Piazza della Repubblica & Fontana delle Naiadi (Republic Square & Fountain of the Naiads), Rome

Atop the Viminal Hill, the smallest among Rome's Seven Hills, lies the charming Republic Square. This semicircular piazza occupies the space that was once the exedra of the Baths of Diocletian, and the surrounding porticos were constructed between 1887 and 1898 by Gaetano Koch as a homage to the ancient structures that once adorned this site.

An exceptional attraction within the square is the St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, a church built inside the ruins of the frigidarium of the Roman Baths of Diocletian. Within this small basilica, visitors can discover a Meridian Line, commissioned by Pope Clement XI in 1702 and created by Francesco Bianchini. This line served as a means to verify the accuracy of the Gregorian Calendar and predict the exact dates of Easter for future centuries, as Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox.

At the center of the square stands the captivating Fountain of the Naiads. The focal point of the fountain is Glaucus, a mortal fisherman transformed into a sea god, depicted wrestling a dolphin that spouts a powerful jet of water, symbolizing humanity's triumph over natural forces. Surrounding Glaucus are four naiads, water nymphs each representing different water sources. These include the Naiad of the Oceans riding a horse symbolizing waves, the Naiad of the Rivers riding a river monster, the Naiad of the Lakes holding a swan, and the Naiad of the Underground Waters riding a dragon.

The sculptural ensemble was created by Mario Rutelli, a Sicilian artist who, interestingly, was also the grandfather of Rome's former mayor, Francesco Rutelli. When unveiled to the public in 1901, the naiads' nudity and seductive poses caused a sensation, as they stood completely naked, drenched by water flowing from a large nozzle behind them, shimmering in the sunlight with provocative allure.

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Sight Name: Piazza della Repubblica & Fontana delle Naiadi (Republic Square & Fountain of the Naiads)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it鈥檚 a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy鈥檚 most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caff猫s are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

On this... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

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