Piazza Navona in Rome: what to see and how to get there from the Pantheon

Piazza Navona is open 24 hours a day and charges no entrance fee. During the day, street musicians play here and artists draw portraits; in the evening, the lights come on at the three fountains. In a single visit you will see the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and the Obelisk of Domitian.

The square stands on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which is why its shape stretches 275 meters in length. From the Pantheon it is about a 5-minute walk, and from Barberini metro station roughly 11 minutes (according to the map).

Below we have put together the practical details: what to see, where the fountains are, when to come, and how to get there so you do not have to push through crowds.

What to see in Piazza Navona

💡 In short:

• Take in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in the center and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone opposite it.
• Come in the morning before 10:00 or after 19:00: during the day, groups fill the square.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.

© Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Piazza Navona curves from north to south and follows the outline of the stadium. In the center stands the Fountain of the Four Rivers, with the Moor Fountain and the Fountain of Neptune at either end. Opposite the central fountain rises the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and along the eastern side run cafe terraces. Entry to the square and the fountains is free, you do not need a ticket.

History: from the Stadium of Domitian to the Baroque

The square stands on the site of a stadium built in the 1st century AD. Emperor Domitian expanded the arena around 85 AD and dedicated it to athletic competitions. The stands held about 30,000 spectators, and the structure itself measured 275 by 106 meters (as of: 09/2026, Rome tourist office).

On the arena people ran, threw the javelin and discus, boxed, and held chariot races. Gladiator fights were not held here; the stadium was reserved for sport. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the stands fell into disrepair, and Romans dismantled the travertine stones for their own homes. The new dwellings followed the outline of the arena and stood directly on its foundations.

A fruit and vegetable market appeared in the cleared space. Carnival processions and city festivals also took place here. The elongated shape of the stadium has survived to this day.

In the 17th century, Pope Innocent X of the Pamphili family began rebuilding the district. Francesco Borromini became the architect of the buildings, and the fountains were entrusted to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The two masters were rivals, and their competition gave Rome a unified Baroque ensemble: the papal residence, palaces, churches, and fountains. The name Navona is linked to the Greek word "agon," meaning competition.

Fountains: the Four Rivers, the Moor, and Neptune

Three fountains operate in the square. The center is occupied by the Fountain of the Four Rivers, created by Bernini in 1651 (as of: 09/2026, Rome municipal culture department). It is crowned by the Egyptian Obelisk of Domitian with a dove and olive branch at the top. Four figures sit at the corners of the rock, representing the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.

© This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a · CC BY-SAPhoto: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

On the south side stands the Moor Fountain. Bernini placed a muscular figure wrestling with a dolphin on the shell. The tritons emerging from the shell and blowing horns were installed back in the 16th century. In the 19th century they were replaced with copies.

At the north end of the square you will find the Fountain of Neptune. The basin, designed by della Porta, was installed in 1574. The figure of Neptune with a trident and the other sculptures were added in 1878. Around the god of the sea are gathered nymphs, dolphins, sea horses, and cherubs. During the day the fountains are crowded; it is easier to get close to the water in the morning.

Interesting facts and legends

The square has stories attached to it, some of which are more legend than documented fact. It is said that in the heat, Romans blocked the fountain drains and water flooded the square to the depth of a palm. Wealthy citizens rode through it in chariots under the glow of lights and the sound of serenades.

A legend is also tied to the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Bernini supposedly made a mistake in his calculations, and water did not flow into the basin. His rival Borromini found the error, and Bernini coaxed the correct calculation out of his rival's servant and fixed everything. Historians debate whether this actually happened.

© Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BYPhoto: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Opposite the papal palace stands the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, built in the second half of the 17th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Agnes. In the early 4th century, the young Christian Agnes was executed on the site of the square: according to tradition, she rejected the son of the Roman prefect, and for this she was beheaded. The saint's relics are kept in the active church.

Entry is allowed on weekdays from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, on weekends until 20:00, closed on Mondays.

Hours confirmed on the official church website (as of: 09/2026).

How to get there and what is nearby

The square lies in the center of historic Rome, between the Pantheon and the Campo de' Fiori market. From the Pantheon it is about a 5-minute walk, roughly 300 meters (according to the map). From Campo de' Fiori the walk takes a couple of minutes.

Metro: Barberini station on line A, from the exit to the square is about 1.5 km, roughly a 20-minute walk (according to the map). It is more convenient to take an ATAC bus to the stops on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. See routes and tickets on the carrier's website (as of: 09/2026).

There are many cafes and restaurants with terraces around the square. Prices in this area are above the city average, so for coffee it is better to walk a couple of streets away. In the evening the fountain lights come on, which is the best time for photos.

Landmark for your navigator: Piazza Navona, Roma. The square itself is pedestrian-only; cars stop on the neighboring streets.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Piazza Navona?

Entry to the square and the fountains is free, no tickets are needed. You only pay for special exhibitions in the church and for a table at a cafe. The square itself is open 24 hours a day. A guided tour is booked separately if you want to hear the history of the fountains.

Can you drink water from the fountains in Piazza Navona?

No, you cannot drink water from the decorative fountains in the square. The "nasoni" drinking fountains belong to a separate city system. Swimming and entering the fountain basins is not allowed; you can be fined for it.

How to get to Piazza Navona by metro?

Take line A to Barberini station; from the exit to the square is about 1.5 km, roughly a 20-minute walk. It is more convenient to take a bus to the stops on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. You can also get off at Spagna, in which case the route will take you past the Spanish Steps.

How much time do you need to see Piazza Navona?

The square itself is enough for 30-40 minutes: walk around the three fountains, step into the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and have a coffee. If you take a tour of the center, plan for about two hours. In the morning before 10:00 you can see everything without the crowds.

When is Piazza Navona least crowded?

It is least crowded in the morning before 10:00 and after 19:00. During the day, guided groups arrive, and on weekends locals join in. In the July heat, standing in the sun is hard. In autumn and spring, walking here is most comfortable.

In short: what is worth booking

Piazza Navona is a free spot in the center of Rome that works just as well on your first visit as on your fifth. It is best seen on foot, between the Pantheon and the Campo de' Fiori market.

• If you want to understand the history of the fountains: take a guided tour of the Baroque center.
• If you are passing by the Pantheon: allow 30 minutes for the square and a coffee on a terrace.
• If you are traveling with children: come for the evening lights; during the day the crowds are hard to manage.

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