The Piazza Farnese in Rome
is home to the French Embassy and scenes of great jubiliation
whenever France win anything at sport. The embassy is housed
within the impressive walls of the Palazzo Farnese which was
the first piece of renaissance architecture ever to be built
in Rome - notice the perfectly symetrical facade designed
by Michelangelo
Michelangelo was particularly proud of his
first piece of work in Rome which was heavily influenced by
his orphanage in Florence which he designed a few years earlier...As
recently as 2000 the building was completely cleaned up in
preperation for the Vatican's 2000 jubilee celebrations...
The square is empty apart from two 17 century
fountains, one on either side of the Piazza. The marble used
to make these fountains dates back to Roman times and was
taken from the marble taken from the baths of Caracalla.The
fountains are decorated with Lillies the emblem of the old
noble Roman family Farnese. Nearby in the adjacent square
to Piazza Farnese you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the
bustling street market in Campo dei Fiori - go early though
as the market finishes at 2 pm after which there is a big
clean up operation to prepare the square for the evening's
festivities and night life.
Did you Know?
Campo di Fiori is the adjacent piazza to Piazza Farnese and
is the best place in Rome to go out for good nightlife - The
Vineria , Drunken Ship and Sloppy Sams are 3 excellent bars
and all conveniently located in the same Piazza. |
