What is Piazza Navona famous for?
In Ancient Rome, the site was a stadium built during Emperor Domitian’s rule. Nowadays, Piazza Navona is best known as a location for Baroque architecture, like Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers).
How much does it cost to go to Piazza Navona?
Tickets: The Piazza Navona is free to visit. Tickets for the Stadium of Domitian under the Piazza Navona cost 8€ and 6€ for children aged between 12 and 18 and visitors aged over 65. Entry is free for children under 12.
Why is it called Piazza Navona?
Piazza Navona owes its name to the agonal games (in agonis), gymnastic competitions that took place in ancient Rome. Over time it is believed that the name “in agone” has changed to “Navone” and, due to its similarity to the hollow profile of a ship, the square finally assumed the name “Navona”.
What is under Piazza Navona in Rome?
The Stadium of Domitian is hidden beneath Piazza Navona like some sort of buried treasure. Which it is. This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site was Rome’s first permanent venue for gladiator games and competitive athletics.
How long does it take to tour Piazza Navona?
Several excavations were made five metres below street level of the original Stadio di Domiziano; you can visit these excavations at the Piazza Navona. The excavations are open to the public every day from 10 am to 7 pm and a ticket is 8.50 €. An audio guide tour takes 40 minutes.
What did Piazza Navona used?
The ancient Romans went there to watch the agones (“games”), and hence it was known as “Circus Agonalis” (“competition arena”). It is believed that over time the name changed to in avone to navone and eventually to navona.
What gave the Piazza Navona its shape?
Piazza Navona’s History The reason that the plaza is built in an oval shape is that it is the site of the former Stadium of Domitian, which dates back to 1AD and was shaped as an oval as most stadiums are. It was used during Roman times for athletes to engage in sporting contests, including gladiators in 217AD.
When was the Piazza Navona built?
86 AD
Defined during the fifteenth century, the Baroque-style Piazza Navona is one of the most charming and popular squares in Rome. The public square is built on the site where the Stadium of Domitian (Circus Agonalis), founded in 86 AD, once stood.
Where was the Piazza Navona in Rome located?
Piazza Navona ( pronounced [ˈpjattsa naˈvoːna]) is a public space/plaza in Rome, Italy. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium.
Where is the fountain in Piazza Navona located?
Fontana del Moro. Sculpted by Giacomo della Porta and later perfected by Bernini, who added the figure of the Moor, the fountain was initially called the “Seashell Fountain.” This fountain is located on the southern side of the square.
Why was Piazza Navona known as Circus Agonalis?
Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is, undoubtedly, one of the most refined squares and bright corners in Rome. In ancient times, the athletic stadium was located on this spot of the metropolitan land and Romans were watching the “agones” or the “games”. That is why Piazza Navona was previously known as “Circus Agonalis” or “competition arena”.
When to book a tour of Piazza Navona?
We recommend booking Piazza Navona tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 881 Piazza Navona tours on Tripadvisor