Top 10 Beautiful and Famous Rome Piazzas to See

Planning a trip to Rome? You won’t want to miss out on the most beautiful and famous Rome piazzas!

And with over 2000 piazzas in Rome (wow!), how do you make sure you see the best ones?

Don’t worry, I’ve got your guide to all of the best piazzas in Rome. We spent so much time on our trip last October crisscrossing Rome and marveling at the beautiful piazzas with their statues and fountains.

From Piazza Navona to Piazza del Popolo, Rome’s plazas are also home to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

Ready to explore the beautiful piazzas of Rome? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

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Beautiful and Famous Piazzas in Rome Italy

1. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and famous piazzas in Rome.

It is one of Rome’s must-see attractions for visitors to the Eternal City, and part of what makes Rome such a popular Europe travel destination.

Located in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by stunning Baroque architecture and filled with vibrant energy.

This picturesque square was originally built on top of an ancient Roman stadium (the Stadium of Domitian) dating from 86 AD. This adds a layer of history to its already captivating atmosphere. The ancient stadium was paved over to create the stunning piazza we enjoy today.

You can’t miss the stunning Baroque-style fountains of Piazza Navona! These include the Fountain of Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fontana del Moro.

Piazza Navona is also home to the gorgeous church Sant’Agnese in Agone and several popular museums.

And, of course, you’ll find plenty of bars, cafes, and shops ringing the square. You might even get to stroll through the piazza on a food tour in Rome.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting place to people watch or just want to admire some of Italy’s finest artistry, this grand piazza will not disappoint.

See Rome’s highlights, including the gorgeous Piazza Navona, on this private golf cart tour of Rome! Customize your tour from an extensive list of Rome’s top attractions to craft your perfect day in the Eternal City!

Piazza Navona Fountains

Piazza Navona’s Fontana dei Fiumi is one of the most iconic and beautiful fountains in Rome.

The Fountain of Four Rivers was designed by renowned Italian artist and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. You’ll love this masterpiece of Baroque artistry that has place of honor in the center of this historic square.

The fountain is composed of four large statues representing different rivers from around the world: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata.

At the center of the Fountain of the Four Rivers is the Obelisk of Domitian. This incredible monument dates back to the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD).

The Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) stands at northern end of Piazza Navona.

This dramatic fountain features the central figure of Neptune battling an octopus. Additional figures such as cherubs, fish, and sea creatures (including horses with tails like fish) complete the fountain’s decorations.

The Fountain of the Moor (Fontana del Moro) stands at the southern end of this historic piazza. The central figure of a Moor battling a dolphin was designed by renowned Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Piazza Navona Churches

Located in the heart of Rome’s Piazza Navona, Sant’Agnese in Agone is a stunning 17th-century Baroque-style church that stands as an impressive testament to Italian artistry.

With its ornate facade, grand dome and beautiful frescoes, it is no surprise that this majestic building draws visitors from all over the world.

Inside you will find breathtaking works of art, Baroque sculptures, an incredible pipe organ, and the tomb of Pope Innocent X.

You’ll also find a shrine containing the skull of St. Agnes, who was martyred in the ancient Stadium of Domitian.

Piazza Navona Museums

Located at the southwest end of Rome’s Piazza Navona, the Museo di Roma is a stunning museum that stands as an impressive display of Italian art and culture. It is one of the many civic museums of Rome.

The museum is housed in Palazzo Braschi, magnificent neoclassical building which was built for the nephew of Pope Pius VI. The museum focuses on the local history, art, and culture of Rome, spanning from the Middle ages to the twentieth century.

From Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures, visitors can explore centuries of Italian heritage through its beautiful galleries.

Tip: Visit the third floor of the Museo di Roma to enjoy incredible views of Piazza Navona!

Situated at the northwest end of Piazza Navona you’ll find the Stadio di Domiziano archaeological museum. It is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to explore Rome’s rich history in a unique way.

This small museum is located underground and given visitors a glimpse into Rome’s past with the ruins of the ancient stadium.

3-D models and video animations give visitors a glimpse into how the stadium might have looked like in ancient Rome. Plus, since the ruins are underground, this is a great way to escape the heat on a summer day in Rome!

2. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo in Rome is a must-see destination for any visitor to the Eternal City.

Located at the north end of the historic city center, it offers stunning views of Rome’s skyline and is surrounded by some of its most iconic attractions.

The piazza itself features stunning fountains, monuments, and churches. It’s no wonder that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy!

There are several streets that terminate at the Piazza del Popolo, brimming with shops and restaurants to satisfy your every whim.

The Piazza del Popolo is much less crowded than Piazza Navona, so it’s easier to enjoy this Roman plaza. Maybe that’s because it is a little further away from the city’s main tourist attractions, but this beautiful Roman piazza is definitely worth a visit.

(The Piazza del Popolo is only about a 20-minute walk from Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, or Piazza Navona. Or use Rome’s metro system to save yourself some time — the Flaminio Station is just minutes from the Piazza del Popolo.)

Piazza del Popolo is also the perfect place to start your visit to the Borghese Gardens, another must-see destination in Rome.. Stroll up the road leading to the extensive gardens, and you’ll enjoy amazing views of this beautiful plaza in Rome.

Piazza del Popolo Fountains

The central fountain in the Piazza del Popolo is the Fontana dei Quattro Leoni. The Fountain of the Four Lions was designed by Giuseppe Valadier and dates from 1828.

At the center of the monument is the Flaminio Obelisk, dating back from the time of Pharaoh Ramses II. The obelisk is flanked by four small fountains, each with a marble lion spouting water into a pool.

The Fontana del Nettuno anchors the southwestern end of the square and was created by Giovanni Ceccarini, a Roman sculptor.

The statue features Neptune with his trident, flanked by two Tritons. This fountain was constructed at the end of the Acqua Vergine Nuovo, one of Rome’s aqueducts.

Fontana della Dea di Roma, or the Fountain of the Goddess of Rome, sits at the northeastern end of the Piazza del Popolo. This fountain was also created by Giovanni Ceccarini.

Piazza del Popolo Churches

At the southern end of the square you’ll find two churches that are nearly mirror images of each other, with classical columned porticoes, tiled domes, and elegant bell towers. These flank one of Rome’s famous shopping streets, the Via del Corso.

The Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, located on the southern edge of the square. The façade is ornate and impressive, with two bell towers rising up to the sky. 

This church was built and named for a miracle that occurred when a mother prayed to a painting of the Virgin Mary to save her baby who had fallen into the Tiber River. The child was miraculously saved and the icon is knows as the Madonna of Miracles.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Montesanto is an elegant 17th-century church that sits on the opposite site of the Via del Corso. It features an elaborate dodecagonal cupola (that’s a polygon made of 12 sides and 12 angles) and two bell towers.

This church is also known as the ‘Church of the Artists’ for its tradition of the Mass of the Artists, where Sunday masses include music and a reading by an artist.

3. Piazza de Trevi

Rome’s Piazza de Trevi is a must-see for any visitor to the Eternal City. This iconic square has been immortalized in countless films such as Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, and Three Coins in the Fountain.

The main reason for its popularity is of course the world-renowned Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is a stunning 18th century Rococo fountain designed by Nicola Salvi. Its stunning backdrop is provided by the Palazzo Poli, an ornate 17th-century palazzo.

It’s clear why the Trevi Fountain is so popular — it is truly gorgeous.

The fountain features a central statue of Oceanus on his shell chariot, which is drawn by hippocamps (creatures with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish).

The Piazza de Trevi is definitely one of the most popular Instagram spots in Rome, and a great place for an unforgettable Rome photo shoot.

It draws flocks of tourists wishing to throw a coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome. Be sure to carry some money in Italy so that you can participate in this tradition!

(Around €3,000 in coins gets thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day! The coins get collected and donated to a charity. Don’t try to grab cash out of the fountain, as it is considered theft of property of the city.)

The Piazza de Trevi is popular around the clock. You’ll want to see it during the day and also at night when the fountain is beautifully illuminated.

Romantic and beautiful Rome attractions like the Trevi Fountain make Rome a popular choice for a honeymoon in Italy!

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Many bars and cafes surround the Piazza de Trevi, and a staggering number of gelaterias. Enjoy a some gelato in this beautiful iconic Rome piazza!

(One word of caution: since the Trevi Fountain is so very popular, there are a lot of scam artists at work here. On our first visit to Rome, a man handed me a rose while we were admiring the fountain.

I just thought that was a nice gesture, but then he turned to my spouse and demanded money. So that became one of our first travel scam lessons learned — never let a stranger put something in your hand. Because they’re probably trying to get something from you.)

4. Piazza Venezia

Rome’s famous Piazza Venezia is a must-see for any traveler to the Eternal City. Located at the heart of Rome, this piazza is surrounded on all sides by incredible attractions.

On the northwest end of the square, you’ll find the Palazzo Venezia museum. This 15th century palace museum displays a fascinating array of medieval art and Renaissance art as well as historic weaponry.

To the north you can see Palazzo Bonaparte, an elaborate mansion dating from the 17th century, where Napoleon’s mother once lived. It now hosts temporary exhibitions, such as 2023’s Van Gogh exhibition.

On the southeastern end of the piazza lies Chiesa Santa Maria di Loreto, a beautiful 16th-century church.

This church overlooks the towering Trajan’s column and the Imperial Fora, public squares which were the center of the Roman empire dating from 2000 years ago.

But by far, Piazza Venezia is best known for its incredible views of Altare della Patria, the Altar of the Fatherland.

The Altar of the Fatherland is a stunning neoclassical temple and was one of our first stops on our recent trip to Rome. This is one of the city’s most important monuments.

It houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the impressive Victor Emmanuel Monument, a tribute to Italy’s first king and a symbol of Italian unity.

The panoramic views from the Terrazza delle Quadrighe observation deck are amazing. You can see the ruins of the nearby Imperial Fora as well as the Colosseum in the distance.

And don’t forget to look back down onto Piazza Venezia to see the lush green grass and the flowerbeds in their green, white, and red colors representing the tricolored flag of Italy!

Whether it’s admiring the grand monuments and Roman ruins or exploring the museums and galleries, you’re sure to have a wonderful time at this iconic piazza in the heart of Rome.

5. Piazza San Pietro

Piazza San Pietro in Rome is one of the most beautiful and iconic piazzas in the world.

Located in Vatican City, it’s a stunningly picturesque square surrounded by impressive Renaissance-style buildings, fountains, and sculptures that are sure to take your breath away.

The centerpiece of the square is St Peter’s Basilica. This Renaissance-style church was built over the burial site of St Peter, the first Pope and one of Jesus’s 12 apostles.

The basilica is flanked by stunning colonnades. These were designed by Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The colonnades are made up of 284 columns (4 rows deep) and are topped by 140 graceful statues representing various saints and martyrs.

In the center of the square you’ll find the Vatican Obelisk. This Egyptian obelisk of red granite was transferred from Egypt and is the only obelisk in Rome that has not toppled.

(And if you’re viewing St. Peter’s Square from the Vatican, you can notice that the obelisk acts as a sundial against the markings of the piazza.)

Piazza San Pietro is always buzzing with activity and is especially busy during papal audiences and when the pope is issuing blessings.

No matter what your beliefs may be, there are few places more awe-inspiring than Piazza San Pietro. Piazza San Pietro is one of the most famous piazzas in the Eternal City, and visiting it is one of the best free things to do in Rome!

The Vatican City

The Vatican City is one of the oldest, most iconic and historically significant locations in all of Rome. It was established in 1929, and it is the smallest country in the world, completely enclosed within the city of Rome.

Based on landmass, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, measuring just 0.2 square miles, almost 120 times smaller than the island of Manhattan.

HISTORY

A visit to the Vatican should definitely be at the top of your list when visiting Rome, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a religious person. The Vatican is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in Italy!

It not only serves as the residence of the Pope but also houses some of the world’s finest art collections, historical artifacts and religious relics.

Vatican City is home to the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica, the world-famous Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

The Sistine Chapel is truly awe-inspiring for its collection of stunning Renaissance paintings from some of the world’s most famous artists. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with fabulous frescoes by Michelangelo, notably The Creation of Adam.

(Note: you will have to follow the dress code to visit the Vatican Museums. Be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered. And no hats allowed!)

Find the Vatican experience that is best for you:

6. Piazza della Rotonda

The Piazza della Rotonda, located in the heart of Rome, is a beautiful and historic Roman piazza.

It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, with its unique cobblestone pavement and spectacular views of the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic monuments.

The fountain at the center of the square dates from the 16th century.

It adds to the piazza’s charm and beauty and provides a perfect photo opportunity for visitors. As is common in Rome piazzas, an Egyptian obelisk marks the center of the fountain.

Be sure to take a close look at figures decorating the Fontana del Pantheon.

You’ll find elaborate fish, some aggressive-looking dolphins, and a cute figure that looks kind of like a dog with wings. (I don’t remember anything like that from mythology class..)

Visitors can also explore nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops as they wander through this picturesque area. Gelato, anyone? (I’m taste-testing to find all the best gelato in Italy!)

I’d actually recommend visiting the Piazza della Rotonda twice, if you can fit it into your schedule.

It’s best to visit the Pantheon during the day so that you can see the light shining in through the oculus. And the Pantheon is beautifully illuminated at night, as are so many of Rome’s iconic attractions.

Take this private Rome by night walking tour to experience the magic of the Eternal City’s most beautiful monuments illuminated at night. See the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and more!

The Pantheon

The iconic Pantheon is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved buildings from Roman antiquity. This iconic monument is fronted by classical columns and a portico. It is the very embodiment of what you probably imagine as a Roman temple.

The Pantheon has been around since at least 126 AD, and was built on the site of a previous Roman temple. This makes it on of the oldest structures in Rome!

This former Roman temple became a Catholic church in 609 AD — the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.

The Pantheon is known for its immense dome. The dome of the Pantheon actually held the record as the largest dome until Florence’s magnificent Duomo was built.

At the top of the Pantheon’s dome is an oculus, or hole. The word ‘oculus’ means ‘eye’ in Latin, and this hole is actually the only source of light into the Pantheon.

So the best time to visit the Pantheon is on a sunny day when you can see the dramatic illumination of light shining through the oculus.

7. Piazza di Spagna

Rome’s Piazza di Spagna is one of the most iconic places in the city, and a must-visit destination for visitors to the Eternal City.

Located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, this vibrant square has been a popular gathering place since it was first established in 1725.

The Fontana della Barcaccia is the centerpiece of the Piazza di Spagna. This is a 17th-century baroque fountain which is shaped like a ship.

The Spanish Steps, known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, have become one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1725, the 135 steps connect the Trinita dei Monti Church to the piazza below.

The iconic Spanish Steps were designed by architect Francesco de Sanctis (he won a competition to design these). It has been a popular gathering spot ever since.

Be sure to climb to the top of the steps and take in panoramic views of Rome. The views of Rome at night from the piazza at the top of the Spanish Steps are incredible!

Tip: While you can go up and down the steps, you cannot sit on the Spanish Steps. If you do, you may receive a stiff fine. And that’s not how you want to spend your vacation budget!

Even if you only have 48 hours in Rome, Piazza di Spagna should definitely be on your list!

8. Piazza del Colosseo

Rome’s Piazza del Colosseo is one of the most iconic locations in the world, as from here you behold the breathtaking grandeur of the ancient Colosseum.

This is a bucket-list destination for travelers from around the globe, and people flock to this historic landmark every day to glimpse a snapshot of Ancient Rome. (It is, not surprisingly, the #1 attraction in Rome!)

The Colosseum of Rome is a breathtaking sight, rising up from the Piazza del Colosseo like an ancient sentinel. Built in 70-80 AD under Emperor Vespasian, it was once part of the larger Flavian Palace complex.

This monumental amphitheater has been called one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering and is a marvel to behold.

It holds the record as the largest amphitheater built in antiquity, and it is still the world’s largest standing amphitheater.

You’ll find smaller versions of the Colosseum scattered throughout France marking the history of the expansion of the Roman empire. One of the best things to do in Arles is to see the arena, but I’d have to say I was more impressed with the well-preserved arena in Nîmes.

I am constantly amazed at the engineering prowess of the Romans. I’m pretty sure nothing built today, even with all of our additional knowledge, will still be around in 2000 years!

The Colosseum has been the site of some of Rome’s most famous events, including gladiatorial contests, public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, and even plays.

Today it remains an incredibly popular tourist destination, with over 7 million visitors annually.

Explore the magnificent Colosseum and learn about its history, as well as life in Roman times. You can even take an underground tour to access areas not available with a standard ticket or visit the Colosseum at night for a special experience without the crowds!

Given the latitude of Rome, it can be pretty hot in the summer, so sightseeing at night is a great way to beat the heat, (Or check out these tips on what to wear in Italy in summer!)

There are plenty of great options for visiting the Colosseum:

And while you’re here, don’t forget to view the Arco di Costantino. It’s easy to find, just about 100 feet to the southwest of the Colosseum.

The Arch of Constantine is a stunning Roman monument with three grand arches. This triumphal arch celebrates the victory of emperor Constantine the Great. View the battle scenes and figures depicted across the monument.

No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Piazza del Colosseo and its awe-inspiring center – the iconic Colosseum.

9. Piazza del Campidoglio

Located at the top of Capitoline Hill in Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the most beautiful piazzas in the city.

It’s located just south of the Altare della Patria, so you should definitely see this stunning piazza while you’re in this area of Rome!

Piazza del Campidoglio is a majestic sight to behold. The square was designed by Michelangelo and features a central trapezoidal area, two wings of statues and stairways, and a grand fountain of the Goddess Roma.

You approach this piazza from the west, following the Cordonata Capitolina.

This broad walkway starts at the Fontane dei Leoni Egizi and passes by the sentinel statues of Castor and Pollux that guard the entry to the piazza.

At the center of the square is an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Be sure to admire the geometric 12-pointed star made by the different colors of the paving stones that radiate out from this central statue. (This can be best admired from a high point.)

This stunning piazza is also famous as being the home to the incredible Capitoline Museums, one of the best museums in Rome. See the amazing collections of classical Roman and Greek statuary as well as Renaissance artworks.

10. Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza dell’Esquilino

You get two piazzas for the price of one for this entry!

The Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Piazza dell’Esquilino are two Roman piazzas flanking the stunning Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most beautiful churches in Rome.

The Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore sits to the east of the basilica. From this viewpoint, you can see the grand columns of the front façade. You can also see the basilica’s medieval bell tower — standing 250 feet tall, it’s the tallest in Rome!

This piazza contains a rather simple fountain and a tall column, the Colonna della Pace. The Column of Peace stands more than 14 meters high. It’s topped with a bronze statue of the Virgin and Child, that looks down upon the basilica.

To the west of the basilica, you’ll find the Piazza dell’Esquilino. The Piazza dell’Equilino is a large cobblestoned plaza with — of course! — an obelisk.

From here you can see the basilica’s beautiful twin domes flanking the central rounded exterior wall of the basilica’s apse. It’s definitely worth your time to make a circle around the basilica to see it from both sides!

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore dates from the 5th century and is one of 4 papal basilicas in Rome.

It’s best known for its incredible Roman mosaics, marble columns, and ornate gilded ceilings. It also contains the tomb of famous artist and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose sculptures and designs are seen across Rome.

Since it’s a bit further away from the big tourist attractions in Rome, you can enjoy this beautiful basilica and the surrounding piazzas without the crowds!

Bonus #1: Piazza della Minerva

There are so many amazing piazzas in Rome. So far we’ve talked about some of the most grand, the most famous, and the most popular.

But be sure to take your time when you’re exploring the city to enjoy some of Rome’s small squares!

One of my favorite hidden gems is the Piazza della Minerva. This is a cute little square that is overlooked since it is right next to the famous Piazza della Rotonda (you know, the one with the Pantheon).

You’ll find the Piazza della Minerva just behind the Pantheon, to the southeast. It faces the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, which is actually quite plain and probably gets overlooked.

I love this little piazza for its adorable elephant statue. The statue conveys so much expression, and the details are incredible.

With over 2000 piazzas in Rome, I bet you’ll have a hard time picking a favorite!

Bonus #2: Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo

Although it named as a piazza, the Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo seems like more of a street than a piazza.

But it is still definitely worth a visit, as it is the gateway to the spectacular bridge, the Ponte Sant’Angelo and the iconic Castel Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s top attractions!

Stroll across the Ponte Sant’Angelo (which dates from 134 AD) and take the time to admire the statues lining the bridge. The ten statues of angels were sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and statues of Saints Paul and Peter preside at the end of the bridge.

Appreciate the views of the majestic Castel Sant’ Angelo as you cross the bridge. It’s a circular castle dating from the 2cnd century, complete with all the fortifications you’d expect, such as towers and crenellations.

Castel Sant’Angelo was actually built by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself as well as his family. Over the centuries it has been used as a castle and a fortress, and is now a museum.

The castle is surrounded by a star-shaped park, Parco della Mole Adriana. This is a great place to relax and enjoy a quiet moment if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Rome!

Rome Piazzas Map

You’re probably wondering where all of these piazzas are located in Rome. Some of them are close to each other, and some are more of a hike to go and see.

Here’s a map of Rome piazzas that I talked about in this post:

Famous Rome Piazzas FAQ

Final Thoughts..

Rome’s piazzas are such an integral part of the city its culture that you’re sure to stroll through many of them during your Rome sightseeing.

Want to make sure you don’t miss any highlights during your visit to the Eternal City? Then check out these top Rome golf cart tours or eat your way through Italy by taking a fabulous Rome food tour.

• Best Food Tours in Rome
• Best Rome Golf Cart Tours
• 15 Best Rome Instagram Spots: Perfect Rome Photos

Planning a trip to Rome? Pin this for later so you don’t miss any of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome!