"Scenic Viewpoint: Piazza del Popolo"
Piazza del Popolo isn’t just a piazza; it’s an experience, a journey with characters larger than life like Nero, Ramses II, Caravaggio, and Holy Pontiff Pascal II. You also get fantastic photo opportunities with the twin churches and the four lions. And for a killer sunrise cityscape view with a panorama of Piazza del Popolo and domes and rooftops in the background, head up to the Pincio Terrace, which is connected by steps from our Piazza Del Popolo. Can you feel the captivating blend of history and art? Come with us and be part of the story!
by Pawel
Table of Contents
Where is Piazza del Popolo located in Ethernal City Of Rome ?
Porta Del Popolo
You are stepping out of Flaminio Metro Station and walk towards grand Porta del Popolo. There was a time when Roman people dare not to pass under this gate. This place was off limits for pilgrims and residents because of the evil spirits. It was once final resting place of the body of monster, Emperor Nero was buried here!
After Nero death in 68AD, his nurse Ecloge and his concubine Acte wrapped his remains in fabric embroidered with gold. The body was placed in mausoleum at the foot of Pincian Hill which was even then called “ Hill Of Gardens” Time passed since Nero set Rome on fire and relentlessly prosecuted Christian. On the top of his mausoleum’s ruins grew gigantic walnut tree that shelter ghosts and demons.
Widespread belief held that Nero did not truly perished and would one day return to Rome. Some Christians even regarded that Nero was Antichrist expecting his return from depth of the hell at the world’s end.
“ Mercy is not given to anyone, not to the poor and to the rich, neither to the great, not to the little, not for man and not for woman. Romans are mutilated and suffocated to death. Terrible sounds for human ears are coming from the trunk of walnut tree growing next to the Porta Del Popolo, where the wind carries mournful howling of dogs and roars of beasts, where black crows are circling above Piazza Del Popolo, these are the perils Romans are exposed to every day”
“ Mercy is not given to anyone, not to the poor and to the rich, neither to the great, not to the little, not for man and not for woman. Romans are mutilated and suffocated to death. Terrible sounds for human ears are coming from the trunk of walnut tree growing next to the Porta Del Popolo, where the wind carries mournful howling of dogs and roars of beasts, where black crows are circling above Piazza Del Popolo, these are the perils Romans are exposed to every day”
During the Lent 1099 AD the Holly Pontiff Pascal II carried the great burden worrying about his flock. He turned to prayer. In the dream, the Virgin Mary guided him how to rid the area of the demons. With faith, Paschal II performed exorcism, striking the walnut tree with palm of his hands. The wicked spirits scream last time and fled. The people cut down the tree discovering Nero’s remains beneath the rubble. The Pope order to cast these remains into the Tiber River. Finally peace and quiet return to this area of Rome.
Santa Maria Del Popolo
On the same spot where walnut tree once stood .The small church was constructed by means of collection by common people, hence the name still remains of S.Mary Of The People “ The church eventually become Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo. It holds many art treasures created by Raphael, Pinturicchio, Caravaggio and Berini but before you enter this church bless yourself by dipping finger in holy water and making the sign of the cross. This repels devils and draws you closer to God. You are ready now to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces “The Conversion of Saint Paul” and “The Crucifixion of Saint Peter” which are housed here, showcasing his dramatic use of light and shadow.
Egyptian Obelisk
You are at Center of Piazza Del Popolo, take a moment to absorb the beauty of this oval shaped piazza; the view encapsulates essence of Rome long and rich history. Sit on the white marble base of the fountain between the lions statues and shift your gaze up. The Egyptian Obelisk towering in the middle of the square is 24m height and weight massive 263 tones it was transported to Rome from Heliopolis in Egypt by command of Emperor Augustus and erected in the honour of Apollo in Circus Maximus in the sport’s arena which were under Apollo protection. The flame shape column was the symbol of the Sun and it had blazing orb on its top. Later in 1589 Obelisk was placed on current site by Sixtus V with the cross on the top.
This red granite Flaminio obelisk is one of the oldest things in Rome. This indestructible monument supplied one of the recollections in which Moses and Israelites escape from Egypt into desert. Imagine that this Obelisk towering above all piazza attractions remember Ramses the II and was curved from single piece of stone somewhere on the borders of Nile and over 3200 years later we can see hardly any traces of decay upon it! You should check it yourself!
“ Twin Churches “
These churches are believed to occupy the site of magnificent tomb of Sulla Roman dictator. Who died at Puteoli BC 82 but was honoured at Rome with public funeral at which the patrician ladies burnt masses on incense and perfumes on his funeral pyre.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, which serve as the Church of Artists in Rome, are situated at the northern end of Piazza del Popolo, sitting between Via del Corso and Via del Babuino creating a striking visual symmetry. Both churches are exemplary of Baroque architecture, characterized by dynamic shapes, grandeur, and rich decoration. The twin churches mark the entrance to Rome’s historical center and are part of the urban planning designed to impress visitors entering the city.
Best Photography Spots
Photo Spot 1
Standing in front of Porta del Popolo, you can capture a magnificent vertical photo with your phone or camera’s wide-angle lens, featuring the twin churches and the obelisk as the focal point in the middle. These gorgeous architectural elements will be framed within the natural shape of the Piazza del Popolo opening, with the flow of people walking through the gate adding a dynamic touch. For black-and-white photos, we recommend keeping your camera firmly still, using a long lens, and experimenting with a low shutter speed to blur the movement of people, adding a timeless feel to the scene.
Photo Spot 2
On the left side of the piazza rises Pincio Hill. It used to be a famous promenade for Roman aristocracy. Nowadays, it belongs less to native inhabitants then to the barbarians from Gallia, Hispania, Lusitania, Britannia, Germania, Mesopotamia, Arabia, Dacia, and Thracia. This is a busy viewpoint during day time so better come early morning to experience this breath taking viewing point in Rome just by yourself. From the platform, the Eternal City is spread at our feet and beyond it. The rooftops of churches and tall palaces become the perfect subjects for our photography adventure. Make sure to capture this urban landscape during sunrise or sunset.
There is nothing as soft and beautiful as the morning light in Rome!
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Saint Helena is the First Pilgrim to Holy Land
Among the 900 churches of Rome, one holds special significance for the Christian faith: The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
Nero's Legacy and Piazza Del Popolo Ghostly Secrets
Constant sound of water pouring from fountain calms you; it’s safe here four lions will guard you. Shut your eye. Let your mind wonder back in time.
Miracles, Protection From Nature Elements, Local Tales, Myths And Legends
Biblical Stories In Art Through Time
Travel of Apostles and Saints
Religious Festivals