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Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, Roma, Lazio

Description

Piazza del Popolo is one of the main thoroughfares in Rome. It is just inside the northern gate of the Aurelian Walls and thus, historically, the first view of the city for travellers coming from the north. The piazza is at the junction of three important streets: via del Babuino, via di Ripetta, and via del Corso. It was redesigned in neo-classical style by Giuseppe Valadier in the 1820's keeping the Egyptian Obelisk of Sety I (known as the Flaminio Obelisk) at its centre. Highlights in and around the public square include the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo with its Chigi Chapel, the Neptune Fountain, the Porta del Popolo, and the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Trivia #1: "Popolo" originates from "populus", i.e. poplar tree - and not "people". Trivia #2: public executions were held there for centuries until the 1820's

Access & Transport

The Piazza is immediately south of the Flaminio metro (MEA), tram (2), train and bus stations.

Instructions & Recommendations

The best viewpoint of the piazza is from Terrazza del Pincio. From there you can visit the Villa Borghese Gardens.

Meta review

Online reviews for the square are good but not exceptional. Visitors enjoy the sense of symmetry of the obelisk and "twin churches" when seen from under Porta Flaminia. But whilst some find it "majestic" others are less impressed, finding it a little neglected compared to other squares in Rome.

Environmental & Social

All concrete but Pincio and Villa Borghese Gardens are next to it. Preserves the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Piazza del Popolo was historically the first sight one had entering into the city and, whilst this is no longer technically the case, it has morphed into something related: a microcosm of the city with its liveliness, fountains, churches, monuments from different periods, and imperfect street and building maintenance. An interesting square, it is.

Key positive

Several visit-worthy monuments

Visually impressive

Key negative

Lacks charm and a little dirty

Suitability

Some cobblestones but no accessibility restriction

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

April 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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