16 Most Famous Piazzas in Rome That Are Worth Visiting

Want to visit some of the most famous Piazzas in Rome but not sure where to go? Then this article will show 16 of the must-visit Rome squares!

One of the things Italy is known for is its beautiful piazzas, with some of the most impressive being in Rome.

These lively squares hold an important place in the daily life of locals who gather to meet their friends or work colleagues over a coffee, aperitivo, or a meal, while tourists flock to them to admire the spectacular fountains, monuments, and historical buildings they harbor.

While today they’ve become popular tourist attractions, back in the day, most of them were used as market areas and public gatherings — something that hasn’t changed much.

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These piazzas are spread all around the country with Rome housing over 2000 of them! Some are big and impressive while others can easily be missed.

But with a limited amount of time in Rome, how do you decide which piazzas to visit? Which ones are the most famous piazzas in Rome worth visiting?

Of course, you can’t visit all of them, so to help you, I have put together this article on the 16 most famous piazzas in Rome that should be on your bucket list!

Before You Go, Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Rome Quickly

Rome is a popular city which means that good hotels and tours book out fast, so before you go, make sure that you make your reservations in time to avoid disappointments! Below are my expert recommendations!

⏩ WHERE TO STAY IN ROME

Best Colosseum view: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (8.8/10)
Luxury stay: H10 Palazzo Galla (9.2)
Mid-range stay: Barberini Dream (9.5/10)
Budget stay: Like Family House (9.4)
Apartment rental/Airbnb: Apartment Julia Guesthouse (8.4)

⏩ GUIDES TOURS AND TICKETS YOU SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (4.6/5). This is the exact tour I took, and I couldn’t have been happier. We had a knowledgeable and fun tour guide.

Skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums with an audio guide (4.5/5). This ticket saved me a whopping 3 hours. You’ll pass in a dedicated Getyourguide line with it. It’s a true skip-the-line ticket.

Borghese Gallery guided tour (4.7/5). This is my favorite museum in Rome, and this tour made me fall in love with it even more.

Street food walking tour of Rome (4.8/5). If you want to taste Rome’s delicacies while exploring its popular neighborhood of Trastevere, then this is the food tour I recommend!

Most Famous Piazzas in Rome

From monumental to small but cute ones, here is a list of Rome’s famous squares that are worth your time.

1. Piazza Navona

Located in the historic center, Piazza Navona is no doubt the best piazza in Rome. It has that wow factor that you can’t find in other Rome squares with fountains on each side, a church, a palace, and more.

At 270 m (885.8 ft) long and 55 m (180.4 ft) wide, it is also one of the largest squares in Rome.

It was originally the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, and was used to hold agones (games). To meet this purpose, it was given long sides and two semi-circular sides, a shape it still retains today.

Some of the highlights of Piazza Navona you shouldn’t miss include; Palazzo Pamphili (Palazzo Pamphilj), a Baroque-style palace that was built in the 17th century.

Today, it has a restaurant and bar on the roof terrace which serves excellent food and fantastic views over the city. The place also often organizes musical performances, in particular the Opera.

There is also the Baroque Church of Agnese in Agone, built in the 17th century which you can visit for free to see the spectacular frescoes and statues.

You can also visit the crypt which is the only remaining part of the original church built in the spot where St Agnese was martyred.

While these 2 are worth seeing, the most impressive part of Piazza Navona are the three fountains.

In the center of the square, you’ll find the Fontana dei Quattro Fumi (the Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini which is flanked by the Obelisk of Domitian at the top.

The other two fountains are the Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor) and Fontana di Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), each on either side of the square.

Piazza Navona also has bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink and people-watch and restaurants where you can savor a meal.

You’ll also find street performers and artists who add to the already vibrant atmosphere. And if you visit in December, you’ll be able to see one of the best Christmas markets in Italy here.

The best part is that this piazza is pedestrianized so you don’t have to deal with car traffic.

It is easy to spend a few hours here, having a meal or drink, watching street performers, and taking in historic architecture.

2. Piazza Venezia

At the base of Capitoline Hill, you will find Piazza Venezia which is one of the busiest Rome squares.

Unlike most piazzas in Rome, traffic is allowed here and since it is at the intersection of several major roads, it is hectic, although easy to get to on public transport.

The most famous building in Piazza Venezia is the Vittoriano, also called the Altar of the Fatherland which commemorates the unification of Italy in 1861.

It is a spectacular building made of white marble with two horse-drawn carriages at the top. There is also an enormous equestrian statue of the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanual II.

If you climb the steps, you will see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also enjoy fantastic views over the city from the terrace of the building.

Besides this, the piazza is steeped in history. It houses Palazzo Venezia which was built in the 15th century making it the oldest building in the square.

It’s also where Mussolini declared war against France and Great Britain which led to Italy joining the second world war. It now houses the Museum of Palazzo Venezia.

It is worth going in as it features artworks from artists such as Bernini and Vasari, and houses artifacts from the history of Italy, like, weapons and tapestries.

Another highlight of Piazza Venezia is the stunning Trajan’s Column, measuring 30 m (98 ft) high.

If you are interested in history, Piazza Venezia is one of the famous squares in Rome to visit. Just be careful with all the traffic!

3. Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of the best piazzas in Rome. It is located at the bottom of the famous Spanish Steps, named because the Spanish Embassy was at the bottom of the steps.

The steps are the widest and longest in Europe and from time to time, fashion shows and concerts are held here.

In the spring, the Spanish steps, which were designed by the architects, Specchi and De Sanctis, are covered in flowers and plants, making for a beautiful Instagram spot.

The piazza can get very busy so get there early to ensure that you enjoy the Spanish Steps as well as the quirky little shops and have a coffee at one of the lovely cafes without the crowds.

It is also worth climbing the 135 steps for great views of the city and to visit the Trinita dei Monti Church at the top.

At the bottom of the steps, there is a fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia built by Bernini, which is boat-shaped and immersed in a pool. It represents the Tiber during the floods when boats rose to the Trinita dei Monti Church.

Piazza di Spagna is in the center of Rome and is easy to get to as there is a metro station right by the square, and a bus route passes by.

The Spanish Steps are some of the best places to visit in Rome and the Piazza complements them beautifully. 

4. Piazza San Pietro

Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter’s Square as commonly known is one of the most famous piazzas in Rome and is home to the famous St. Peter’s Basilica.

It is an enormous piazza, measuring 320 m (1050 ft) long and 240 m (787 ft) wide.

The Piazza looks stunning with St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome rising into the sky, the colonnade, the Vatican Obelisk, and the fountains.

The colonnade was designed by Bernini and is composed of 284 columns, set out in rows of four. They present an optical illusion when you cross the square, with an impression of movement.

While St. Peter’s Basilica with its dome which was designed by Michelangelo looks beautiful from the outside, it is worth going inside to see the impressive Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces by artists such as Bernini, Michelangelo, and Canova. There are also many tombs of previous popes.

There is also The Vatican Obelisk in the center of the square which was brought from Egypt. Bernini also decorated the square beautifully with fountains and statues.

However, if you want to take in the entire beauty of Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square), be sure to climb the dome.

If you are lucky and visit at the right time and day, you might see and hear the Pope from the balcony of the papal apartments, but even if you don’t, visiting the Piazza San Pietro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can check this website to find out how you can see the Pope.   

5. Piazza Campo de’ Fiori

If you are looking for a lively atmosphere, head to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, between Piazza Navona and Piazza Farnese, which houses the famous Campo de’ Fiori market.

Campo de’ Fiori means “Field of Flowers” and in the Middle Ages, it was just that. In the 15th century, it was finally paved and became a center of commerce.

These days, it hosts a market every day which you should visit if you want to experience local Roman life, although it’s getting more touristy by the day. It is hectic and noisy, but you will love it.

The market sells flowers and fresh fruit and vegetables, and souvenirs. If you are in self-catering accommodation, you won’t go far wrong buying produce here.

In the evenings, the piazza is equally bustling with the cafes, bars, and restaurants opening up and spilling onto the streets.

The square is rectangular and measures 40 m (131 ft) by 30 m (98 ft). The piazza is a bit unusual in that it doesn’t have a basilica or church.

What it does have, however, is a statue of Giordano Bruno, a scientist, and philosopher, who was burnt at stake in 1600 for heresy, blasphemy, and immoral conduct. The statue stands in the exact spot where he was executed.

There were many other public executions held in this square for which crowds of people would turn up.

6. Piazza del Campidoglio

Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the main squares in Rome!

Sitting on the top of Capitoline Hill, it was the first modern square to be built in the city in the early 16th century. It was commissioned by Pope Paul III and designed by Michelangelo.

It is framed by palaces, two of which, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo make up the famous Capitoline Museums which are today one of the best Rome museums.

They are worth visiting as they house a large collection of ancient Roman statues and other artifacts, Medieval and Renaissance art, and collections of jewelry and coins.

They even house a statue of the she-wolf that is believed to have raised the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Reserve at least a couple of hours for the visit.

In the center of the square is a majestic replica of an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (the original is inside the Capitoline museums). There are other statues in the square and a fountain of the goddess Roma.

The square is also the perfect place to take in stunning views of the Roman Forum if you head to Terrazza sul Foro.

This piazza is in a prime position close to The Altar of the Fatherland and the Roman Forum so you can pack a lot into your day with enough time to see them at your pace.

7. Piazza della Rotonda

Piazza della Rotonda is another famous square in Rome. It houses the Pantheon, one of the top attractions in Rome, and one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings.

During the day, you can go inside the building for free to admire its beautiful dome and the oculus, the building’s only source of natural light, while at nightfall, you’ll be able to see the building beautifully illuminated.

It is a lovely piazza with cobbled pavements and an impressive fountain known as Fontana del Pantheon.

The fountain is uniquely decorated with various figures including, aggressive dolphins, elaborately decorated fish, and an Ancient Egyptian obelisk in the center.

The piazza is however quite small at 60 meters (197 ft) by 40 meters (131 ft), yet almost crowded all the time. You can sit around the fountain to people-watch or grab a drink at one of the nearby cafes.

It is close to Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps so you can combine it with a visit to any or all of these.

8. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is another Rome piazza situated to the north of the historic center. It covers an area of 17,100 square meters (184,063 square feet) making it one of the largest piazzas of Rome.

Because it is further out, it is not as busy as Piazza Navona or Piazza della Rotonda but it gets its own share of crowds, especially in the evening when there are musicians and performers putting on a show.

Like most famous plazas in Rome, this one is also surrounded by cafes and restaurants so you can sit down for a quick drink or meal.

Piazza del Popolo is also flanked by many monuments, including 2 twin churches (Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli), museums (Museo Leonardo Da Vinci) and fountains, the central fountain being Fontana dei Quattro Leoni or the Fountain of the Four Lions.

The fountain was constructed between 1822-23 and has an Egyptian obelisk in the center. The fountain is made up of four small fountains surrounding the obelisk, each containing a marble lion.

Once you’ve finished exploring the square, take a short walk to the Borghese Gardens from where you will have spectacular views of the piazza, specifically from Terazza del Pincio (Pincio terrace), at the edge of the gardens. There are steps that connect the piazza to this viewpoint, so it’s easy to find it.

You can visit the piazza after visiting the Borghese Gardens or even before or take a 20 minutes walk from the Trevi Fountain. There are also metro stops nearby.

9. Piazza di Trevi

Piazza di Trevi is one of the most beautiful plazas in Rome. It is home to the famous Trevi Fountain, where you can throw in a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Around 3,000 euros are thrown in each day but don’t try and get any of the coins out of the fountain as, if caught, you could be prosecuted.

The fountain is big. It is 26.3 m (86 ft) high and 49.15 m (161.3 ft) wide making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.

Many bars and cafes surround the piazza, so it is a good place to people-watch or have delicious Italian ice cream since there are also many gelaterias around.

And as you’d imagine, the piazza gets insanely crowded during the day, so if you want to stay away from the crowds, I recommend visiting in the evening!

The fountain is beautifully lit up at night making it one of the best places to visit in Rome at night.

10. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is small but enjoyable, especially if you want to stay away from other Rome piazzas that are always crowded.

It is located in Monti district not far from the Colosseum and it takes its name from the church which overlooks the square.

There is another small church in the Piazza which was built in the 4th century. It is dedicated to two martyrs, Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus. 

However, the main reason for going to this piazza is to enjoy an aperitivo, (be it Aperol Spritz or Campari and Soda), especially if you want to chill with the locals.

It’s not uncommon to find Romans seated on the steps of the central fountain while sipping on a drink. After all, they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do!

There are also trattorias (small traditional Italian restaurants) in the square where you can enjoy a traditional Roman meal after your drinks. You can also pick up a souvenir in one of the souvenir shops or browse a bookstore.

I wouldn’t recommend going here if you have a few days in Rome, but if your trip is a bit longer or are looking for hidden gems in Rome, then you’ll appreciate the charm of Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

11. Piazza Colonna

Piazza Colonna is one of the most famous piazzas in Rome. It is easily recognizable by a 39.7 m (130 ft) tall marble column that sits at the centre.

Erected between A.D. 176 and 193, the column was dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius to celebrate his war victories.

If you are interested in shopping, this piazza will suit you down to the ground. There is a shopping arcade, Galleria Alberto Sordi, named after a famous Italian actor.

The arcade houses a number of stores, selling everything from luxury Italian handbag brands, Italian perfumes, Italian fashion wear, and all the famous International brands you can think of.

The building itself is beautiful with its Art Nouveau style and stained glass ceiling and interior.

Piazza Colonna is also home to Palazzo Chigi which is the official residence for the Prime Minister of Italy.

12. Piazza della Repubblica

Unlike most famous piazzas in Rome which are square or rectangular, Piazza della Repubblica takes on a circular shape, thanks to the fact that it was built on the Roman Baths of Diocletian.

Part of the square is covered by a roundabout that is open to traffic which makes it less desirable to visit if you don’t want to deal with cars as opposed to other pedestrianized Roman piazzas, but if you can get past this, there is a lot to appreciate in this place.

For starters, there is a beautiful fountain in the middle, Fountain of the Naiads with its four bronze statues of water nymphs from Ancient Roman mythology that is worth admiring. It gets even better at night when it’s illuminated by LED lights, together with the nearby buildings.

Piazza della Repubblica also houses the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs) which is the only Renaissance church in Rome.

The church is intriguing in that it was built inside the ruined frigidarium of the Roman Baths of Diocletian, so when you see the exterior, you may not think much of it but don’t let that fool you because the outside contrasts with the lavish interior. It is also home to a meridian-aligned sundial.

Piazza della Repubblica is linked to Piazza Venezia by one of the main streets in Rome, Via Nazionale, so you can easily walk between them and see interesting buildings along the street, such as Palazzo delle Esposizioni, a Neoclassical Exhibition Hall, St. Paul’s Within the Walls church also known as the American Church in Rome, and many other colorful buildings along the way. The street is 2.5 km (1.55 miles) long if you decide to walk.

I wouldn’t really recommend going all out of your way just to see this piazza but if you’re in the area around Termini station, or if you have other attractions you want to see in proximity, then it’s an easy walk there.

13. Piazza della Bocca della Verità

This square is one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, but it has a gory history.

Firstly, executions were held here until 1868. Secondly, it is the Piazza that houses the Mouth of Truth, or Bocca della Verita in Italian.

If you’re not sure what the Mouth of Truth is; it is a mask weighing around 1,300 kg (2.800 lbs.) depicting the face of the sea god, Oceanus.

It stands against the wall of the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Supposedly, if you put your hand in its mouth, it would bite it off if you were a liar — at least back in ancient Rome! Today, it’s just a photo op. Try it if you dare!

The Basilica is impressive as it has a seven-story bell tower, marble pulpits, and a Gothic baldachin over the main altar.

In front of the Basilica is a magnificent fountain, Fontana dei Tritons, (Fountain of the Tritons) featuring a sea god from Ancient Greek and Roman legend.

There is also the Temple of Hercules Victor and the Temple of Portunus and other churches and arches to explore in this piazza, so reserve a couple of hours for your visit.

Piazza della Bocca della Verità is a good place to start if you want to visit the old Jewish quarter of Rome.

14. Piazza di Pietra

Another one of the famous Roman piazzas is Piazza di Pietra. The piazza has a lively atmosphere with a number of cafes and bars.

On one side of the square are Corinthian columns which are pretty much the only remaining part of the Hadrian temple, a temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian.

It might not look like much during the day but, if you go there at dusk, you will see a spectacular light show illuminating the temple, known as Luci Su Adriano. It lasts for 12 minutes with a mixture of lights, images, and sounds.

The show tells the story of the birth of the temple, its destruction, and its reuse. 

15. Piazza Mattei

Piazza Mattei is in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest areas in the city.

It is a small and quiet square, but it is famous because of its unusual fountain decorated with turtles, Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain ).

Legend has it that Duke Muzio Mattei built the fountain overnight to impress the father of the woman he loved.

However, the reality is that Taddeo Landini sculpted the fountain between 1580 and 1588 showcasing four young men made of bronze rising out of marble seashells lying on bronze dolphins.

In 1658, either Bernini or Andrea Sacchi added the turtles to balance the fountain.

And if you get hungry while here, there are cafes and restaurants. Make sure you try the specialty of this area, Carciofi alla Romana, which is a dish of braised artichokes cooked with mint, parsley, and garlic.

16. Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

If you want to enjoy Rome’s nightlife, this is the place to be. In the summer, it is packed with musicians, street vendors, street painters, and bars and restaurants spilling out onto the square.

Located on the opposite side of the Tiber River from Rome’s city center, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is amongst the most famous Rome piazzas.

It’s not only famous for its nightlife but also for having one of the most beautiful churches in Rome, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

It is one of the oldest churches in Rome, starting as a Christian house church in 220 AD.

It was restored many times and what you see now is the final restoration of 1143. It has stunning mosaics, granite columns, and a gilded ceiling that gives it a wow factor.

However, the focal point of the piazza is the fountain in the center which dates to the 2nd century BC. It is thought to be one of the oldest functioning fountains in the city.

The fountain is a good place to sit while enjoying a drink/gelato or even just watching street performers.

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Final Thoughts on the Famous Rome Piazzas

Hopefully, you are now excited about visiting some of these most famous piazzas in Rome.

Most are steeped in history, some from ancient times, others from the Middle Ages, and many from the Renaissance. There are museums to visit, churches, and palaces.

Most even have restaurants and cafes and some focus on nightlife, with bars staying open until the early hours. There is basically a Roman piazza that will suit you regardless of your taste.

I hope that you have time to visit at least two or three Rome piazzas on your trip. I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Rome

• Best things to do in Rome
• Rome Instagram captions
• Instagram captions for Italy
• Best things to do in Rome at night

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