Rome: Piazza Del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a large square in Rome, Italy. The name in modern Italian literally means "People's Square", but historically it derives from the poplars, after which the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in the northeast corner of the piazza, takes its name.

The Piazza lies inside the northern gate in the Aurelian Walls, once the Porta Flaminia of ancient Rome, and now called Porta del Popolo. This was the starting point of the Via Flaminia, the most important route to the north.

Flaminio, an Egyptian obelisk of Sety I from Heliopolis stands in the center of the Piazza. 3 sides of the obelisk are carved by Sety I and the fourth side, carved by Ramesses II. The obelisk is the second oldest and one of the tallest in Rome.

On one side of piazza are Bernini's twin churches, Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. While Bernini had a hand in the design, he did not start, finish nor finance the project. Also, the churches are significantly different despite their appearance.

This was one of my favorite piazzas in Rome, despite the crazy flower guys that put roses in your hand then get belligerent about payment. "Vafanculo" seems to get the message across.


Piazza del Popolo, Flaminio Obelisk



Bernini's Twin Churches: Santa Maria in Montesanto (left) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli


Piazza del Popolo, Fontana Nettuno


Piazza del Popolo, View From Pincio