Piazza del Popolo is north east of the city centre and located just above tourist attractions such the Spanish Steps and some great streets for shopping that the Italians frequently visit themselves. It's near to the mauseleum of Hadrian and just below a fantastic park, Borghese, that's great to eat lunch and relax in.
The squares name is derrived from the modern Italian for 'the peoples square'. The church that stands on one side of the square, Santa Maria del Popolo takes it's name from the historical context of the name of the square. The square itself is very large and has various features. The obelisk in the centre has a fascinating history; in 10 BC Augustus brought it to Italy from Egypt. It's theme is Rameses the second. Prior to living in the square it was located in the Cirucs Massimo, which was where chariot racing took place and which is now a tourist attraction and local gathering point for live music, couples taking wedding pictures or socialising groups. There are fountains at the base of the obelisk - which are too much of a temptation in hot weather!
It's a popular part of the city, even though it's slighly out of the way. There are fantastic but expensive shops nearby and fantastic cafes to enjoy an espresso and buy cheap cigarettes if that's your thing. It's a big square (more of a circle though!) and lots goes on here. When we visited they were renting Segways for half an hour which was great fun. There are a few other areas of interest around here such as the Di Vinci museum which has full scale models built from the drawings and is educational and fun as you get to play around with them. It is small though and costs about £5. It really doesn't take long to walk to, about 15 minutes from the centre and about 25 from the Vatican.
Coming off of the square is Via del Babuino which leads to the Spanish Steps. This is a great little street, which hosts some fantastic fashion boutiues and chains. Armani to lesser known but equally as expensive shops. There are some unsual shops selling unique stationary and homeware, which had I had more Euros to spend I would have taken a longer look at! Via del Corso is a large main road, lined with shops and businesses and leads directly back to the more central part of the north of the city.
From the Piazza you can get to Borghese Park very easily (just up some stairs to the right), which has an excellent view over the city and many other attractions. It's a beautiful place to take a lunch bought from a small side street deli and sit, eat and enjoy the lush park.
It's a large space so isn't overly crowded and is nice to visit to just get out of the way of all the crowds at the Spanish Steps. It's worth walking up Via del Babuino and getting an espresso just off of the square. The Park and Di Vinci museums are worth a look too. North of the square is a popular tourbus stop - so it's possible that you don't have to walk all the way there, although we did and rather enjoyed the walk.
Once at the actual square there isn't a huge amount to do except for taking in the atmosphere and looking around waht's on the edge of Piazza del Popolo. Worth passing through, certainly.
Pictures of Piazza del Popolo
View from the middle of the squareView from the middle of the square
I do think you could have added a bit more information however your review was fairly helpful. Have to say Rome is somewhere i;m not fussed about visiting xx
Bollinger28 16.08.2008 08:52
"they were renting Segways" << sorry to be thick, but what is a Segways?
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Ottavia 08.09.2008 (29.08.2008)
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