April 2004 - Rome Italy
Photos from Piazza Navona, a spectacular plaza, the crowning glory of Baroque Rome, is accessible only on foot. Its rectangular form, with rounded corners, echoes its original function; that of the 'stadio Domiziano' Domitian's stadium), upon which the plaza was built.
Also outstanding is the Chiesa di S. Agnese in Agone (Saint Agnes in Competition church).
Three fountains dominate the plaza: at the centre lies the Fontana dei Quattro fiumi-the Four Rivers Fountain (Nile, Danube, Ganges, Rio de la Plata, symbolizing Africa, Asia, Europe and America), masterwork of Bernini.
At the southern end, again by Bernini, La Fontana del Moro (the Moor's Fountain).
Piazza Navona is one of the most frequented place in Rome where both locals and tourists like to hang out even till late in the night thanks to the numerous outdoors cafés, restaurants and piano-bars. It is extremely pleasant to sit on a cool stone bench and watch the world go by or ata table in one of the cafés that face onto the square and have an espresso or a glass of wine, while the locals shop and the street musicians entertain the tourists. You will suddenly feel the Roman in you.
It's one of my favourite spots in Rome, especially when the crowds thin out. Love the unusual rectangular shape. I revisited it just last month.
ReplyDeleteI remember it well as I stayed just around the corner. The fountains were being renovated when I was there so they were surrounded by scaffolding and covered. It is good to see them in your your photos.
ReplyDeleteHeisann!
ReplyDeleteMy colleague and I talked about Rome an hour ago because her son and his girlfriend left for Rome this morning... may be they are having a glas of vine this monemt at Piazza Navona ;:OD)
Love Rome's fountains and plazas. Nice reminders here.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should get a chance to feel the Roman in them. Really great photos - I think the first one says it all.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should get a chance to feel the Roman in them. Really great photos - I think the first one says it all.
ReplyDeletePiazza Navona may be always crowded with tourists but it is still one of my favorite quarters of Rome. I love its old world feel, its magnificent fountains and architecture and your photos beautifully capture them all. Thanks for taking me back there.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I’m captivated by your images.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I’m captivated by your images.
ReplyDeleteI really like your choice of subject. Very clear and crisp images.
ReplyDelete