Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in northern central Rome that serves as a major traffic and pedestrian node at the historic city entrance. The piazza is marked by a central ancient obelisk and Baroque urban design elements from the 17th and 19th centuries.

The site was transformed into the present elliptical square during the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, with major reworkings in the 17th and 19th centuries to organize traffic and public space. The obelisk itself was brought to Rome in antiquity and re-erected in the centre of the square during urban remodelling.

Located at the northern edge of Rome’s historic centre, the piazza sits beside the Aurelian Walls and the Porta del Popolo, close to the Pincian gardens and within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and the River Tiber.

• Viewing and orientation: The square provides panoramic views down Via del Corso and up to the Pincian Hill, and is often used as a starting point for city walks and for viewing the city layout.

What to See #

• Obelisk: The central Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome in antiquity and set in the centre of the square, acting as the primary vertical landmark of the piazza.
• Twin churches: The twin Baroque churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli that flank the southern approach into the piazza.
• Porta del Popolo and approaches: Porta del Popolo and the surrounding flow of streets including Via del Corso, forming key access routes into the historical centre of Rome.