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So many layers of sports and entertainment through the centuries.

Piazza Navona in Rome, layers and centuries of sports and entertainment This square is delimited by the buildings set on the remains of one of the most impressive and history-rich structures of ancient Rome, preserving its shape and dimensions: the Domitian Arena. It is one of the most spectacular and characteristic urban complexes of Baroque Rome. Was flooded by the Pope until the 1800s... all types of peaople in the water and others just watched from their balconies! was he crazy? was it a case of mass hysteria?

The church of Sant'Agnese in Agone

is in dominant view of the square and was built and changed over the years by various architects, making it one of the most magnificent baroque architectures in Rome. Next to the church, you can find the Pamphilj Palace, where the Brazilian embassy has been located since 1960. Opposite is the church of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore, formerly known as San Giacomo degli Spagnoli, built for the Jubilee in 1450.

Three magnificent fountains

adorn the square: the Fontana del Moro, so called for the statue of the Ethiopian fighting with a dolphin, the Fontana de' Calderari, also known as the Fountain of Neptune, both works by Giacomo della Porta and, in the centre, the imposing Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

three magnificent fountains in piazza navona, fontana dei 4 fiumi, fontana del moro and fontana di nettuno Fontana dei 4 fiumi in piazza Navona in Rome. Personifying the 4 major rivers of the world with more than human-sized statues

The Pope had the square flooded!

You read that right! A peculiarity up to the 1800s. The Pope had the square flooded! and in the water were people of all kinds and classes, rich and poor, musicians, actors... treatment not only for visitors but also the residents. And who lived there just stayed on their balconies and watched! Was it a case of mass hysteria? Find out more with visuals and info below...