Piazza della Repubblica

Welcome to Piazza della Repubblica, a space where the ancient foundations of the Roman Empire meet the ambitious architectural visions of the nineteenth century. As you stand here, you are witnessing a transition point in history. …

At the very heart of the square stands the Fontana delle Naiadi, or the Fountain of the Naiads. Completed in its final form in 1901 by Mario Rutelli, this fountain is perhaps the most celebrated and, at one time, the most…

Turn your attention to the two massive palaces that curve around the western side of the square. These were designed by Gaetano Koch, one of the premier architects of the 'Roma Capitale' period. …

Opposite the modern colonnades, you will see a facade that looks remarkably like a crumbling ruin. This is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a site of profound architectural significance. …

Stretching out behind the church are the extensive remains of the Baths of Diocletian themselves. Built between 298 and 306 AD, these baths were the pinnacle of Roman social life and engineering. …

Leading away from the square is the broad, bustling Via Nazionale. This street is a direct product of the post-1861 unification efforts to modernize Rome. …

Returning for a moment to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, we must look closer at the floor of the transept. Here lies the Linea Clementina, a bronze meridian line set in marble, commissioned by Pope Clement XI in 1702. …

As we conclude our walk through Piazza della Repubblica, take one last look at the sweeping arc of the colonnades and the constant play of water in the fountain. This square is a microcosm of Rome's entire history—a palimpsest…