Rome is also
famous for its squares and fountains. With over 100 piazze
in the historic centre, admire the art and sculptures whilst
sipping on a latté and watch the world go by. The most
famous piazza for this Italian ritual is Piazza Navona.
Often described as the most beautiful in Italy, this square
contains sculptures by Bernini and various cafes and restaurants.
Piazza Della Rotonda contains the historic Pantheon.
Famous for the hole in the roof and used as a sundial in ancient
times, after more than 2,000 years it is still used as a church
today.
Piazza di Spagna with its famous steps and
Bernini fountain is a famous gathering place for Romans and
foreigners alike. Piazza del Popolo (the
People’s Square) with its Egyptian obelisk and twin
churches contains glorious works of art by Caravaggio.
Rome is of course home to the Catholic Church. The Vatican
City is completely independent from Italy with its
own laws and taxes. Encompassing only 110 acres and with a
population of only 800, the Catholic church’s power
and wealth can be seen all over Italy. Housing the biggest
church in the world, St. Peter’s, and
the adjoining Vatican Museums enjoy priceless
works of art. Artists such as da Vinci, Rafael, Titan, Bernini
and of course Michelangelo are all on display here.
The churches of Santa Maria Maggiore and
San Giovanni located near the Hotel Giolitti,
form part of the most important Basilica’s inside the
Roman Walls together with St. Peter’s. Commissioned
in the 13th century both contain glorious artwork and sculptures.
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