We stumbled upon it as we walked from our hotel along Via del Corso. As u sit under the large Obelisk called the Flaminio Obelisk quarried by Pharaoh Seti from granite quarries in Aswan, you can see the two beautiful twin (almost) churches in front of you: Santa Maria in Montesanto and Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Not too crowded. People are just resting here. Gives a nice relaxed feeling as you absorb the gorgeous architecture all around you. We rested on the steps, enjoyed the fountains and lions in Egyptian style built much later in 1823. ...much much later. Caeser Augustus, the first Roman Emperor"brought" this over in 10 BC!

The Egyptian obelisk of Sety 1 is located in this piazza. The obelisk was mined in Aswan and transported to Rome by Augustus in 10 B.C. It was placed in its current location in 1589. I’ve read that Rome has more Egyptian obelisks than Egypt. I find that somewhat heartbreaking for the people of Egypt, although I enjoy looking at the grandeur of these obelisks which I would probably never get to see in Egypt.

We decided to explore Piazza del Popolo aka the people’s square , it was a beautiful place to unwind and relax next to the picturesque fountain and stunning architecture. This atmosphere was so tranquil and not overly crowded. Whilst there we we also enjoyed the live music in the background, enhancing to the inviting atmosphere. 🎵 Don’t forget about charming restaurants on the side streets too! Make sure you check them out to see the authentic side of Rome away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular attractions! 🍝 Follow me, to hear more about our adventures in Rome 🇮🇹❤️ @thegintraveller__ on Instagram

There is so much to see in Piazza del Popolo and in the past, I’ve rushed through it. This time, we walked right around it, lingered in front of each of the beautiful fountains and sat in the sun. The centre is dominated by the Flaminio Obelisk, a towering ancient Egyptian needle transported to Rome by the Emperor Augustus in 10AD. It is surrounded by four sphinx-like lions and four fountain pools. On either side of the piazza are two more monumental fountains, one dedicated to the god Neptune and the other to the goddess, Roma. They are beautiful on their own but together, they add a wonderful symmetry to the piazza. You will also find the “twin” domed churches and the Porta del Popolo, the ancient gateway into the city. The rather plain Santa Maria del Popolo church doesn’t immediately catch the eye but inside are paintings by Raphael and Carravaggio and works by the Baroque genius, Bernini. Don’t make our mistake and forget to check the times because its shut on weekdays between 12 - 4pm, which is a big chunk of time. Overall, you can cram a lot of sight-seeing into the one place at Pizza del Popolo and its good to allow a bit of time here if you can. NOTE: From here, its easy to walk up via del Babuino to Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. We walked it into about 15 mins.

This is an important public square located at the northern end of Via del Corso, immediate west of Villa Borghese and just inside the Porta Popolo, old gate of the Aurelian Wall. The square is oval shaped and includes a handful of fountain monuments, the historic Flaminio Obelisk at centre as well as several interesting churches, including the two twin churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli & dei Montesanto on the southern end of the square as well as the important Santa Maria del Popolo church where you see Caravaggio masterpiece works at the north end just before Porta del Popolo. It is a good square for sightseeing with more open space than you often find elsewhere within the city centre.

Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome. The name in modern Italian literally means "People's Square", but historically it derives from the poplars after which the church of Santa Maria del Popolo For centuries, the Piazza del Popolo was a place for public executions, the last of which took place in 1826. One of the most remarkable sights on the square of Piazza del Popolo is the 36-metre high Egyptian obelisk. The obelisk from 1300 BCE originally came from the Sun Temple of Heliopolis and was then taken to Rome by emperor Augustus to be displayed at the Circus Maximus. It’s a nice public square to spend some good time with friends and family.

When we visited this piazza there was lots happening. The AeroNatica Militare was there and we were able to ride in a simulator of their jets. I do not know what type of jets they were however they remind me of our Canadian Snow Birds. There was also World Health Fair, CPR demonstrations and other activities happening. They also had vintage and current Carabinieri Cars on display. I loved going into the Chiesa di Santa Maria church to look at all the beauty it beholds. The fountains thru out the piazza are also very stunning. Fontana della Dea Roma, Fontanta of Neptune, & Sarcophagus Fountain.

Piazza del Popolo is special to us as it was our first and last view of Rome upon arrival in 2011. It is truly the Peoples Square and meeting place and where the three main streets, Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta diverge into the city. The Egyptian obelisk of Sety stands in the center of the Piazza. Four majestic lions on each corner of the obelisk offer visitors a drink of water. Three churches surround the square: The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the twin Churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Lots of history to be found in this square.