Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers on the stadium of Domitian
Piazza Navona keeps the long oval shape of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the first century AD for athletic contests, whose remains can be seen underground at the northern end. In the seventeenth century, under Pope Innocent X Pamphilj, it became the most spectacular baroque square in Rome.
At its centre stands Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, with four giants representing the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Río de la Plata around a rock that supports an Egyptian obelisk. In front of it rises the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by his rival Francesco Borromini; a popular legend says that Bernini's statues cover their eyes in horror at Borromini's church, although the fountain was finished before it. Two more fountains, of the Moor and of Neptune, close the square.
Tip: in December the square hosts a Christmas market; visit the underground Stadium of Domitian to understand the origin of the square.
Where it is
More things to see in Lazio
Where to stay near Rome
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.