Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica) in Rome is a famous tourist attraction with an interesting history. At the same time, its modern compositional solution is considered the standard of architectural forms of a new time. For many years, this part of the city remains a favorite vacation spot for both the indigenous people and guests of the Italian capital. Without a visit to Republic Square, impressions of Rome would be incomplete.
History reference
With its erection, over 40 thousand Christians and slaves perished from exhausting labor and hunger. Public baths, which were very popular with the Romans, occupied about 13 hectares and accommodated about 3 thousand people.
The so-called baths of Diocletian consisted of several structures, including those not related to water procedures:
- Baths with cold and hot baths;
- Gyms
- Theaters for theatrical performances;
- Libraries
- Greenhouses with gazebos and fountains.
In the Renaissance, it was decided to breathe new life into the ancient Roman ruins. An area was formed, called Esiara (Piazza Esedra), and on the site of the once baths, a basilica was erected according to the design of the great Michelangelo di Buonarroti, the architectural design of which preserved niches of the ancient Roman construction.
Years passed and new transformations took place: thanks to the efforts of Pope Pius IX in 1870, a fountain with bronze lions was installed, which, with the advent of time, significantly changed its appearance.
A few years later, in 1898, the construction of semicircular structures in the antique style with colonnades and lancet arches was completed. The project, which gave the architectural complex monumentality and scale, was led by the Italian master Gaetano Koch.
By 1960, the opening of the Summer Olympics, the square was renamed and got its current name, although locals still habitually call it Esedra.
How to get there
Finding the Republic Square in Rome is not difficult. A quick and convenient way is to get on the subway, on line A, leaving at the station of the same name Piazza Republica. The square itself is located close to the Termini train station (Roma Termini), walk less than five minutes. From it originates the main street of the city, a favorite place for walking - Via Nazionale.
- I advise you to read about: hotels near Termini station
Fountain Naiad
Fountain Naiad (Fontana delle Naiadi), executed in the spirit of symbolism, no doubt, has become a bright decoration of Rome. It was built in 1901 and occupied the central part of the architectural space of the square. The authorship of the sculptural composition belongs to the Italian master Mario Rutelli.
According to the artist’s plan, each of the naked female figures was to personify the ancient Greek nymphs (naiad), the guardians of the seas, rivers, lakes and groundwaters. Mythical creatures are located around a huge semicircular bowl, symbolizing the oceans. In the central part, bronze sculptures of sea monsters with gills, fins and fish tails once flaunted. They were replaced in 1912 with the figure of a young man struggling with a dolphin - his image is a symbol of human taming of the water element.
- I advise you to read about: the most beautiful fountains of Rome
The sensual poses of sculptures that adorn the fountain, at one time caused a lot of controversy, condemnation and complaints from representatives of the clergy and conservative citizens. For a period, the figures were even surrounded by a wooden fence, so as not to seduce the locals with lascivious images that provoke base carnal passions. Over time, the heated debate subsided, and the city authorities decided to leave the artistic performance of the fountain unchanged.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
An unusual church is located on the Republic Square, glorifying the Holy Virgin Mary, Angels and Martyrs. The full name of the temple is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri).
In the middle of the XVI century, with the blessing of Pope Papius IV, the decision to erect a church was approved. The history of its creation is interesting: according to the Sicilian clergyman Antonio del Duca saw an unusual bright light over the ruins of the thermal complex, which prompted him to the idea of building a temple on this site. Negotiations with the higher clergy on the need for the construction of a basilica have been ongoing for more than a decade.
As a result, in 1561, the great Michelangelo developed a project for the construction of a church, the facade of which was the reconstructed walls of ancient thermes. Although the main work was done quite quickly (after five years), the interior decoration of the basilica lasted more than a century. The decoration of the temple was finally completed in the middle of the XVIII century. The interior is decorated in the style of Italian Baroque, based on the designs of Michelangelo. This part of the work was carried out under the guidance of the renowned architect Luigi Vanvitelli.
Hotel
The majestic Palazzo framing the square houses the famous 5-star Palazzo Naiadi Boscolo Exedra Roma.
The building of white marble, built in the neoclassical style, dates back to the beginning of the XIX century, and is a standard of aristocratic beauty, elegance and luxury. It features elegant interiors of deluxe rooms and a viewing terrace with a rooftop pool.
