The 11 Most Beautiful and Famous Squares in Rome

When navigating the Eternal City, one thing to not miss out on is the iconic and breathtaking squares! In Rome, each piazza (“square”) holds a deep history and is home to endless, beautiful moments. The squares in Rome are often visited for their attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain in Piazza di Trevi, or frequented as a meeting spot. Long story short, if you want to travel deeper and experience Rome’s true beauty, these Roman piazzas are the best starting point.

Rome is not only home to some of the most beautiful squares in Italy, but also some of the most beautiful squares in the world. Without further ado, here are the most beautiful and famous squares in Rome!👇

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11 Squares in Rome You Will Be in Awe of

Narrowing down the most beautiful and famous squares in Rome was not an easy task, therefore we have a top 11 list!😂 Anywho… happy reading!🥳

11. Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere

Located in Rome’s beloved Trastevere district, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is a picturesque and lively square. This square has origins that date back to the Roman period.

This square is famous for its ancient basilica, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which dates back to the 3^rd century and is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Built at a time when Christianity was not widely accepted, this basilica was Rome’s first official place of worship (Turismo Rome).

Sitting outside the famous basilica, in the heart of the square, is the most ancient fountain of Rome: Fontana di Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. This fountain originally dates back to the 15^th century, but was officially completed in the 17^th century and was worked on by important artists like Bernini.

When you walk through this square, you will find colorful homes, endless restaurants, people sitting on the fountain’s steps, and so on. Beloved by both locals and tourists, Trastevere is the perfect night adventure.

With that said, Trastevere is a must-visit neighborhood – especially in the late afternoon and night time.

10. Piazza della Bocca della Verità

Located near the Roman Forum and Circo Massimo, Piazza della Bocca della Verita is a charming and mysterious square. This square has ancient origins dating back to Roman times and is one of the oldest piazzas of Rome.

This small square’s name comes from its main attraction, the Bocca della Verità, “Mouth of Truth”. The Mouth of Truth is a large marble mask from the 1st CE century and is one of the world’s first “lie detectors”. Its 17th-century legend states that the Mouth of Truth slices the hand of liars.

While it is the main attraction, the Bocca della Verità is not the only thing to see in this beautiful square. The Mouth of Truth sits under the arches of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. This church is also home to the skill of St. Valentine and a crypt storing catacomb relics.

This square is also home to the Fontana dei Tritoni, Tempio di Ercole Vincitore, and Tempio di Portuno. The fountain is from the 17th century, and the temples are from Ancient Rome, dating back as early as the 3rd century B.C.

To visit the Bocca della Verità, I recommend visiting early in the day. Anything before 10 a.m. should ensure little to no crowds.

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• After visiting this square, head to Via di Monte Tarpeo for the most beautiful views over the Roman Forums. After visiting those views, you will be right next to one of the most beautiful squares – Piazza del Campidoglio.
• If you are taking public transportation into the city, stop at the Circo Massimo stop.

9. Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori, “Field of Flowers”, is Rome’s most iconic marketplace and is both a vibrant and bustling square. This square dates back to the Middle Ages as a meadow, but its development as a true piazza began in the 15^th century due to Pope Callixtus III’s orders.

When walking through this square, depending on the time of day, you will be surrounded by the food market, endless restaurants, and colorful buildings. In the heart of the square, you will find the statue of Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher and astronomer who was executed in 1600. Giordano Bruno was a symbol of freedom of thought and expression, and due to this a statue was built in his honor and is dedicated to all free thinkers.

Recognized as the square with restaurants, Campo de’ Fiori is perfect for foodies at any time of the day. Before the afternoon it is a lively marketplace, later it is a serene spot for dinner time and night strolls. With that said, it is absolutely worth visiting Campo de’ Fiori at all times of the day as its essence changes.

Activities

Whether you want to experience a bustling food market, a favorite local evening spot, or both – Campo de’ Fiori is a must-visit! Check out these fun and highly-rated activities to do in this square.👇

8. Piazza di Trevi

Located in the heart of Rome’s city center, Piazza di Trevi is home to the one and only Fontana di Trevi, “Trevi Fountain”. The fountain we see today dates from the 18th Century but its origins go back to 19 B.C. (Rome). 

The Trevi Fountain is a world-renowned masterpiece created by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. Did you know that Trevi, the fountain’s name, derives from the three ways that meet at the fountain? There are actually many fun facts about this fountain, so here are some more:

• All the coins tossed in the fountain are taken and donated to support good causes. Yearly, there’s an approximate value of a million euros worth of coins.
• (Myth) There’s a potable fountain off to the side, the Lover’s Tap. The legend states that couples who drink from here will be faithful and remain in love forever.

Out of all the squares in Rome, this is likely the smallest and the one to get the most hectic. Due to this, it’s best to visit any time before or after midday and afternoon.

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• If you want to see the Trevi Fountain with the smallest crowd possible and be able to take proper pictures, visit between 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
• Enter the United Colors of Benetton store and go up to their first floor. There will be a window you can look out from and see the Trevi Fountain from an elevated perspective.
• For fellow celiacs, in Piazza di Trevi there is a 100% gluten-free Gelateria and a 100% gluten-free restaurant. Having eaten at both of these places many times, I can confirm that they are both delicious places and not tourist traps.

Activities

Did you know you can go UNDER the Trevi Fountain? That’s right! Check out this highly rated, underground guided tour.👇

7. Piazza della Rotonda

Located in the heart of Rome, Piazza della Rotonda is home to one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings – the Pantheon. The square we see today dates back to the mid-15^th century when Pope Eugenius IV wanted it laid out and paved for everyone to enjoy the full views of the Pantheon. Before Pope Eugenius IV’s orders, the square was suffocated by endless market stalls and sheds, making it impossible for people to properly see the Pantheon.  

Surrounding the square are endless restaurants, colorful buildings, and marble works of art. In front of the Pantheon, you will find a beautiful 16th-century marble fountain with an Egyptian-style obelisk from the 18^th century. You will also find a stunning fresco of the Virgin Mary, whose origins are unclear.

Depending on the season and day, Piazza della Rotonda’s will either be fairly open or hectic, due to the Pantheon having free entrance. Due to this, if you’re planning to enter the Pantheon, I recommend visiting in the morning and/or on a weekday.

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• When you’re visiting this beautiful square, walk by the left side of the Pantheon to reach the neighboring square, Piazza della Minerva. In Piazza della Minerva you will find Bernini’s unique, marble sculpture of an elephant carrying an obelisk.
• Need a pick-me-up? Head to Casa del Caffè – Tazza D’Oro for their Granita al Caffè!

Activities

Want to visit the Pantheon and learn about its history? Check out this highly-rated experience, or get yourself a skip-the-line ticket .👇

6. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, “People’s Square”, is one of the largest squares in Rome and is home to endless sights. This square we see today has origins dating to the 16^th century, but its true origins date back to the ancient Roman times – as early as 220 AD.

When walking through this square, you will find various historic and beautiful works of art. The most noticeable are the Egyptian Obelisk and the twin churches, Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

In addition, there are also various fountains, including the Fountain of the Goddess Roma, the Porta del Popolo, the northern side entrance to the square, and a renowned, ancient church. The ancient church is Santa Maria del Popolo and is famous for its history and important art by artists like Caravaggio and Bernini (Archeo Roma).

This square is always lively and a joy to walk through. Surrounding the square are endless bars, some restaurants, and a lovely shopping scene – making it a great spot to slow down and end the day.

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• After walking around this beautiful square, head to the Terrazza del Pincio and the Villa Borghese Gardens. From Terrazza del Pincio you will get some of the most beautiful views over Rome.
• I recommend visiting before or after the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of a sunny, Roman day.

5. Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most elegant squares and is home to the iconic Spanish Steps and Bernini’s baroque fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia. This refined 18^th-century square’s name comes from the Spanish Embassy being moved from the Vatican to the Palazzo di Spagna, “Palace of Spain”.

As mentioned above, this square is home to two very important and renowned landmarks – the Spanish Steps that lead to the church of Trinità dei Monti and Bernini’s boat fountain. Along with these two landmarks, Piazza di Spagna is famous for its shopping scene, the Keats-Shelley House, Babington’s Tea Shop, and more. Being the elegant square it is, you will notice that the restaurants and stores surrounding the square are mainly high-end and expensive.

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares, meaning it gets busy with people fairly quickly. If you want to avoid large crowds definitely visit earlier or late in the day, avoiding the afternoon.

4. Piazza Venezia

Located where the ancient Rome meets the “newer” Rome, Piazza Venezia is home to the iconic Altare della Patria – also known as Rome’s Wedding Cake/Typewriter. This square sits near the Colosseum and Roman Forums, and introduces people to the “newer” Rome; where you find the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon. This iconic square dates back to the Middle Ages, but its current layout and monument date back to the late 19^th century and early 20^th century.

The main sight of this square is the monument Altar of the Fatherland”, which was built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Being a newer monument sitting near ancient Roman sites, many locals have nicknamed it “Wedding Cake” and “Typewriter”, as it doesn’t “fit in”. Apart from this monument, there are various restaurants, galleries, and hotels surrounding the square.

The Altare della Patria has free entrance and offers a spectacular viewpoint over the ancient Roman sites. For some additional information, there is an elevator for those who can’t use the stairs and there is a bar/café, should you want to eat with a view!

This square is usually seen at a faster glance, as people are rushing to the Colosseum side or the Trevi Fountain side. Due to this, you never have to worry about this beautiful square being too busy – any time of the day will be perfect for visiting!

If you’re visiting Rome in December, make sure to say “hello” to Spelacchio, Rome’s unique and mangy Christmas tree.

3. Piazza del Campidoglio

Located near the best lookout over the Roman Forums, Piazza del Campidoglio is an incredible, 16th-century masterpiece of Renaissance urban design by Michelangelo. This square sits atop Capitoline (Campidoglio) Hill, the most important and enchanting hill on which Rome was founded.

When walking through this square, you will find various important sites and statues. In the heart of the square is the statue of Marco Aurelio, a Stoic philosopher, and Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD. More importantly, you will find the Renaissance ideal of symmetry and Michelangelo’s oval design with a starburst center to represent a navel. Michelangelo’s design of the square was meant to “symbolically capture the sense of Rome as the center of the world” (Honors Archive).

Surrounding the Navel and Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s statue are the Capitoline Museums, Senatorial Palace, Fountain of the Goddess Roma, and more important statues.

Out of all the squares in Rome, this is one of the most important yet less visited ones. Due to this, any time of the day is great for visiting!

2. Piazza San Pietro

Of all the squares in Rome, here’s one that needs little to no introduction… St. Peter’s Square! Located in Vatican City, this world-renowned and breathtaking square is home to the largest Papal basilica, St. Peter’s Basilica. This 17th-century elliptical square is a work of art by the one and only Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

At the center of the most famous square in Rome is a 4,000-year-old obelisk that happens to be the only ancient Egyptian obelisk in Rome to be standing since Roman times. There are various beliefs and legends surrounding the obelisk; for example, some say the crucifix at the top of the obelisk has relics of Jesus Christ (Archeology Travel).

When walking around this square, make sure to slow down and admire the details of everything surrounding you – such as the 140 statues on top of the columns of the elliptical wall. Those 140 statues represent various saints and martyrs.

Being one of the world’s most famous squares, Piazza San Pietro will always have some crowds – most of which are usually in line for the St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums. If you don’t intend to visit the museum or basilica, I recommend visiting the square at any time except for the afternoon when the sun hits the hardest.

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• The St. Peter’s Basilica is free of entrance, so it is crucial to visit first thing in the morning – unless you’re okay with various hour-long lines.
• The Vatican Museum requires tickets BUT it does not have a daily limit. This means that if you go anytime that’s not early morning, you will most likely be immersed in a sea of people. With that said, aim for an early morning visit!
• If you’re visiting Rome in December, definitely visit the square and check out the Christmas tree and nativity scene.

Activities

Want to visit either, or both, Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica? Check out these highly-rated experiences.👇

1. Piazza Navona

Located a short walk from the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona is the most beautiful and beloved of all the piazzas of Rome. The Navona Square we see today dates back to 86 CE, but its origins date as early as the 1^st century AD when it was a stadium.

Recognized as the square in Rome with 3 fountains, Piazza Navona is home to three beautiful, 17th-century baroque fountains. Furthermore, it is also home to a hidden gem that is, well, hidden in plain sight. The 16-meter fountain is La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini. The smaller fountains are Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno by Michelangelo’s apprentice, Giacomo della Porta.

The hidden-in-plain-sight gem is the Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone, a mesmerizing church dedicated to the martyr St. Agnes. This is a 17^th-century Baroque-style church and sits over the grounds on which St. Agnes was martyred.

This is one of those squares that simply feels the best when it’s populated with people enjoying their day and there is no “best time” to visit. However, if you want the square to yourself for photography, then it’s best to visit early in the morning!

Squares in Rome: Insider Tip 👇

• If you’re ever in Rome in December, or even early January, make sure to come to visit its wonderful Christmas market. The Christmas Market involves various stands, from food to games to small gifts, and a carousel to go on.

Activities

Want to take some cooking classes when in Italy? Piazza Navona is a hot spot for some amazing classes, such as making pasta or tiramisu from scratch. Check out these highly-rated experiences.👇

Tours of the Squares in Rome

Here are some tours that bring you through various squares in Rome!👇

Squares in Rome Map

Read more on Rome

• 28 Best and Unusual Things to Do in Rome
• Rome’s Food: Must-Eats & Everything You Need to Know
• How to Spend a Weekend in Rome: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
• One Day in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary with Hidden Gems
• Squares in Rome: The 11 Most Beautiful and Famous
• 14 Best Beaches Near Rome & How to Get There
• Visiting Rome in December: All You Need to Know

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Talking about the Squares in Rome…

How excited are you for your Rome travels?!😍 Let me know in the comments which of these squares in Rome you’re looking forward to seeing!

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