The Campo de’ Fiori in Rome

Just a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona, the Campo de’ Fiori is one of the most picturesque squares in Rome. The program includes it’s lovely bars and restaurants as well as its historic architecture have made it a must-see for any visitor exploring Rome!

Follow the guide!

Brief history of Campo de’ Fiori

In ancient Rome, the Campo de’ Fiori was a vast meadow stretching between the Tiber and Pompey’s Theatre. The area remained a pasture until the 15^th century, hence its name: Campo de’ Fiori, “field of flowers” in English.

Why? The Tiber is a capricious river and floods are frequent. Until the Renaissance, Roman builders were careful not to exploit this flood zone.

But in the 15^th century, Pope Calixtus III had the Campo de Fiori paved and rehabilitated the surrounding area: the rione (=district) Parione. Numerous buildings (inns, shops, workshops…) were then built around the square, which became a meeting place for the Romans. A horse market was held on the Campo de’ Fiori twice a week.

But the Campo de’ Fiori was also the scene of many public executions. It was here that in 1600 the monk and philosopher Giordano Bruno – a proponent of the theory of heliocentrism in the wake of Copernicus’ work – was executed for heresy. In 1889, the sculptor Ettore Ferrari erected a commemorative statue on the exact spot where Giordano Bruno was burned alive almost three centuries earlier.

Since 1869, the square has been home to a fruit and vegetable market every weekday morning except on Sundays. In the afternoon, the market stalls give way to countless café terraces.

Visiting the Campo de’ Fiori

The market of Campo de’ Fiori

Attention, foodies and gourmet lovers! The market of Campo de’ Fiori is a must-see for any visitor exploring the Italian capital.

with Fruit and vegetables, herbs, olive oil, spices, pasta, fresh fish, meat, poultry and all kinds of local products.

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or a flat, this is a great place to shop. But beware, some stalls are tourist traps. The Captain’s advice: follow the locals and avoid the flashy stalls!

A final word of warning: watch out for pickpockets and keep an eye on your valuables!

The statue of Giordano Bruno

Erected on the exact spot where the Dominican monk was burned alive, the statue of Giordano Bruno has stood in the Campo de’ Fiori since 1889, although the Vatican has worked hard to have it removed from the famous square.

Facing the residence of the popes, the statue has become a symbol of freedom of expression.

The base of the statue features the following inscription: A BRUNO – IL SECOLO DA LUI DIVINATO – QUI DOVE IL ROGO ARSE (“To Bruno – the century he foretold – here where the fire burned”).

Dolce Vita at the Campo de’ Fiori

Every afternoon, countless café terraces replace the market stalls. The square is known for its many cafés and restaurants – including the ancient Taverna della Vacca – where Romans and tourists alike meet for a coffee, a glass of wine or a tasty meal.

The surroundings of Campo de’ Fiori

In the Middle Ages, the area around Campo de’ Fiori was the haunt of Roman craftsmen, as evidenced by the names of the streets in the area: Via dei Balestrari (street of the crossbow makers), Via dei Baullari (street of the coffee makers), Via dei Cappellari (street of the hat makers), Via dei Chiavari (street of the locksmiths) and Via dei Giubbonari (street of the tailors).

Even today, the streets around Campo de’ Fiori are full of craft shops. Via dei Giubbonari in particular is a shopper’s delight!

Access

Campo de’ Fiori is located halfway between Palazzo Farnese and Piazza Navona. The nearest bus stop is C.So Vittorio Emanuele/Navona (lines 46, 62, 64, 916, 916F, n46, n98 and n904).

The market is held every morning from Monday to Saturday.

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Credits
Andy Montgomery | Stephanie Kraus | Frank Schmidtke | Francesca Soria