Piazza Barberini Square

Address: Piazza Barberini, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public square)

Piazza Barberini is a small urban square in central Rome at the junction of Via Veneto and several other streets, formed during the papal and baroque development of the area. The square is associated with the Barberini family and sits beside the Palazzo Barberini, a major 17th-century palace.

The piazza contains two notable sculptural fountains by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from the 17th century: the Fontana del Tritone and the Fontana delle Api. The square functions as a transport and meeting point close to hotels, cafés and the green axis of Via Veneto.

Palazzo Barberini, adjacent to the piazza, houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica and dates to the early to mid-17th century, reflecting the Barberini papal patronage of the period.

The piazza sits in central Rome on the eastern edge of the historic centre and is within easy walking distance of other central landmarks and major transport routes.

• Bernini fountains viewing: The two Bernini fountains in the square are best viewed early morning to avoid traffic and crowds on Via Veneto.

Piazza Barberini is in central Rome directly above the Barberini metro station on Metro Line A (Linea A). Exit at Barberini-Fontana di Trevi and you are on the piazza immediately.

The square is also served by numerous central Rome bus routes on nearby streets; if driving it is in the historic centre (limited-traffic zone) so use public transport or park outside the ZTL and walk a short distance.

• Use the Barberini metro (Line A) entrance on Via Veneto for the quickest access to the piazza and Bernini's Triton Fountain; the metro drop-off puts you right beside the main viewpoints.
• Go early in the morning or after dinner to photograph the Fontana del Tritone with far fewer tourists and coach groups blocking the view.
• Take a short detour onto the nearby side streets (look for the small Art Nouveau Galleria on an adjacent road) - visitors often miss the elegant façades and intimate cafés just off the main square.