Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, quoted by Belli in a famous sonnet, is one of the most important squares in Rome.

It was constructed for want of Pope Innocenzo X and has the form of an antique stadium - in fact, it is situated where there once was the stadium of Domiziano, used for athletic competitions.

The name is the result of popular mispronunciation, but can be traced back to the word navi (ships) like those which were once used for the shows that had battleships as their theme. The square in is Baroque style and includes architectural elements by the likes of Bernini, Borromini, and Rainaldi. The square is dedicated to the greatness of the Pamphili peerage and of Pope Innocenzo X.

Nowadays the square hosts a traditional city market which reaches its peak for the Epiphany with the presence of the "Witch of Piazza Navona", an event which was born as a District market.