The square was flooded deliberately between 1652 and 1866 on summer weekends to host water games for the public.
The central obelisk in the Fountain of the Four Rivers was transported from the Circus of Maxentius on the Appian Way.
The statue of the Nile in the central fountain has its head covered with a cloth, popularly rumored to signify disdain for Borromini's church design, though the sculpture predates the church.
The stadium track underneath the piazza is located approximately 15 feet below current street level.
During the 18th century, the piazza served as a commercial hub for the weekly Wednesday market.
Piazza Navona is built on the site of the 1st-century Stadium of Domitian, preserving the elongated oval footprint of the original arena. The square is anchored by three major fountains, most notably Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers at its center. The western side is dominated by the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed with a concave facade by Francesco Borromini. Historically used as a venue for athletic games and later for public festivities and aquatic displays, the square retains its Baroque urban planning. Today, the space is surrounded by historic palazzi, restaurants, and artisanal shops.
The center of the square aligned with the Fountain of the Four Rivers for a symmetrical view of the church.
Visit the underground Stadium of Domitian archaeological site located directly beneath the piazza to see the original stadium ruins.
Seek out the hidden street-level entrance to the church interior to view the intricate marble and gold stucco work.
Avoid sitting at the outdoor tables directly facing the fountains, as they are priced as premium tourist zones.
Avoid dining at restaurants with 'tourist menus' displayed on billboards, as these often lack culinary authenticity.
Maintain a respectful tone when entering the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone; avoid sitting on the edge of the historic fountain basins.
