NAVONA AND AROUND

Introduction
The famous Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori square are the most important places of interest in this neighbourhood, which is at the heart of Rome's historical center. In ancient times, the area was part of the Mars Field. The Piazza Navona is built on the remains of the stadium that emperor Domitian built on the same spot in the 1st century AD. But except for this piazza, which still has the shape of the antique stadium, does nothing in this neighbourhood remind us of antique times. In the narrow streets, that spread out from the Tiber river to the Pantheon, you will be able to experience the glorytime of the Rome of renaissance. The area is packed with beautiful palazzi of the 16th century rich and famous, such as the Palazzo Farnese, which is today the French embassy. The presence of these bankers, cardinals and ambassadors attracted a lot of craftsmen and merchants. Small shops and boutiques still characterize the area today, together with many bars and restaurants. Take your time to discover the baroque beauties and to experience the Roman style of life in the busy streets and squares of this neighbourhood. .

The Pantheon
As one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Roman architecture that the Eternal City has to offer, the Pantheon is a must-see for every visitor. When walking out of the narrow streets that lead up to the Piazza della Rotonda, in front of the building, the sudden appearance of its majestic, classical facade leaves few untouched. The inside is not less spectacular, with a dome of fourty-three meters high and wide, with light coming in through a Great Eye on the top. It also features some fine pieces of art and the tombs of the painter Rafael and king Vittorio Emmanuele II. Click here for more information on the Pantheon or click here to download Best of Rome's free audio guide to this spectacular monument.

Piazza Navona
The elegant Piazza Navona is built on the ruins of a stadium built by Emperor Domitian, which survives in the elongated shape of the square. Renaissance has transformed it into a bright square with elegant palazzi and beautiful fountains, including Bernini's Fontana dei Fiumi. The many cafés make it an ideal spot to relax away from the noise of Roman traffic, and watch the painters, tourists, mime-artists and well-dressed Romans that populate the square. Click for more on Piazza Navona.

Campo de' Fiori
The Flower Field is one of Rome's most charming squares. At daytime, it houses a fruit and vegetables market, while in the late afternoon it becomes one of the most popular places for an aperitivo before dinner. The statue in the middle of the square is of Giordano Bruno, a philosopher who was executed for heresy at the spot in 1600. Read more on the Campo de' Fiori.