Piazza del Popolo Rome

Piazza del Popolo Rome

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Piazza del Popolo Rome: Historic Features
The church of Santa Maria del Popolo dates back to the XI century, and was restored in 1400, but its present aspect, definitely baroque, is due to Bernini’s restoration in 1600.
The Egyptian obelisk was placed in the center of the square at the end of 1500. There are three churches in the square. The twin churches to both sides of the beginning of Via del Corso date back to the second half of 1600. The fountain with four lions at the base of the obelisk and the present structure of the square, distinguished by an elliptical form completed by a double esedra decorated by fountains and statues, is a work by the arcitect Valadier dating back to the XIX century.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: Description
Entering the old city gates,and stepping into the piazza, the first treasure is just on the left, the church of Santa Maria del Popolo. This is one of the most important Rome churches, because inside it there are sculptures and frescos of great importance. The masterpieces of Caravaggio “Saint Paul’s Conversion” and “Saint Peter’s Crucifixion”, some frescos by Pinturicchio, the “Assumption” by Annibale Carracci, sculptures by Andrea Bregno and Bernini. The interior of the Chigi Chapel is a work by Raphael. At the center of the square there are the most ancient and the most recent elements, the Egyptian obelisk and the four fountains with lions at the corners of the obelisk. Behind the esedra from the side of the Pincio, with the wide steps connect the belvedere with the piazza. To the sides of the beginning of Via del Corso there are the twin churches Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. These two churches were begun by Carlo Rainaldi and completed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in collaboration with Carlo Fontana some years after Bernini worked on the restoration of Santa Maria del Popolo. The first church has a face preceded by a travertine portico with four columns and an inner elliptical plan with three chapels to each side, the second church was probably the twin of the other but Rainaldi had to modify it for spacial reasons and the dome seems oval and not elliptical because it was adapted to the available space, and lies on an octagonal drum. Inside there are four chapels to each side.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: How to Get There
By public transportation, from Termini Station, catch the Rome Metro A Line and take it  for four stops until you reach the Flaminio stop. Here you have simply to enter the old city gate to arrive in the square. By car, considering the convenience of the underground and difficulties to park in this area we advise against private means, but if you prefer you could look for parking near to Piazzale Flaminio, where you may arrive freely, remembering that on weekdays you must pay. You can also try a Rome Taxi to arrive.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: What to Visit
The Spanish Steps, the terrace of the Pincio, and Villa Borghese.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: Where to Stay
For some advice on where you can stay in this area of Rome, you can check out our dedicated guide Hotel in the Center of Rome as well as B&B in Rome.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: Where to Eat
If you would like to dine or have lunch after visiting the square you can profit from a wide choice of Restaurants in Rome.

Piazza del Popolo Rome: What to Do
Some advice on Pubs in Rome where you can spend some free time is available on our dedicated page.

More and different things to come from Piazza Del Popolo Rome.

 

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