Around Piazza Navona to the Tiber

A day in Rome — 6 stops, about 2.35 km on foot, 33 minutes walking.

A compact loop through the streets around Piazza Navona, taking in a Baroque square, a Caravaggio chapel, a market square and ending at the river fortress. About 1.7 km of walking, suited to a first full day in the centre when you want depth rather than distance.

The route, in order

  1. Piazza Navona

    Opens 00:00

    Start here early, before the artists set up and the café tables fill, when the square is still mostly locals crossing it.

  2. 1 min walk — Head east toward Piazza Navona

    Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

    Opens 00:00

    Bernini's fountain sits at the centre of the square you're already standing in, so look at it properly before moving on.

  3. 3 min walk — Head north on Piazza Navona toward Corsia Agonale

    Church of Saint Louis of the French

    Opens 09:30

    A short walk off the square's east side; the Caravaggio chapel is dim, so give your eyes a moment after the bright piazza.

  4. 2 min walk — Head south on Piazza di S. Luigi de' Francesi toward Via Giustiniani

    Camillo a Piazza Navona

    Opens 09:30

    Back toward the piazza for a sit-down Roman meal, timed for when the churches and squares get busiest.

  5. 7 min walk — Head south on Piazza Navona toward Corsia Agonale

    Campo de' Fiori

    A few streets south, where the market trade winds down through the afternoon and the bars begin taking over the square.

  6. 20 min walk — Head northwest on Campo de' Fiori toward Via Dei Baullari

    Castel Sant'Angelo

    Opens 09:00

    Cross west toward the Tiber to finish at the fortress, with the river and the city views best late in the day.

More days in Rome