A wonderful spot to enjoy a glowing Roman sunset, this piazza, which is dominated by the imposing presidential palace of Palazzo del Quirinale, marks the summit of Quirinal Hill. The central obelisk was moved here from the Mausoleo di Augusto in 1786 and is flanked by 5.5m statues of Castor and Pollux reining in a couple of rearing horses. Catch the weekly changing of the guards on Sunday at 6pm in summer, and 4pm the rest of the year.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.71 MILES
Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art…
0.7 MILES
Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially if accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and hungry lions. More than any…
1.67 MILES
In the city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter's, Italy’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica. Built atop a 4th…
0.53 MILES
An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...
0.75 MILES
Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is one of Rome's most spectacular sights. It's a beautiful,…
0.48 MILES
Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.
0.5 MILES
With its revolutionary design, this awe-inspiring temple has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.
0.69 MILES
With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colorful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase…
Nearby Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale attractions
0.05 MILES
The Palazzo del Quirinale’s former stables, formally known as the Scuderie Papali al Quirinale, have been turned into a magnificent exhibition space that…
0.06 MILES
Perched atop the Quirinale Hill, one of Rome's seven hills, this former papal summer residence has been home to the Italian head of state since 1948…
0.14 MILES
The little-known excavations of Vicus Caprarius (the name of the ancient street) include a Roman house and a Hadrian-era cistern that connected with the…
0.16 MILES
The guided tours of this opulent palace are among the city's best, introducing visitors to the residence and art collection of the patrician Colonna…
5. Chiesa di Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio
0.17 MILES
Originally known as the 'papal church' due to its proximity to the papal residence on Quirinal Hill, this 17th-century church safeguards the hearts and…
6. Chiesa di Sant’Andrea al Quirinale
0.18 MILES
It’s said that in his old age Bernini liked to come and enjoy the peace of this late-17th-century church, regarded by many as one of his greatest. Faced…
7. Basilica dei Santi Apostoli
0.19 MILES
This much-altered 6th-century church is dedicated to the apostles James and Philip, whose relics are in the crypt. Its most obvious attraction is the…