Piazza del Popolo is a large pedestrianised square that is a nice place to sit and rest as well as for its interesting architecture. It is also used occasionally for various public events.
At the centre of the Piazza is an Egyptian obelisk of Ramesses II (originally built in 1300 BC), which was brought to Rome in 10 BC and originally stood in the Circus Maximus. It was re-erected in Piazza del Popolo in 1589 as part of the urban plan of Sixtus V.
Architect Giuseppe Valadier, designed the current layout of the piazza in 1822 - adding the central fountain around the obelisk, which features four Egyptian lions, and dividing the piazza into two half-circles.
The Piazza was a place for public executions for many centuries, the last of which i ssaid to have took place in 1826.
Facing north is the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, reconstructed by Baccio Pontelli and Andrea Bregno in the 15th century and facade modified by Bernini in the 17th century. The church contains the Cerasi Chapel canvases of Caravaggio (Crucifixion of St. Peter and Conversion of St Paul). The Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael and has sculptures by Bernini and Lorenzetto - the dome is decorated with Raphael's mosaics.
Facing south are 'twin' 17th century churches designed by Carlo Rainaldi, situated on either side of Via del Corso - 'Santa Maria dei Miracoli' and 'Santa Maria in Montesanto'.
Opening Hours
24 hours
Prices
FREE (situated in public square)
Address
Piazza del Popolo
near the Borghese Park
Off Via Del Corso (north end)
How to Get There
Metro Red A Line: Flaminio
 | 'Santa Maria dei Miracoli' and
'Santa Maria in Montesanto' |
 | | Santa Maria del Popolo |
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