Esquiline Square

Esquilino Square is one of the most fascinating squares in Rome, located behind the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in the city. The square, as we know it today, has taken shape over the centuries, enriched with historical and architectural elements that make it a place of great interest. One of the most distinctive elements of Esquilino Square is the obelisk that stands in the center. This obelisk, known as the Esquilino Obelisk, is an ancient Egyptian monument that originally adorned the Mausoleum of Augustus. It was transferred to the square in 1587 by order of Pope Sixtus V, who wanted to embellish the city with symbols of power and historical continuity. The obelisk, carved in red granite, reaches a height of about 25 meters, including the base, and represents one of the many examples of how Rome has integrated the treasures of antiquity into its urban fabric. The square is dominated by the monumental Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the oldest and most venerated churches in Rome. Built in the 5th century, the basilica is famous for its splendid early Christian mosaics decorating the apse and triumphal arch, depicting biblical scenes and stories of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the basilica is a triumph of art and architecture, with a golden coffered ceiling, said to have been made with gold brought from the Americas by Christopher Columbus, donated by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella to Pope Alexander VI. Santa Maria Maggiore also houses the Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the more famous chapel in the Vatican), built by Domenico Fontana for Pope Sixtus V. This chapel is famous for its elaborate decorations and the pope’s mausoleum, made with sculptures and frescoes celebrating the Virgin Mary. Another highlight of the basilica is the Paolina Chapel, or Borghese Chapel, designed by Flaminio Ponzio and completed by Carlo Maderno, which houses a venerated icon of the Madonna and Child, attributed to Saint Luke. In addition to the basilica, Esquilino Square is surrounded by historic buildings that contribute to its solemn and majestic atmosphere. Among these, the Viminale Palace, home to the Italian Ministry of the Interior, and the Brancaccio Palace, an elegant residence built in the 19th century that now hosts cultural and social events. Esquilino Square also has a special connection to the history of Baroque art, as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest sculptors and architects of the time, lived in a house located on the western side of the square. This detail adds further charm to the square, which has been a crossroads of artists and intellectuals over the centuries.