Campo de’ Fiori

Between the lively Piazza Navona and the aristocratic Piazza Farnese, where, since 1874, the palace of the same name is the seat of the French Embassy, ​​stands one of the many treasures of the city, a place which, with its picturesque and characteristic market, represents the typical scenario of old Rome.

Campo de' Fiori is one of the Capital's most particular and loved areas. It is the ideal context for a pleasant walk among its historic wooden stalls where you can buy, always fresh flowers, fruit, meat, and fish, but also for a very original souvenir photo to share on social networks with friends.

The only monumental square in the Historic Center not to host a church or a basilica, it was built by order of Pope Calisto III on the site where once was a colorful field of flowers, as its name recalls.

In 1440, the square around its perimeter, inns, and hotels for pilgrims appeared. The market previously on Piazza Navona moved here in 1869. It traditionally takes place every morning from Monday to Saturday.

Campo de' Fiori, however, also has a dark side: in the square, you could witness spectacular executions, among which the impressive one of the monk and philosopher Giordano Bruno, who, accused of heresy, was burned alive on 17 February 1600. An imposing and austere statue, the work of Ettore Ferrari, was erected in his honor in the center of the square on 9 June 1889; the granite base, in addition to the portraits of other "famous" heretics, depicts scenes from his and bears a suggestive inscription - "To Bruno the century he divined here where the stake burned" - dedicated to him and all free thinkers.

In 1590, Giacomo Della Porta built a basin on the square that remained there until it made way for the monument to Giordano Bruno.

Its story is very curious and, in some ways, a bit troubled. Precisely because of the crowded market, the fountain soon turned into a tub to keep fruit and vegetables cool and wash them. The papal edicts were of little use: they even provided corporal punishment for repeat offenders. Eventually, in 1622, the tub had to be closed with a large travertine lid. The famous irony of the Romans renamed it Terrina for its resemblance to a large tureen. The Fountain of the Terrina also had moments of great popularity when, during some festivities, the excellent white or red wine of the Castelli spurted from its vents instead of water. Its ups and downs, however, do not end; as we said, in 1889, it was evicted to make room for the statue of Giordano Bruno and ended up in a deposit in Testaccio, where it remained for 35 years. It found its final location in front of the Chiesa Nuova. In 1898, following the restoration of Campo de' Fiori, the square was equipped with a new fountain that reproduced the one designed by Della Porta but without the famous lid.

At dusk, the square comes alive with a cheerful and lively atmosphere: the perfect place to meet for a classic aperitif in its trendy lounge bars or a hearty dinner in one of its characteristic outdoor restaurants and immerse yourself into the electrifying Roman nightlife.

The surrounding streets also offer appetizing shopping opportunities to find clothes and accessories specially selected for the most demanding customers in search of an exclusively designer one-of-a-kind piece. In the numerous vintage bazaars and craft shops, you can indulge yourself and have fun finding the perfect garment that you thought could not be found.