10 Best Things to Do in Piazza Navona, Rome

The Baroque style that reigns in 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'll feel the welcoming and lively spirit that reigns in the square.

The square hosts creative and entertaining events that you will want to see and remember forever. There are also many places nearby where you can learn more about Roman history, take fantastic photos, and eat like the Italians. Add this visit to your list of things to see and do in Rome and enjoy a day in Piazza Navona and its surroundings by doing one or more of the things on this list.

I want to tell you an interesting secret or curiosity about Piazza Navona that you probably didn't know. Beneath it, exactly 4.50 meters below, are the remains of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it no longer exists, you can visit what remains of its ruins.

The modern city has replaced and almost buried it, but the square retains its dimensions and shape. In fact, the various remains of the stadium are located in several 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.

This way, you will learn more about this stadium from Imperial Rome, which held almost 30,000 spectators. You can imagine the cheers and excitement that filled the place during the athletic feats that took place there. To plan your visit, visit the Domitian Stadium website, although this is a curiosity that you will surely be told about if you book a guided tour of Piazza Navona.

The famous Four Rivers Fountain steals the show and is one of the best fountains in Rome. It is a huge marble sculpture featuring an Egyptian obelisk that stands 16 meters high. It is located in the center of the square and is the most outstanding of the three fountains here.

Its name, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Italian, comes from the four statues that make it up. These are an allegorical representation of four rivers: the Plata, 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. These include 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.

Visit the fascinating Museum of Gladiators

If you want to enjoy an excellent Roman exhibition, don't miss the fascinating Gladiator Museum, located in the same square. There you can see various weapons and the type of clothing worn by gladiators who lived in that era. You will be transported back in time**,** reliving the epic battles of these men.

An audio guide will provide you with details about these soldiers who fought amazing battles to the death. You will also be allowed to take photos of this fine collection on display in this small but attractive place.

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

Tickets and opening hours for the Gladiator Museum in Piazza Navona

The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and you can buy tickets at the ticket office or on their official website for €12 for adults and €10 for children aged 6 to 15.

Piazza Navona in Rome is the ideal place if, like me, you enjoy casual and original events. Depending on when you go, you will find daytime markets with souvenirs or nighttime shows of different kinds. If you go during a festive season, you are sure to come across celebrations and much more.

Painters and sketch artists, both portrait and caricature artists, often gather in this square to showcase their talent. So you can get a portrait that will make your visit to Italy even more memorable. You'll even see and hear musicians who will further enliven the artistic and bohemian atmosphere that characterizes the area.

The Neptune Fountain is one of Rome's most popular fountains, containing fresh water. It is located in Rome's Piazza Navona and is very popular with tourists. I guarantee that the photos 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 creation. Among them are Giacomo della Porta, who designed it, and Gregorio Zappalà together with Antonio della Bitta, who finished it.

Originally, the Neptune Fountain had no statues, only a white marble basin. However, large statues were added to bring harmony to all the fountains that dominate this square. As a result, it ended up being very striking and is well worth more than just a glance.

It's not every day you get the chance to see an authentic ancient palace like the Palazzo Pamphili. However, when you're in Rome's Piazza Navona, you have that option right at your fingertips. You will be amazed by the elegance of the imposing structure, which consists of three three-story buildings.

The central building has a balcony supported by four columns above the doorway, with one on each side. The windows differ on each floor, but all convey a unique and beautiful architectural style. The coat of arms, which identifies the Pamphili family, stands out on the structure and features three lilies above a 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 as the Brazilian embassy in Italy. Whatever its function, you'll want to see it and take a few photos in front of it.

Trying Roman ice cream is not something you can only do if you visit Rome in summer. During your walks around the city of Rome, there is nothing better than enjoying a delicious cold dessert. You can enjoy one by visiting one of the ice cream parlors near Piazza Navona. There, you can choose from a wide variety of flavors to suit your taste.

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

There are many ice cream shops you can visit, either in the square itself 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 just choose any of them. To make your choice easier, here are at least two places I recommend:

• Cremi Gelateria Artigianale: They have very tasty ice creams that come in cones of 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 while watching the fountains.
• Gelateria Tre Fontane: Their artisanal ice cream is excellent quality and very affordable. They have a variety of flavors, including chocolate, tiramisu, and pistachio. Enjoy this ice cream while sitting in Rome's beautiful Piazza Navona.

The Moro Fountain, which is fed by virgin water, ** has a charm that is not to be missed**. To see it, simply head to the south end of the large Piazza Navona. Its decoration included 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 remains today. Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned to create a pool that copies the design of the previous fountain. The statue carved by the artist Giannantonio Mari was placed in the center.

This representative statue is of a Moor clutching a dolphin's tail and head in his hands. This is where the water flows from, coming out of the statue's legs. If you go at night, you will notice that the different colored lights illuminating these pieces add an extra positive touch.

If you spend a lot of time exploring Rome's Piazza Navona and its surroundings, you'll naturally want to eat. Fortunately, there are several restaurants nearby that offer a variety of dishes that showcase the excellence of Italian cuisine.

Try different pastas, pizzas, appetizers, and other dishes that will delight your palate. Due to the privileged location of this tourist area, prices tend to be higher than elsewhere. But believe me, the view, the atmosphere, the attentive and 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 your restaurant carefully. I recommend two specific places that you can add to your list of the best places to eat in Rome:

• Tucci: It stands out for its touristy atmosphere, its pasta, its risotto, its pizzas, and the unbeatable service provided by the staff. From there, you can see the square directly and, if you prefer, eat on an outdoor terrace. If you are vegan or vegetarian, ask for their special menus.
• Bernini: Offering good value for money, it stands out mainly for its ravioli, lasagna, and pizza. The waiters provide first-class service, so you'll feel at home 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 the best is L'Artigianato, which has very affordable prices. There you will also find a wide variety of gifts that you will want to take home with you.

For example, there are some handmade wooden pieces and other very captivating representative ceramic figures. Everything you find is related to Italy and Rome, and many of these items are completely original. Others are high-quality replicas that you may also want to take home.

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