Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mento)
This gem of a museum houses the best of the Museo Nazionale Romano's formid-
able collection of classical sculpture. Many pieces come from the celebrated Ludovisi col-
lection, amassed by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century.
Prize exhibits include the beautiful 5th-century
Trono Ludovisi
(Ludovisi Throne), a
carved marble block depicting Aphrodite being plucked from the sea. This shares a room
with two colossal heads, one of which is the goddess Juno that dates from around 600 BC.
The wall frieze (about half of which remains) depicts the 10 plagues of Egypt and the Ex-
odus.
The palazzo's baroque frescoes provide an exquisite decorative backdrop. The walls of
the Sala delle Prospettive Dipinte are decorated with landscapes and hunting scenes seen
through trompe l'œil windows. These frescoes were painted for Cardinal Altemps, the
rich nephew of Pope Pius IV (r 1560-65) who bought the palace in the late 16th century.
The museum also houses the Museo Nazional Romano's Egyptian collection.
Piazza Navona
PIAZZA
( Corso del Rinascimento)
With its ornate fountains, baroque
palazzi
(mansions), cafes and
colourful circus of street performers, hawkers, artists and tourists, Piazza Navona is
Rome's most iconic public square. Laid out on the ruins of a 1st-century arena built by the
emperor Domitian - the name Navona is a corruption of the Greek word
agon
, meaning
public games - it was paved over in the 15th century and for almost 300 years hosted the
city's main market.
Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate, it's festooned with a palm tree, lion and horse, and
topped by an obelisk. Legend has it that the figure of the Nile is shielding his eyes from
Navona; concerts €10; 9.30am-12.30pm & 4-7pm Tue-Sun; Corso del Rinascimento)
, designed
by Bernini's hated rival, Francesco Borromini. In truth, it simply indicates that the source
of the Nile was unknown at the time.