine right to overcome barbarianism and marked a pivotal moment in the campaign.

The column houses an internal staircase leading to a platform at the top. Originally part of the Field of Mars, possibly situated near the Temple of Marcus Aurelius (now gone), it also served as a funerary monument. In the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V restored the column, placing a statue of Saint Paul on top of it. The latter was done perhaps to Christianize the site or emulate Trajan’s Column, where the same pope had a statue of Saint Peter installed.

The surrounding square evolved over centuries, bordered by prominent structures from different eras. One such is the Chigi Palace. Built in 1562, it now serves as the residence of Italy’s Prime Minister. Another one, Wedekind Palace, constructed in 1838, incorporates Etruscan columns sourced from the ancient city of Veii, which the Romans conquered in the 4th century BC. Other significant buildings include Ferrajoli Palace, once a Papal post office, and Galleria Alberto Sordi, formerly known as the Colonna Gallery, a 19th-century addition.

The square also features a fountain constructed in 1577 to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Rome, restored in 1830. Crafted from pink marble sourced from the Greek island of Chios, it features an oval basin adorned with 16 intricately carved white-marble lion heads. At each end of the basin, two groups of dolphins entwine their tails around seashells, spouting water from their mouths, adding further to the site’s aesthetic appeal.

As with so many of Rome's wonderful squares, upon arriving at the Rotonda Square you will find a sea of people enjoying themselves: some sitting almost up against the fountain, some kids running around, tourist families orienting themselves and deciding whether to venture into the monumental ancient Pantheon.

The Pantheon itself needs no introduction, as its fame is recognized worldwide; however, if you're exploring Rome's fountains, you'll find delight in admiring the Fontana del Pantheon, appreciating its artistic merits, and seeking the best angle to observe its intricate details.

Originally built in 1575, the fountain acquired its current appearance in 1711 under the direction of Pope Clement XI. Atop a lofty pedestal, a magnificent 20-foot red marble Egyptian obelisk was placed. This obelisk, brought to Rome from ancient times, was once part of a pair created for the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis (the other obelisk can still be found in the Minerva Square – or Piazza della Minerva – located behind the Pantheon).

In addition to the ancient obelisk, the Baroque-style art adorning the fountain is playful and distinctive. Take note of the whimsical dolphins, adorned with teeth, which were a popular feature of Baroque design during that period. These dolphins possess cartoon-like expressions and even seem to sport eyebrows, adding a touch of charm and humor to the fountain's overall aesthetic.

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its architectural brilliance. Originally a Roman temple, its name comes from the Ancient Greek "pan theos," which means dedication to all gods. Built on the site of a temple commissioned by consul Marcus Agrippa during Augustus’ reign, the current structure was completed under Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD. It was transformed into a Catholic Church of Saint Mary and the Martyrs in 609 AD, ensuring its preservation through centuries.

The Pantheon’s unique design combines a classical portico supported by Corinthian granite columns with a domed cylindrical structure (called a rotunda). The unsupported concrete dome, still the largest of its kind in the world, features a central oculus that provides natural light, ventilation, and symbolic celestial connections. The rotunda's harmonious dimensions-43 meters in both height and diameter-epitomize Roman engineering excellence, while its original massive bronze doors, each weighing over 20 tons, and intricate drainage system (allowing to effectively divert rainwater) highlight the ingenuity of its creators.

Throughout its history, the Pantheon has been a vibrant part of Roman life. It served as a burial site during the Renaissance, housing notable figures like painter Raphael and Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. Its materials, such as bronze, have been repurposed for other projects like Bernini’s baldachin above the high altar of Saint Peter's Basilica. However, its core structure remains remarkably intact. Today, the church still host religious ceremonies, including masses, weddings, and Pentecost celebrations.

The Pantheon’s influence extends far beyond Rome. Its dome inspired architectural marvels like the Florence Cathedral and Rotunda of the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C., while its combination of classical and modern elements shaped countless government and academic buildings worldwide.

With over six million annual visitors, the Pantheon remains a symbol of Roman ingenuity and artistic achievement. Tourists can enjoy free entry to this historic site or soak in its splendor from Rotonda Square, savoring gelato while marveling at its timeless beauty.

Tip:
Incredible at night (from the outside), it is especially so if you enjoy musicians with talent and engagement... but beware of pickpockets.

During the 1600s, elephants were regarded by the Catholic Church as symbols of strength, intelligence, and sexual morality due to their monogamous nature and brief mating periods occurring once every two years. In 1667, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the elephant that carries the Obelisk of Santa Maria sopra Minerva for Pope Alexander VII. Obelisks were associated with wisdom, leading Alexander to have an inscription added to the base that reads, "A robust intelligence is required to support solid wisdom."

The red granite obelisk, unearthed in 1665 during excavations near the neighboring church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, is believed to have been brought to Rome in the 1st century AD for the temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, which once stood in this location. Originally erected by Pharaoh Apries of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt around 580 BC in his capital city of Sais, the obelisk stands at a height of 5.47 meters and is the smallest among the 13 ancient obelisks currently found in Rome. It is considered to be part of a pair, with the other obelisk located in the city of Urbino.

In more recent times, Salvador Dali's painting "The Elephants" portrays two elephants with elongated legs facing each other while carrying fragmented obelisks, making visual references to the statue of the elephant in Rome.

Tucked away just behind the Pantheon in Minerva Square, Santa Maria above Minerva is a Dominican church and a hidden gem of both religious and architectural importance. This is the only surviving example of original Gothic religious architecture in Rome, as most medieval churches were modified with Baroque designs.

Despite its somewhat unassuming facade, the Santa Maria above Minerva – formerly the Dominican order's headquarters – also boasts an intriguing history and some truly magnificent artistic treasures. Chief among them are Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer sculpture and the Carafa Chapel's frescoes.

The former is found to the left of the main altar. The sculpture's first version, begun in 1515, was abandoned due to a flaw in the marble. The one we see today, completed in 1521, received acclaim for its artistry, particularly its lifelike knees. Originally, Michelangelo depicted Christ unclothed to symbolize his triumph over sin, however, a bronze loincloth was added in 1546.

The Carafa Chapel, commissioned by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas, was inaugurated in 1493. Lavishly adorned with frescoes by Florentine painter Filippino Lippi, it shows the scenes of Saint Thomas's life, including him debating with heretics, as well as some allegorical ones like him presenting Cardinal Carafa to the Virgin Mary. These frescoes are widely recognized as the best Renaissance painting in Rome outside the Sistine Chapel.

Looking up, you can't fail to notice the stunning deep blue painted ceiling and the round stained glass windows, rightfully regarded as the finest in the city.

The basilica also holds the remains of the Saint Catherine of Siena and early Renaissance painter Fra Angelico.

In 1628, the Convent of Minerva became the seat of the Congregation of the Holy Office, where the Roman Inquisition held trials, including that of Galileo Galilei. In 1633, Galileo was tried for heresy for supporting the theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Facing interrogation under threat of torture, he was found "vehemently suspect of heresy" and forced to recant. Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for life, and his works were banned. His trial marked a defining moment in the conflict between science and religion. Legend claims that, after his abjuration, Galileo allegedly muttered the rebellious phrase: "and yet it moves..."

In Rome, many of the significant fountains were dedicated to mythological water gods and nymphs as a token of gratitude for the arrival of fresh water through the aqueducts. The Fountain of Neptune, situated on the northern end of Navona Square, exemplifies this tradition. The ancient Aqua Virgo Aqueduct was restored in 1453, and by 1570, numerous pipes connected to it supplied water to different parts of the city. The quantity of public fountains in a particular area was determined by the size of its population, and as evidenced by the three fountains within, Navona Square was densely inhabited.

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1574, the Fountain of Neptune was created by Giacomo della Porta. The lower basin is crafted from white marble, while the upper basin is made of Pietrasanta marble. When initially constructed, the fountain did not feature any statues, as public fountains of the time were predominantly utilitarian and adorned sculptures were reserved for private gardens. As the 19th century approached, public fountains lost their significance as water suppliers due to the advent of interior plumbing. Nevertheless, they retained their "status symbol" importance, and in 1878, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappala won a competition to embellish the fountain with statues. Della Bitta sculpted the central piece, depicting Neptune engaged in a battle with an octopus, while Zappala contributed sculptures of the Nereids, cupids, and walruses.

The focal point of Navona Square, the Fountain of the Four Rivers has been in place since the 17th century. While Rome has a longstanding affinity for fountains, dating back to antiquity, the Baroque era brought a new dimension to these water features, showcasing the generosity of the papacy.

In the case of the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Pope Innocent X, whose family seat – the Pamphili Palace – overlooks the square, entrusted the task to one of the most groundbreaking artists of the time, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Created in 1651, the fountain was Rome's pinnacle achievement in fountain design, a symbolic masterpiece brimming with the dynamic and dramatic elements sought after by Baroque artists. Its central Egyptian obelisk is crowned with the Pamphili emblem, a dove with an olive twig.

Pope Innocent X chose Bernini after being secretly shown his model. The fountain was innovative, combining sculpture and architecture in a way unmatched by previous Roman fountains.

Here, the travertine base supports sculptures of four river gods, representing the major rivers of the continents over which papal authority had extended at that time. These include the Nile (for Africa), the Danube (for Europe), the Ganges (for Asia), and the Plate (for the Americas). Each figure conveys symbolic details: the Ganges is depicted holding a long oar, symbolizing the river's navigability; the Nile's veiled head signifies its unknown source; the Danube, the largest river near Rome touches the Pope's coat of arms; and the Plate sits atop a pile of coins, reflecting America’s wealth.

The fountain's unveiling on June 12, 1651, was marked by grand celebrations orchestrated by the Pamphili family. Allegorical figures of Fame and Curiosity paraded the streets, urging Romans to witness the reveal. The crowd marveled at the lifelike sculptures and water features, described as naturalistic and astonishing.

However, the project faced significant public opposition. Critics condemned its expense during the famine of 1646 to 1648, expressing their discontent through pasquinades demanding "Bread, not fountains." Street vendors and Roman Jews lamented their displacement from the square's market, which was closed to enhance its splendor.

Despite the controversy, the Fountain of the Four Rivers remains a cornerstone of Rome’s cultural and architectural legacy, blending mythology, artistry, and geographical narratives.

Tip:
To capture the essence of this fountain in photographs, it is recommended to shoot from various angles and positions, so as to get as much detail as possible. With ample space surrounding the fountain, take your time to find the perfect shot-or perhaps even multiple perfect shots.

Navona Square, one of Rome’s most iconic places, is built on the site of the ancient (1st-century AD) Stadium of Domitian. The stadium’s elongated oval shape defines the square’s layout, which was originally designed for Roman games (or agones). Over time, the name evolved from Circus Agonalis (which means “competition arena”) to Navona. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the stadium fell into ruin and was quarried for materials, leaving few remnants today.

In the late 15th century, Navona Square was designated a public space when the city market moved there from Capitoline Hill. It became a celebrated example of Baroque architecture and art during the mid-17th century under Pope Innocent X, whose family property, the Pamphili Palace, overlooks the square. The latter also features several masterpieces, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers at its center, crowned by the Obelisk of Domitian. The renowned Church of Saint Agnes in Agone with its impressive dome further highlights the area's artistic significance. Also noteworthy are the Braschi Palace, presently home to the Museum of Rome, and the Cupis Palace, which now offers pre-booked accommodations.

Navona Square is also home to two additional fountains. The Fountain of the Moor, at the southern end, was originally sculpted by Giacomo della Porta in 1575, with Bernini adding a statue of a Moor wrestling a dolphin in 1673. At the northern end, the Fountain of Neptune, also by della Porta (created in 1574), gained its central Neptune statue in 1878.

The square has a rich cultural history, hosting theatrical performances and festivals, including a popular annual Christmas market, from December to January.

Navona Square made an appearance in several movies, including “Angels & Demons” (of 2008, starring Tom Hanks), “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (with Sophie Loren, made in 1964), and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (directed in 1999 by Anthony Minghella, featuring Matt Damon). The atmosphere in Navona Square exudes a cool and relaxed vibe which, complete with its cinematic and architectural appeal, makes it an ideal spot for photography.

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In the evenings, when the central fountain is illuminated, the square becomes particularly scenic.
If looking for more intimate and more value-for-money meals and refreshments, consider venturing onto one of the side streets adjacent to the square, filled with multiple eateries and cafes.

Largo di Torre Argentina (literally “Silver Tower Square”) is a striking archaeological site in the heart of Rome’s ancient Field of Mars. This large open space contains the remains of four Roman Republican temples, dating from the 4th to 2nd centuries BC, as well as part of Pompey’s Theatre complex. Historically, the square was also a hub for the argentarii-Rome’s money men and bankers-who conducted their business here. The name itself comes from a Renaissance-era tower built in the 16th century and linked to Strasbourg, once called Argentoratum in Latin.

Perhaps the most famous event tied to Silver Tower Square is the assassination of Julius Caesar. In 44 BC, the Roman Senate was temporarily meeting in the Senate House of Pompey, a hall attached to Pompey’s grand theater complex, because restoration work was being done on the regular Senate House in the Forum. It was here, on the March 15, that Caesar was surrounded by a group of senators-many of them former allies-who feared he had grown too powerful and sought to restore the Republic by ending his rule.

Led by Brutus, Cassius, and other conspirators, they stabbed him twenty-three times. Ancient sources describe Caesar initially trying to resist, but when he saw Brutus among the attackers, he is said to have drawn his toga over his head in despair. The very spot where this dramatic and world-changing event occurred is now marked within the ruins of the square, offering visitors a rare chance to stand at the place where the course of Roman history was forever altered.

The four temples of the square, labeled A through D by archaeologists, provide insight into the religious life of the Republic. Though only fragments remain, including columns, altars, and stairways, they allow a glimpse of the grandeur that once filled the Field of Mars. These sanctuaries were central to Rome’s civic and spiritual life, and today they remain a rare cluster of Republican architecture visible in the modern cityscape.

Adding to its unique appeal, Silver Tower Square is also home to Rome’s most beloved cat sanctuary. Since the 1990s, volunteers have cared for hundreds of stray and abandoned cats who now roam freely among the ancient stones. Tourists often find themselves just as enchanted by the sight of cats lounging on marble blocks as they are by the history of Caesar’s assassination. This unusual coexistence of archaeology and animal rescue makes Largo di Torre Argentina one of the most memorable stops in Rome.

Nestled between Via Portico d'Ottavia and Via delle Botteghe Oscure, Piazza Mattei is a hidden gem that holds both historical significance and cinematic allure, due to its role as a set in the 1990s film "The Talented Mr. Ripley". However, the square is more widely recognized as the backdrop of the Turtle Fountain, also known as Fontana delle Tartarughe, a masterpiece of the late 16th century that owes much of its charm to the four bronze youths delicately cradling dolphins that release water into a marble basin. The addition of turtles, seamlessly integrated into the composition by an unknown sculptor, possibly Bernini, adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue. It is astonishing to think that these turtles were incorporated into the fountain almost a century after its initial creation.

Piazza Mattei has a rich history rooted in its association with Teatro Marcello and the former Roman Jewish ghetto. Originally intended to be positioned near the theater to serve as a water source, the fountain was ultimately relocated closer to the Mattei family house, as a token of gratitude for their financial support. This shift placed the fountain outside the confines of the ghetto, making it inaccessible during the night when the gates were locked.

Legend has it that the fountain's construction was the result of an audacious bet made by Mattei Sr., a notorious gambler, during a dinner gathering. Unbeknownst to his unwitting opponent, all the necessary components for the fountain had been meticulously prepared beforehand, including hidden pipes laid beneath the cobblestones. Thus, when the meal concluded, Mattei triumphantly unveiled the fully assembled fountain by opening the windows, leaving his astonished guest in awe.

One of the loveliest spots in Rome, where the Medieval meets the Renaissance, Piazza Mattei is definitely worth checking out if only to unwind while listening to church bells and the trickling Fontana delle Tartarughe.