PARIONE
The most important place of this small district is certainly Piazza Navona, one of the largest square, cover almost a quarter of the whole area of Parione, and the one of the most beautiful place of Rome. It stands on ancient site Domitian's stadium: his form, very long and regular, exactly seems the ancient arena. Ruins of one of the entrances to the old circus can be visible at the northern point of the square, behind the building, below the street level.
During centuries 18th and 19th, especially in the summer, the noble families enjoy themselves filling it with water and holding fake naval battle, but with authentic ships just like roman emperors used to do in ancients Naumachiae (naval stadiums). This was one of favorite pastimes of the people from Rome and surrounding areas. People habit continued flooding this square into 19th century, although the naval battles were no longer hold.
Bernini's fountain of the four rivers, and Borromini's church of Santa Agnese in Agone, both dating back to the 17th century, are monuments of outstanding of the square.
another interesting point in Parione is Campo De' Fiore, where every morning a food market very popular is held.
This large square and the surrounding streets are always crowded of young people at nigh hours.
Here, in the age of Counter-Reformation took place public esecution: in the center of the square rise the Giordano Bruno's hooded statue, he philosopher was condemned by Inquisition to be burned alive for heresy in the 17th century. Since the late 19th century, when the statue was erected in this place, Campo De' Fiori has always been a simbolic meeting place for free thinkers.
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