Piazza della Rotonda: Everything You Need to Know

Historical Context

The Piazza della Rotonda is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, thanks to the presence of the ancient Pantheon, a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. But the piazza has its own history and charm, beyond the shadow of the temple. Here are some aspects of its historical context that you may not know.

• The piazza gets its name from the Pantheon's informal title as the church of Santa Maria Rotonda, which in turn derives from the circular shape of the building. The Pantheon was originally a pagan temple dedicated to all gods, built by Agrippa in 27 BC and rebuilt by Hadrian in 126 AD. It was converted into a Christian church in 609 AD, and since then it has been continuously used for worship.
• The piazza was not always as spacious and elegant as it is today. Until the 15th century, it was crowded with shops and stalls that leaned against the columns of the Pantheon. These were cleared by Pope Eugenius IV in 1431-39, who also paved the square and ordered the construction of a fountain.
• The fountain that we see today is not the original one, but a later renovation by Giacomo della Porta in 1575. He added a large basin and four dolphins at the base of a smaller basin, where water spouted from four masks. The obelisk that crowns the fountain was added in 1711 by Filippo Barigioni, under Pope Clement XI. The obelisk is one of a pair that originally came from the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, Egypt. The other one is still in Piazza della Minerva, behind the Pantheon, mounted on an elephant base designed by Bernini.
• The piazza was a lively and colorful market place for centuries, especially for bird-sellers, who brought their cages with parrots, nightingales, owls and other birds. There were also stalls selling flowers, fruits, vegetables and cakes. The market attracted many visitors and locals, who enjoyed the spectacle and the atmosphere. Some travelers and writers described the piazza as a charming and picturesque scene, while others complained about the noise, the dirt and the smell.
• The piazza was threatened with destruction during the French occupation of Rome under Napoleon, who planned to demolish the buildings around the Pantheon to create a large open space. Fortunately, his project was never carried out, due to the short duration of his rule (1809-1814). However, some buildings were removed later in the 19th century to enlarge the piazza and to improve its appearance.

The Piazza della Rotonda is still one of the most popular and visited places in Rome, where tourists and locals can admire the Pantheon and enjoy a coffee or a gelato at one of the many cafés that line the square.

Architectural Features

The Piazza della Rotonda is a charming square in Rome, Italy, that is dominated by the majestic presence of the Pantheon, one of the most ancient and impressive monuments of the city. The square gets its name from the popular name given to the Pantheon: la Rotonda, meaning "the round building".

The Pantheon is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture, built in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian as a temple dedicated to all the gods. It has a circular plan with a portico of 16 Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment. The most striking feature of the Pantheon is its dome, which is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The dome has an oculus (a circular opening) at its center, which allows natural light to enter and creates a stunning effect inside the building.

The Piazza della Rotonda also has a Renaissance fountain, created around 1575 by Giacomo della Porta, who designed many fountains in Rome. The fountain has a circular basin with four dolphins and four masks that spout water. In 1711, an ancient Egyptian obelisk was added to the fountain by sculptor Filippo Barigioni. The obelisk is one of a pair that originally came from the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis. The other one is still in the Piazza della Minerva, behind the Pantheon, mounted on an elephant base.

Iconic Buildings

Besides the Pantheon, the Piazza della Rotonda has some other notable buildings that add to its charm and history. On the north side of the square, there is the Palazzo del Collegio Romano, which was built in the 17th century as a Jesuit college and later became a university. The palace has a beautiful baroque facade with statues of saints and scholars.

On the east side of the square, there is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which was built in the 17th century by Carlo Maderno, one of the architects of St. Peter's Basilica. The church has a circular plan with a dome and a lantern, and a richly decorated interior with paintings and sculptures.

On the west side of the square, there is the Palazzo della Rotonda, which was built in the 18th century by Alessandro Specchi, who also designed the Spanish Steps. The palace has a neoclassical facade with six Ionic columns and a triangular pediment. The palace is now a hotel and a restaurant.

Tips and Recommendations

The Piazza della Rotonda is one of the most popular and lively squares in Rome, where locals and tourists mingle and enjoy the atmosphere. Here are some tips and recommendations for visiting and exploring this area:

• The best time to visit the Pantheon is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is less crowded and more illuminated by natural light. The entrance is free, but you need to follow some rules: no flash photography, no loud noises, no hats inside.
• The fountain in the center of the square is a great place to relax and cool off on a hot day. You can also drink from it, as it is part of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct that supplies fresh water to many fountains in Rome.
• The square has many cafes, restaurants, gelaterias, and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a meal, a snack, or a drink while admiring the view of the Pantheon. Some of them have outdoor seating where you can watch people passing by.
• The square is also a cultural hub, where you can find street performers, artists, musicians, and events throughout the year. For example, every June 29th, there is a tradition of dropping rose petals from the oculus of the Pantheon to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Conclusion

The Piazza della Rotonda is one of the most beautiful and fascinating squares in Rome, where you can experience both ancient and modern aspects of the city. It is a place where history, art, culture, and entertainment come together in harmony. Visiting this square will surely enrich your trip to Rome and leave you with unforgettable memories.