Travel Virtually with Moleskine | Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona, located in the historic center of Rome, Italy, is a famous square and renowned as one of Rome’s most beautiful plazas. Built in 86 AD, it was originally a large stadium with a capacity of 30,000 seats. In 1644, the square underwent a major transformation: Pope Innocent X initiated a radical Baroque-style reconstruction project, turning it into an outstanding representative of Baroque art. 🎨 There are three famous fountains in the square, the most well-known being the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and the Fontana del Moro (Moro Fountain). The sculptures in the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi symbolize four heavenly rivers (the Danube, Nile, Plate, and Ganges) and the four corners of the known world (Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas) respectively. 🌍 FUN FACTS - Bernini’s Sculpture The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the center of the square is a masterpiece by Bernini. Legend has it that when designing it, he intentionally made one of the statues raise its arm as if “blocking” the nearby Sant’Agnese in Agone (designed by his rival Borromini). While this story is more of a myth, it reflects the competitive relationship between the two great artists. ⚔️ - Napoleon’s Coronation Plan Napoleon once planned to hold his coronation ceremony in Piazza Navona and even intended to move a model of St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome here. However, this plan never came to fruition. 🎪 - Appearances in Pop Culture Piazza Navona has appeared in numerous films and literary works. For example, the square and the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi are key scenes in Angels & Demons. Its romantic atmosphere has also captivated many artists and film directors. 🎬 Piazza Navona is not only a beautiful public space but also a witness to Rome’s history and civic life, blending the unique charm of ancient and modern times. ❤️ #MoleskineTravelSketch #TravelWithMoleskine #MOLESKINE #FountainPenWatercolorLineArt #SketchingSlowLife