Piazza del Popolo, Rome

Piazza del Popolo is one of the largest squares in Rome and located inside the northern gate in the city walls. While today it is a social hub for Romans and tourists alike, it was once the main entrance to the old city. It is the meeting place of the three most impressive streets of Roman architecture and urban planning. From here you can go left to the Spanish Steps along via del Babuino, right along via Ripetta to Piazza Navona, or straight down via del Corso towards Piazza Venezia where you can see all the way to the Vittorio Emanuele II monument.

In the 17th century, the genius sculptor, Bernini, carved a welcome message to the queen of Sweden on the main entrance to the square, Porta Flaminio. To this day, the square greets its millions of visitors wishing them “a happy and auspicious entrance”

In the centre of the piazza, you will see the Egyptian obelisk, the oldest and second tallest in the city. The monument was carved during the reign of Seti I, and finished during the reign of his son Ramesses II. It was brought to Rome in 10 BC and placed in Circo Massimo, but was rediscovered in 1586 and moved to Piazza del Popolo.

Elsewhere in the square you can visit the twin churches, Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli on the south side of the obelisk. There is also the Leonardo da Vinci museum, the Santa Maria del Popolo church holding masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael, and the Cappella Chigi with the famous Bernini statue Habakkuk and the Angel.

For one of the clearest panorama views of the square and the rest of Rome, take a left when you come in from the north gate and follow the road to a narrow staircase. If you follow these all the way up the hill you will reach the Terrazza del Pincio for a view well worth the short climb.

Piazza del Popolo is always buzzing with life, surrounded by cafes, and filled with musicians; each time of day will offer a different experience in this historic square.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome, Italy