Piazza Navona was built over the site of the
1st century Stadium of Domitian and still preserves the elliptical
form of the Roman circus. Medieval jousts, 17-century carnivals,
open-air sports and historic festivals took place here; the piazza
was also used as market place from mid 15th century to mid 19th
century. Today this place attracts tourists and Romans alike, and
the cafes and restaurants lining the piazza have tables outside
most of the year.
Three beautiful fountains decorate the piazza out of which the most
famous is the central Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of
the Four Rivers) by Bernini. Behind this fountain is the church
Sant'Agnese in Agone a remarkable example of Baroque architecture.