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Rome is perfect for outdoor activities. Of course, the wonderful indoor activities in Rome such as the museums, theaters, churches and cafes are not to be missed. But Rome truly is at its best when you view it from those wonderful piazzas all over town.

In Italian, the word “piazza” means public square. Rome’s piazzas are distinctive from other famous international cities because in every way public squares are where citizens and tourists alike gather to admire a wide variety of outdoor art.

There is no better place to admire the fountain work of the famous artist Bernini than at the Piazza Navona, where the Fontana dei Fiumi or the “Fountain of the Four Rivers” was built in 1651. Here in the public square Bernini’s students executed four immense sculptures around an artistic obelisk sitting on top of a central rocky pedestal. One of those students was Claude Poussin who executed “the Ganges” as part of this fountain and who later went on to fame and renown himself.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a delight because there is so much to see, including sea monsters, cacti, palm trees, a lion and all kinds of other wonderful pieces woven into a delightful artwork around the central unifying column.

When this fountain was created, it was so expensive that Rome actually put taxes on bread to fund the work. This resulted in loud complaints from every level of Roman society. That scandal is now part of the lore of this artwork to enhance the fun of relaxing and enjoying a coffee as the bustling metropolis goes by.

There is plenty more to see by walking to the other end of the piazza to enjoy the Fountain of the Moor which has on display the famous statue of the sea god Triton triumphantly riding a dolphin. This is another wonderful vantage point in the piazza to soak up the sunshine, to plan your next activity around Piazza Navona or just to give in to some good old fashioned people watching. The variety of things to do in addition to taking in the wonderful outdoor fountains in Rome is amazing.

Sprinkled amongst the many cafes, restaurants and shops of Piazza Navona are dozens of merchant stalls. Here you will find artists ready to sketch your portrait and capture this moment in time as you soak up the atmosphere of Rome.

There is plenty to do in the piazza once the sun goes down. The nightlife is active with tourists mingling with natives, beggars, mimes and artists all milling around in the crowded oval piazza. This active public space was built on an ancient circus, which was not a place where trapeze artists and elephants performed. Rather it is a circular public area where many streets come to a common intersection.

Don’t miss out on a delightful Tartufo from Tre Scalini. Or for a great story to tell, go to Caffe della Pace, the oldest extant bar in the city. What a wonderful place to soak up some atmosphere and enjoy a Roman delicacy like a Campari. Afterwards, take in the night air as you stroll to the Church of Sant’Anese for mass or confession, only to return later to admire those famous Bernini fountains just a short walk away.

The Fountain of Neptune, also known as the “Fontana dei Calderai” (translated: Fountain of the Coppersmiths) is another great artwork here for your viewing pleasure. This classic sculpture of the god of the sea Neptune killing an octopus is abundant with sea creatures such as Nereid (or sea nymphs), dolphins and sea horses. The Fountain of Neptune takes the sea creature theme of the piazza to the next level. And the rose marble that was used to create this artwork is also what was used for the doorjambs at St. Peter’s.

Another option is to enjoy a stroll to the location between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, where you can hear some soothing classical music at the Piazza Sant’Eustachio. It is also a short distance to find a bus if your next destination is a tour of the Pantheon.

You will enjoy taking advantage of the opportunity to spend time at one of Rome’s famous public squares that ironically sprang to life in the public circles of Rome’s piazzas.

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