Piazza Navona is the most
characteristic and spectacular example of the Roman
baroque, and certainly the most popular. Far off
the traffic, it is all surrounded by its peculiar
palaces, repeating size and shape of the Domiziano
Stadium, of which it occupies the site. The heart
of the Piazza is obviously the hollow facade of
Santa Agnese in Agone, the twin steepled church
genially designed by Borromini, and the three alligned
fountains, animating the space and increasing the
sense of baroque perspective. The southern one and
the more famous Fountain of the Rivers in the middle,
have been shaped and created by Bernini's art and
passion. The Piazza has been the centre of games,
circuses and several celebrations, through the
centuries,
and nowadays the popular festivity of the "Befana"
culminating on January 5th and 6th, is a colorful
popular street party, market for toys and sweets
carried on by the sound of trumpets and street
musicians.
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