Piazza Colonna: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that Piazza Colonna is named after a marble column that has been standing there for almost 2000 years? This column is not just a monument, but a witness of the history and culture of Rome. In this article, you will learn more about this fascinating square and its surroundings.

The Column of Marcus Aurelius

The most striking feature of Piazza Colonna is the Column of Marcus Aurelius, a 30-meter-high pillar decorated with a spiral relief that depicts the military campaigns of the Roman emperor against the Germanic tribes. The column was erected in AD 193, after the death of Marcus Aurelius, to honor his memory and celebrate his victories. The column is similar to the earlier Column of Trajan, which stands in Trajan's Forum. At the top of the column, there is a bronze statue of Saint Paul, added by Pope Sixtus V in 1589.

The Meaning of the Relief

The relief on the column is not only a historical record, but also a propaganda tool that shows the power and glory of Rome and its emperor. The scenes depict various episodes of the wars, such as battles, sieges, negotiations, sacrifices, and miracles. The relief also portrays the enemies of Rome as barbaric and savage, while the Romans are civilized and noble. The relief also reflects the religious views of Marcus Aurelius, who was a follower of Stoicism and believed in divine providence. The relief shows him praying to the gods and receiving their help in critical moments.

The Palaces and the Fountain

Piazza Colonna is surrounded by several important buildings that have played a role in the political and social life of Rome. On the north side, there is Palazzo Chigi, which was built in the 16th century as a noble residence and later became the embassy of Austria-Hungary. Since 1961, it has been the seat of the Italian government and the official residence of the Prime Minister. On the east side, there is Galleria Alberto Sordi, a shopping arcade built in 1922 on the site of an ancient seminary. The arcade has a neoclassical style and features a glass dome and frescoes. On the south side, there is Palazzo Ferrajoli, which was built in the 18th century as a papal post office and later became a private palace. It has a baroque facade and hosts cultural events. On the west side, there is Palazzo Wedekind, which was built in 1838 as a bank and later became a newspaper headquarters. It has a neoclassical facade with Roman columns taken from an ancient city called Veii.

The Fountain of Piazza Colonna

In front of Palazzo Wedekind, there is a fountain that was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1577 and designed by Giacomo della Porta and Rocco De Rossi. The fountain has a long basin with two sets of dolphins that have their tails entwined. In 1830, the fountain was restored and a smaller sculpture with water jets was added in the center.

Architectural Features

Piazza Colonna is one of the most elegant and historic squares in Rome, Italy. It is named after the marble column of Marcus Aurelius, which stands in the center of the square since AD 193. The column is decorated with a spiral relief depicting the emperor's military campaigns against the Germanic tribes. At the top of the column, there is a bronze statue of Saint Paul, added by Pope Sixtus V in 1589.

The square is surrounded by impressive buildings that reflect different styles and periods of Roman history. On the north side, there is Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government since 1961. The palace was built in the sixteenth century and renovated several times, incorporating elements from Baroque, Neoclassical and Modernist architecture. On the east side, there is Galleria Alberto Sordi, a public shopping arcade built in 1922 in Art Nouveau style. The arcade features a glass dome, mosaic floors and frescoes by Giulio Aristide Sartorio.

On the south side, there is Palazzo Ferrajoli, a former papal post office built in the eighteenth century in Rococo style. The palace has a curved facade with balconies and statues. Next to it, there is the Church of Santi Bartolomeo ed Alessandro dei Bergamaschi, a small Baroque church dedicated to two martyrs from Bergamo. On the west side, there is Palazzo Wedekind, a nineteenth-century building that incorporates a colonnade of Roman columns taken from the ancient city of Veii. The palace hosts the offices of a newspaper and a museum.

Tips and Recommendations

If you want to visit Piazza Colonna and admire its architectural features, here are some tips and recommendations for you:

• The best time to visit the square is in the morning or in the evening, when the sunlight enhances the colors and details of the buildings and the column.
• You can also visit the square at night, when it is illuminated by street lamps and spotlights. The column and the fountain create a romantic atmosphere.
• If you want to learn more about the history and significance of the column, you can join a guided tour that explains its symbolism and artistry. You can also climb to the top of the column (by reservation only) and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
• If you want to shop or have a snack, you can enter the Galleria Alberto Sordi and browse its stores and cafes. You can also find some souvenir shops and restaurants around the square.
• If you want to see other attractions nearby, you can walk to Piazza Montecitorio, where the Italian Parliament is located, or to Piazza di Pietra, where you can see the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Hadrian.

Conclusion

Piazza Colonna is a must-see destination for anyone who loves architecture and history. It offers a glimpse into different eras and styles of Roman culture, from ancient times to modern days. It is also a lively and charming place where you can enjoy some shopping, dining or relaxing. Piazza Colonna is a square that will make you fall in love with Rome.