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Piazza del Popolo is located between the Pincian Hill and the banks of the River Tiber. The square is adorned with churches, fountains, monuments, and both ancient and modern marble memorials. It was redesigned in 1834 by architect Giuseppe Valadier, who introduced two semicircular exedras framing the central obelisk.
History
Piazza del Popolo marks the traditional point of arrival for travellers entering Rome during the time of the Empire. On the left side of the square stands the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, rebuilt between 1472 and 1477 by Baccio Pontelli and Andrea Bregno. It houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Carracci, Raphael, Bernini, and Bramante.
The square is named after the poplar tree.
Rome’s northern gate once served as the city’s grand entrance through the Aurelian Walls. Known today as Porta del Popolo, the gate has undergone several name changes: originally Porta Flaminia, commissioned by Emperor Aurelian; later Porta San Valentino, due to its proximity to a catacomb; and eventually Porta del Popolo, named after the adjacent church of Santa Maria del Popolo.
In the Middle Ages, the square was known as Piazza del Trullo, after a central fountain, later moved to Piazza Nicosia. The current lions and fountains, overseen by Domenico Fontana, replaced the original sculpture.
In 1655, Queen Christina of Sweden entered Rome via Porta del Popolo. Bernini was commissioned to remodel the gate’s inner façade for the occasion. A plaque above the arch still reads “FELICI FAUSTOQUE INGRESSUI MDCLV” (For a Happy and Propitious Entrance). After her arrival, Queen Christina chose to spend the rest of her life in Rome.
By the late 18th century, during the Napoleonic occupation, the square saw a rise in visitors and pilgrims. The French appointed Touron to lead the “Commission of Embellishments”, and Valadier was commissioned to redesign the square. Work began in 1816 and was completed by 1824. Three key structures remained intact: Santa Maria del Popolo, Santa Maria di Montesanto, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
The lateral walls were removed, and the square took on its elliptical shape.
The Fontana del Nettuno, flanked by two Tritons and the statue of the goddess Rome, was added in 1823 under Pope Leo XII. Piazza del Popolo was also linked to the terraced gardens of Villa Borghese, enhancing access to the park above.
At the southern end of the square, two nearly identical churches—Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto—stand side by side. Commissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1658 and designed by Carlo Rainaldi, the churches appear symmetrical. However, due to a smaller plot of land, Rainaldi designed an oval dome for Santa Maria in Montesanto and a round dome for Santa Maria dei Miracoli to preserve the illusion of symmetry.
The third church, Santa Maria del Popolo, was built in 1477 on the site of an 11th-century chapel. It features some of the city’s oldest stained-glass windows and paintings by Caravaggio. The Chigi and Della Rovere chapels, designed by Raphael, are decorated with 15th-century frescoes.
What to See on Piazza del Popolo?
- Two nearly identical churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto
- Santa Maria del Popolo Church
- The gate of the Aurelian Walls, Porta del Popolo
- Egyptian Obelisk, originally from the Circus Maximus. One of the largest and oldest in Rome
- Fontana dell’Obelisco (Obelisk Fountain)
- Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune)
In What Locations in Piazza del Popolo Were Shots of the Movie Angels and Demons Filmed?
Angels & Demons (2009) is a thriller adapted from Dan Brown’s bestselling novel and serves as a prequel to The Da Vinci Code. The story follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he investigates the murder of a physicist at CERN, which leads him into a high-stakes chase across Rome—one that includes pivotal scenes set in Piazza del Popolo.
In the film, Piazza del Popolo is one of the symbolic “Altars of Science” on the fictional Path of Illumination—a trail used by the Illuminati that leads to their secret meeting place. Each altar corresponds to one of the four classical elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
The square’s Chigi Chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo is portrayed as the Earth altar. In the storyline, this is where Langdon finds the first murdered preferiti—one of the cardinals favoured to become the next Pope—with the word “Earth” seared into his chest. The Chigi Chapel features real sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who plays a central role in the plot as the supposed secret master of the Illuminati.
Here’s a transcript of dialogue from the film when Langdon is in front of the Chigi Chapel:
Is it Raphael? LANGDON: The chapel is Raphael. But the sculptures are Bernini. The unknown Illuminati master. Bernini? LANGDON: He worked for the Church. Almost exclusively. But the Illuminati were infiltrators. There wasn’t a powerful organisation on earth they didn’t penetrate—including the Vatican—by hiding in plain sight. LANGDON: Habakkuk and the Angel. He’s the prophet who predicted the annihilation of the Earth.
LANGDON: “Let angels guide thee on thy lofty quest.” This is the first marker. The path is alive. Southwest. It was pointing southwest. Earth, air, fire, water. We’re looking for a Bernini sculpture having something to do with air. The second church is somewhere southwest of here. You’re sure this time? LANGDON: I need a map showing all the churches of Rome. I could use it now!
It’s worth noting that while Angels & Demons uses authentic Roman landmarks, including Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del Popolo, the storyline and “Path of Illumination” are entirely fictional creations by Dan Brown.
Hotels near Piazza del Popolo
There are many excellent hotels near Piazza del Popolo. This area is ideal for those interested in shopping and exploring Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
3 Best Hotels Nearby:
- Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie – Situated on Via del Babuino, this luxurious hotel overlooks Piazza del Popolo. It offers spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a relaxing spa centre featuring a sauna, Turkish bath, and saltwater hydro-massage pool.
- Hotel Piranesi – An elegant boutique hotel with refined interiors and attentive service. Located amongst antique shops, galleries, and designer boutiques, it also boasts a rooftop garden with views across the historic centre.
- Margutta 19 – Offers stylish rooms complete with modern amenities. Each room includes a coffee machine, complimentary bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. The in-house restaurant serves refined local dishes.
Read also about the best hotels near Piazza del Popolo.
Restaurants near Piazza del Popolo
As this is a popular tourist area, it’s worth choosing your dining spot carefully. Here are a few well-reviewed options:
- Babette (Via Margutta, 1d) – An elegant restaurant located on the charming Via Margutta, famous as a filming location for Roman Holiday. The menu features family-style Italian cuisine and a tempting dessert selection.
- Ristorante Pizzeria Popolo Caffè (Via Flaminia, 9) – A budget-friendly option offering set menus with generous portions and great quality. Service is quick and welcoming.
- Il Porto di Ripetta (Via di Ripetta, 250) – This cosy spot serves classic Mediterranean cuisine alongside a well-curated wine list. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting.
Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s must-see landmarks, known for its magnificent fountains, statues, twin churches, and central obelisk. Thanks to its central location, it’s also a perfect base for exploring the Eternal City on foot.
