Slip under the great Porta del Popolo from its entrance from Via Flaminia and you will immediately be amazed by the sheer immensity of this square. Ignore the dozens of illegal vendors tempting you with flowers or souvenirs, and march triumphantly to the centre of the square which unapologetically displays an Egyptian obelisk of Rameses II from Heliopolis, brought to Rome in 10BC. As if to ensure the origin of the obelisk would never be disputed, four fountains were added at the base, each with an Egyptian-style lion. From this central point you can fully appreciate the decisive neoclassical style of the layout designed between 1811 and 1822 by Giuseppe Valadier.
Don’t let the sublime nature of the architecture fool you this square was used for centuries for public executions up until 1826.
Looking southward across the square, the twin churches of Santa Maria in MonteSanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli divide three streets in the heart of Rome. These twins are fraternal rather than identical, with noted differences in the domes and belfrys. This architecture strays from the neoclassic one, by allowing differences to be incorporated in the symmetrical balance. The piazza is understatedly but elegantly linked to another famous attraction the Ville Borghese gardens, by a tasteful waterfall-lined staircase that climbs to the heights of the Pincian Hill. Take some time as you get to the top of the stairs to look back at the piazza before you disappear into the famous gardens of Ville Borghese. Hotel Genio, Hotel Eliseo, Hotel Sistina are all within walking distance of this landmark.
1 day