The piazza started as a racetrack around AD 80 and was renovated in the 1600s, giving it it's present appearance.
It's a gathering place and a great place to people watch. There was a high school group singing in the piazza when we were there.
The Brazilian Embassy occupies a corner of the piazza. The Church of Sant'Agnese, built by Barromini, is in the center of the piazza.
The piazza has 3 fountains, with the largest in the center of the piazza--the Four Rivers by Bernini.
Four river gods, each representing a region of the world, anchor the fountain. The Rio de la Plata god falls backwards with hand shielding his head. You can interpret it as the river god wondering how he made it on the fountain or in disgust at the Barromini church. Barromini was a student of Bernini and rumor has it that Bernini was not fond of Barromini's style. The latter argument makes for a good story but the church was not built until after the fountain was installed.
The piazza is full of activity--musicians, artists and a bubble maker. I love just sitting in the piazza with a gelato and people watch.
2019 04 07
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