Best Public Squares to Visit in Rome, Italy

The piazza serves as the heart of life in Italy, and it is no surprise that Rome boasts many historic and significant public squares. If you are planning a visit to this enchanting southern Italian city, here are some of the most beautiful and important piazze in Rome, along with essential details on how to get to them.

Piazza San Pietro/Saint Peter’s Square

Piazza San Pietro is a grand meeting place located in front of the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica. This significant square attracts thousands of tourists, especially during festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter.

To reach Piazza San Pietro, visitors can stroll along the long boulevard of Via della Conciliazione or take the Metropolitana to the Ottaviano “San Pietro” stop on Line A of the Rome Metro.

Piazza Campidoglio

This picturesque square, designed by Michelangelo, is situated on the Capitoline Hill, where Rome’s Capitol building and the revered Capitoline Museums can be found.

Piazza Campidoglio is most conveniently reached by bus, with lines 44, 46, 64, 70, 81, and 110 servicing the area.

Campo dei Fiori

Once known as a “field of flowers,” Campo dei Fiori is now a vibrant square featuring one of Rome’s most beloved fruit and vegetable markets. Surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, it is the perfect spot to visit at any time of the day or night. To arrive at Campo dei Fiori, take bus lines 40, 64, or 70 to Largo Argentina.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, characterized by its elongated shape, was once the site of an ancient Roman circus. Now, it serves as a lively pedestrian square frequented by locals, especially in the evening.

This popular piazza is home to two stunning fountains crafted by Bernini and encircled by the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, alongside several charming palazzi and ochre-hued buildings. Visitors can take bus lines 56, 60, 85, 116, and 492 from Centro Storico to reach Piazza Navona.

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is renowned for the Spanish Steps, which are among the most famous landmarks in Rome. Dominated by a grand stairway that leads to the Trinità dei Monti church, the square also features a charming fountain designed by Bernini.

Both locals and tourists frequent the steps as a popular meeting spot, making it an ideal location to observe the bustling activity in nearby fashion boutiques. To access Piazza di Spagna, visitors can use the Linea A of the Rome Metro, getting off at the Spagna stop.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, known as the “People’s Square,” ranks among the largest piazze in Italy. Positioned at the northern end of Via del Corso and featuring the ancient Porta Flaminia (Flaminian Gate), it stands as one of Rome’s most stunning squares.

Within the square, visitors will find three churches and several fountains, highlighted by a grand Egyptian obelisk. The picturesque gardens of the Pincio Hill and Villa Borghese overlook Piazza del Popolo, with many restaurants and shops just a short walk from the square’s center. To get to Piazza del Popolo, travelers can use the Flaminia stop on Linea A of the Rome Metro.