Piazza Navona occupies the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, a 1st-century arena that once held 30,000 spectators for athletic competitions — which is why the square still has its distinctive elongated oval shape. It became Rome’s city market in the late 15th century and was transformed into a showcase of Baroque art and architecture under Pope Innocent X in the mid-17th century.
The piazza is anchored by three fountains: Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers at the center, with statues representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata; the Fountain of the Moor at the southern end; and the Fountain of Neptune to the north. The Baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone forms a dramatic backdrop, and visitors can descend below street level to see excavated ruins of the original stadium.
The square is free to enter and busiest at midday, so early morning or evening visits offer better light and thinner crowds among the street artists, musicians, and outdoor cafés.