Barberini Square

Piazza Barberini, located in the heart of Rome, is a place full of history and charm, a crossroads between the city’s baroque past and its lively modernity. The square is named after the powerful Barberini family, which played a fundamental role in the history of Rome during the 17th century. Its creation and development are closely linked to the figure of Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who became Pope Urban VIII in 1623. At the center of the square stands one of Rome’s most famous fountains, the Fountain of the Triton, a masterpiece by the great sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Commissioned by Urban VIII in 1642, the fountain depicts a triton blowing water from a conch shell, supported by four dolphins. This work is a perfect example of the baroque style, characterized by dynamism, movement, and a strong theatrical sense. The choice of the triton, a mythological creature half man and half fish, is symbolic and reflects Bernini’s love for classical themes and mythology. Next to the Fountain of the Triton, there is another fountain, less known but equally fascinating: the Fountain of the Bees. Also a work by Bernini, it was created in 1644 to celebrate the completion of the Acqua Felice aqueduct, which supplied water to the area. The fountain is decorated with three large bees, the heraldic symbol of the Barberini family, and is a fine example of how Bernini knew how to combine decorative and functional elements in a single artistic creation. Piazza Barberini is surrounded by historic buildings that tell the story of Rome through the centuries. One of the most important buildings is the Barberini Palace, a majestic baroque palace that now houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Designed by Carlo Maderno and completed by Bernini and Francesco Borromini, the palace is an architectural masterpiece and an extraordinary example of collaboration among the greatest artists of Roman Baroque. The gallery inside preserves works by great masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, offering visitors a journey through Italian art from the Renaissance to the Baroque. An interesting anecdote concerns the Barberini cinema, located right on the square. This historic cinema, inaugurated in 1930, was for decades one of the reference points for film enthusiasts in Rome. It hosted numerous film premieres and important events, becoming a symbol of Roman film culture. Over the years, Piazza Barberini has undergone various transformations, but has always maintained its charm and importance. Bernini’s fountains have been restored several times to preserve their beauty and integrity, while the square itself has been the subject of urban redevelopment interventions to improve the usability and aesthetics of the public space.