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| PIAZZA DEL POPOLO |
The towns and cities of Italy are known for their charming piazzas or public squares. They are often adorned with decorative fountains and statues and surrounded by historical buildings. Rome, with a population of almost three million, has many urban piazza's—each unique in its own way.
My favorite is the Piazza del Popolo—a place that I walked through daily for a month. Most of the time, as I passed through the lively piazza, I was heading out or returning from an excursion to the metro, a coffee bar, grocery store, or a leisurely walk in the park. However, sometimes I lingered just to take it all in: observing the people, listening to the street music, watching the children chase gigantic bubbles (thanks to the “bubble man”), and the young man trying to give out “free” roses to the ladies. No matter what the time of day, it was always entertaining.
The people and activities varied by the moment. However, the historical significance and beauty of the Piazza del Popolo have remained the same for centuries. A history lesson of ancient Rome is on display in any direction you chose to gaze.
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PORTA DEL POPOLO
EGYPTIAN OBELISK OF RAMES III
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To the north is the Porta del Popolo—this was the main entrance to the city during the Roman Empire when it was called Porta Flaminia. The gate was rebuilt in the 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV on the same site as the ancient Roman gate. The outside wall is the work of Italian architect, Nanni di Baccio Bigio and the inner interior facade was completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1655.
In the center of the piazza is the famous Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II—the second oldest and one of the tallest obelisks in Rome. It was brought from Egypt to Rome in 10 BC and was originally set up in Circus Maximus and moved to its current location in 1589. It is surrounded by four fascinating lion fountains with water spouting out of their mouths. The steps surrounding obelisk provide a great place to sit and enjoy the surroundings of the large piazza that is more oval than square and closed to motorized traffic.
Looking south. toward the medieval city center. are the fascinating baroque churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Built in the 17th century, they are often cited as “twins,” due to their similar external appearance.
The Santa Maria del Popolo (1477) sits next to the Porta del Popolo, it was the first church for the majority of travelers entering the city and the most treasured church in the piazza. The entire chapel was designed by Raphael. It is also the home of two Caravaggio masterpieces.
Many old and interesting streets extend out from the Piazza—my favorite is the artist street called Via Margutta. This short, tucked-away street was once home to Fellini, Rembrandt, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, and Marcello Mastrianni. The nearby Bar Canova, on the southeast corner of the piazza, is where Fellini is said to have stopped by every morning for his coffee.
On our last morning in Rome, I made a final hike up the steps to Pincian Hill for one last view of the Piazza Popolo and city from above. It was peaceful. The one thing that I learned about Rome is that wherever you were, and however crowded it might be, you could almost always walk, just a little farther, to find a quieter area to enjoy.
