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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.

Probably the finest location of Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers” can be found at Navona. Four striking sculptures that Bernini’s students executed are artistically arranged around a rocky mass at the center of the fountain which holds up an obelisk. One of those stunning sculptures named “the Ganges” was created by Claude Poussin who went on to become a well known master as well.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a classic Roman fountain that seems alive with a rich diversity of life from a cactus to palm trees to sea monsters and dozens of wonderful pieces all mixed together artfully around the unifying column in the middle.

This fountain was so ambitious that to fund it, the Roman government levied a tax on bread. Naturally this led to a tremendous outcry from the citizens of Rome at the time, from the lowest to the highest echelons of society. That trivia has now become a wonderful part of the rich history of the Bernini fountain and a great story to tell while enjoying a coffee with a friend, or to reflect upon while relaxing and watching the city bustle to and fro.

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.

Along the rows of cafe’s, restaurants and shops in the piazza, you will find dozens of stalls where merchants offer their wares and services. Here you can stop and have your portrait skilfully sketched by the many artists who populate this public gathering place.

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 enjoying a Tartufo at the Tre Scalini while you are there. Another option is to take in the Caffe della Pace, the oldest operating bar in Rome, which is not far away. The atmosphere here is a delight as is the taste of the Campari. This will put you in a good frame of mind to stop at the Church of Sant’Agnese for confession and still be walking distance from three of those renowned Bernini fountains.

One of those fountains is the Fountain of the Coppersmiths or the “Fontana dei Calderai” which later came to be known as the Fountain of Neptune. This artwork takes the fountain theme of sea creatures to the next level with its many denizens of sea including sea horses, sea nymphs, an octopus and the great sea god Neptune himself. Rose marble construction that was used to create this magnificent fountain was also used for the doorjambs at St. Peter’s.

For the music lover, a short walk away is a great spot for some classical music often performed at the Piazza Sant’Eustchio. Or from here you can easily find a bus that will take you to the Pantheon for some sightseeing.

Rome’s public squares - which oddly enough are universally round - are a sight and an experience not to be missed on your next trip to Rome.

Filed under: Travel & Leisure