Piazza della Repubblica Rome
Piazza della Repubblica Rome is a charming semicircular piazza situated in front of two grand curved buildings. In the surrounding area is the church of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, which consists in part of what was the Baths of Diocletian. This Basilica has gorgeous bronze front doors with figures coming out of it. Inside it has a vast array of statues and paintings, and is home to the biggest organ in Europe.
Piazza della Repubblica Rome is at the top of the road from Via Nazionale. The Termini Station and taxi piazza are close by as well as bus stops. There a some nice shops and restaurants in the vicinity as well. You need to be careful because this huge cobbled roundabout is a little hard to approach with its busy traffic.
It is a significant hub of this city, however I don’t think it is a place to specifically seek out in Rome. I do believe it is worth visiting this lovely place for a quick stop and admire the area as you are making your way to the National Museum.
The fountain in this piazza was originally the fountain of the Acqua Pia, appointed by Pope Pius IX in 1870. It originally had four chalk lions designed by Alessandro Guerrieri.
These were then replaced in 1901 with bronze sculptures of Naiads by Mario Rutelli from Palermo, the great-grandfather of the politician and former mayor of the town Francesco Rutelli.
The Naiads represented are the Nymph Lake holding a swan. The Nymph of the Rivers lying on a monster of the rivers. The Nymph of the Oceans, riding on a horse symbol of the sea and the Nymph of the Underground Waters, leaning over a strange dragon. In the middle is the group of Glaucus (1912), symbolizing the triumph of man over nature. At the time the nude figures were considered way too provocative. Conservative citizens were shocked and didn’t approve.
Piazza della Repubblica Rome is spectacular day and night. I suggest going at nighttime to visit so you can enjoy the fantastic lighting that enhances the square.
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Address: Piazza della Repubblica, Ariccia Rome, Italy
Termini train station, Museo Nazionale Romano, Via Nazionale, Church of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs is very near to Piazza della Repubblica. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is in the same corner but a little bit further away than the other attractions.
