Piazza del Popolo
An oval-shaped square just inside Rome's northern gate, with an Egyptian obelisk at its centre. The church of Santa Maria del Popolo houses two celebrated Caravaggio paintings.
Piazza del Popolo was the gateway to Rome for travellers arriving from the north. In the early 19th century, Giuseppe Valadier remodelled it into the oval shape you see today. At its centre stands an Egyptian obelisk from the era of Ramesses II. On the southern side, a pair of nearly identical “Twin Churches” frame three radiating streets, including the Via del Corso. Beside the northern gate, the church of Santa Maria del Popolo is free to enter. The Cerasi Chapel holds Caravaggio's “Conversion of Saint Paul” and “Crucifixion of Saint Peter,” and the Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael. Steps on the eastern side of the square lead up to the Pincio Terrace. From the south side, you can walk along the Via del Corso or the Via del Babuino to the Spanish Steps. Flaminio station on Metro Line A is right by the square.
Opening hours
Open all day (church about 07:30–12:30 and 16:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Ara Pacis Museum
- Mausoleum of Augustus
- Villa Borghese Gardens & Pincio Terrace
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant'Angelo