Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Nestled in the north of Rome’s historic center, Piazza del Popolo once served as the grand entrance to the Italian capital.

Though it has long since lost this role, Piazza del Popolo remains one of the most iconic squares of the “Eternal City” and is definitely worth a visit. Follow the guide!

A Brief History of Piazza del Popolo

At the end of the 16^th century, the building Pope Sixtus V – Felice Peretti – embarked on a major redevelopment project for Piazza del Popolo.

The Porta Flaminia – later renamed Porta del Popolo – located on the square, was until the advent of the railway, the main gateway to the Eternal City for all travelers arriving from the north via the Via Flaminia.

Thus, Piazza del Popolo was the first impression visitors had of Rome and naturally had to live up to the legendary reputation of the Eternal City.

Over the next three centuries, Sixtus V’s successors continued his grand project. At the beginning of the 19^th century – between 1811 and 1823 – Popes Pius VII and Leo XII entrusted neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier with the significant task of remodeling Piazza del Popolo to give it the symmetrical and harmonious appearance that visitors recognize today.

Previously trapezoidal in shape, the square adopted an elliptical plan at the crossroads of Via Flaminia to the north, the Trident formed by Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino to the south, the Pincio hill to the east, and Via Ferdinando di Savoia to the west.

Valadier demolished some of the buildings bordering the square, replacing them with more harmonious structures, planted trees, and designed a grand staircase to connect the Pincio gardens with Piazza del Popolo below.

Like Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza del Popolo also served as a site for public executions, with the last one occurring in 1826.

Visiting Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Porta del Popolo

Part of the Aurelian Wall – a defensive wall built under the reigns of Emperors Aurelian and Probus in the 3^rd century AD – the Porta del Popolo as we know it today was constructed in 1475 by order of Pope Sixtus IV, on the site of an ancient Roman gate (Porta Flaminia).

In the 16^th century, Porta del Popolo was remodeled by architect Nanni di Baccio Bigio, who was inspired by the Arch of Titus, built in the 1^st century AD by Emperor Domitian.

The inner façade of the gate – facing the square – was created by sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (known as Bernini) and honors Queen Christina of Sweden (a convert to Catholicism) who visited Rome in grand style in 1655.

In 1879, the two towers flanking the gate were demolished. Eight years later, the gate was pierced with two lateral arches to facilitate the passage of the increasingly numerous travelers.

The Obelisk of Piazza del Popolo

Standing in the center of the square, the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo is a war trophy brought from Egypt by the victorious armies of Emperor Augustus. Constructed under the reigns of Pharaohs Seti I and Ramses II, the obelisk originally stood at the Circus Maximus before being damaged during the barbarian invasions at the end of antiquity.^.

It took several centuries for the obelisk to make a comeback. In 1587, architect Domenico Fontana unearthed and restored it by order of Pope Sixtus V, who was also overseeing a vast redevelopment of Piazza del Popolo.

Standing 26.90 meters / 85.3 ft tall (36.50 meters / 118 ft with the base and cross on top), the obelisk was surrounded by four fountains featuring lion statues in 1823, symbolizing the coat of arms of newly elected Pope Leo XII.

Church of Santa Maria del Popolo

Located next to Porta del Popolo, the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo (Saint Mary of the People) was built at the very end of the 11^th century on the site of Emperor Nero’s tomb, by order of Pope Paschal II.

Four centuries later, the church was entirely rebuilt by architects Baccio Pontelli and Andrea Bregno.

Santa Maria del Popolo is a paradise for art lovers. Renovated in the 17^th century by Bernini, it features a chapel designed by Raphael (the Chigi Chapel) with a dome decorated with a massive mosaic depicting the Creation of the World. The church also houses two works by Caravaggio: The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus and The Crucifixion of Saint Peter.

A must-see for all art and history lovers!

Twin Churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto

Built on either side of Via del Corso by Carlo Rainaldi, Bernini, and Carlo Fontana, the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (completed in 1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (completed in 1679) appear identical at first glance.

But don’t be fooled: there are a few differences in their layout and their baroque façades!

Fountains of Piazza del Popolo

Like many Roman squares (Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna…), Piazza del Popolo is dotted with fountains sculpted by some of Italy’s greatest artists.

Be sure to stop and admire:

• The Fontana del Nettuno located on the west side of the square, depicting the Roman god Neptune wielding his trident and surrounded by two dolphins.
• The Fountain of the Goddess Rome, located below the Pincio hill, featuring the Capitoline Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of the Eternal City.

The Terrace of Pincio

Situated on the Pincio hill and accessible via the wide staircase designed by Giuseppe Valadier in the 19^th century, the Pincio terrace offers a breathtaking view of Piazza del Popolo. A panorama not to be missed!

Practical Information

A few steps from the Borghese Gallery and Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo marks the northern boundary of the historic center of the Italian capital.

The nearest metro station is Flaminio – Piazza del Popolo on line A. Bus 2 also serves the square (Flaminio stop).

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Credits
Gabriella Clare Marino | Marc H | Benson Kua | Sarahtarno | Olga Kropman