Rotonda Square

Piazza della Rotonda is one of the most fascinating and historically rich squares in Rome, located in the heart of the city, right in front of the famous Pantheon. Its history dates back to Roman times, when the Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC and then rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. This extraordinary building, which houses the tombs of important Italian figures such as Raphael Sanzio and the kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, dominates the square with its majestic dome and colonnaded portico. The name “Piazza della Rotonda” derives from the circular shape of the square that harmonizes with the structure of the Pantheon. The center of the square is adorned with a fountain with an obelisk, added in 1575 by order of Pope Gregory XIII. The fountain, designed by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Leonardo Sormani, is decorated with dolphins, tritons, and masks that pour water into a large circular basin. The obelisk above the fountain, known as the Macuteo Obelisk, is of Egyptian origin and was brought to Rome by Emperor Domitian. The square is surrounded by historical and picturesque buildings, many of which date back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These buildings now house a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making the square a lively and popular place for both locals and tourists. Walking through the square, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pantheon from every angle, with its imposing facade capturing everyone’s attention. An interesting anecdote about the square in the Middle Ages, when the Pantheon was surrounded by taller buildings and its columns were partially buried. It was only in the Renaissance that the square was freed from the constructions that were suffocating it, allowing the Pantheon to emerge again in its full glory. Over the centuries, Piazza della Rotonda has been a meeting place for artists, poets, and intellectuals. One of the historic cafes in the square, Caffè della Rotonda, was a meeting place for writers and thinkers of the 18th and 19th centuries, who gathered here to discuss art, politics, and literature. Another interesting aspect of the square is its cobblestone pavement, typical of Roman streets, which helps maintain the historical and authentic character of the place. This type of paving, although it may seem rudimentary, has been used for centuries and is an integral part of Roman architectural tradition.