Piazza Barberini Rome

Piazza Barberini Rome: Rome's Historic Crossroads

Sponsored links

Piazza Barberini Rome: Historical Features
At the crossroads between Via Veneto, Via Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Tritone, and near to the Trevi fountain, Piazza Barberini links its history to that of ancient Rome. This square has the name of one of the most well known families in Roman history, the Barberini, who also gave their name to the palace in Via delle Quattro Fontane which overlooks the square. In the past the square had several names deriving from the various residences of the Roman aristocracy attracted to the area by the open air. On one side of the square a memorial tablet contains the words “next to Grimana area”, as it was called during that period. The most recent name “Sforza a Capo le Case” is due to the properties puchased in the area by the Sforza family, another important Roman noble family. In 1634 the work of reconstruction began together with the various changes that brought to the square's present appearance. Bernini erected the Bernini theatre and some years later placed in the center of the square the Fountain of the Triton, ordered by Pope Urban VIII. In 1644 Bernini added the Bees’ fountain (symbol of Barberini family), still kept in a different corner of the square, even though it lacks some decorations. Two traditions recall past periods, the first one is the story of a procession practised until the XVIII century that put before the Fountain of the Triton a disfigured corpse while an auctioneer was invited to recognize it; the second, the “Triumph of Strawberries”, surely more agreeable, consisted of chariots and agricultural carts transporting strawberries and ornaments of flowers, the statue of S. Antonio in the lead, going on to reach piazza della Rotonda, where strawberries were distributed and traditional music was played.

Piazza Barberini Rome: Description
As you arrive in Piazza Barberini you will be delighted by the amazing sight of the wonderful Fountain of the Triton by Bernini that has the coat of arms of the Pope and that of Barberini family on each side. The harmonious figure shows four dolphins that sustain a big shell, at the center of which there is the Triton that blows up through a sea shell, creating a stream of water that lands in the underlying pool. Another fountain, the small “Bees’ fountain”, built by Bernini too, is incomplete compared to its original condition in Via Sistina. Today the main structure, characterized by the form of an open shell with three bees pouring water, is kept.

Piazza Barberini Rome: How to Get There
Piazza Barberini is easily reachable getting off at the Rome Metro Barberini stop of  the A Line. The Rome bus routes that cross it are the 175, 61, 62, 495. We advise against going by car because the center of Rome is full of areas that allow the passage only to authorized transportation in daytime. You can also arrive by a Rome Taxi.

Piazza Barberini Rome: What to Visit
Piazza Barberini is strategically positioned near several important Roman Landmarks including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Palazzo Barberini, and Via Veneto.

Piazza Barberini Rome: Accommodation
For some advice on where you can stay in the Piazza Barberini Area, you can take a look at our dedicated pages Hotel in the Center of Rome as well as B&B in Rome.

Piazza Barberini Rome: Where to Eat
After visiting the square you will be able to dine or have lunch at one of the restaurants from Rome-Explorer.com's Restaurants in Rome guide.

Piazza Barberini Rome: What to Do
In the square there is one of the most important cinemas in Rome, the Multisala Barberini, that offers a program of first showings of the best films.

More and different things to come from Piazza Barberini Rome.

 

View Piazza Barberini in a larger map

Print, send by e-mail, recommend in your social networks: share and enjoy
Condividi Tweet