Airline passenger news and views

Piazzas are almost synonymous with Rome. Originally founded by the Roman Empire, these public squares in Rome were further embellished by subsequent dynasties. Piazzas usually have a sculpted fountain at their centre and are surrounded by historic monuments, often of Roman origin but also from later eras.

Piazzas were constructed as multifunctional sites where Romans gathered for recreation or business and are often located at the crossroads of major streets and usually connected to other Piazzas. In fact, Roman Piazzas are plentiful in the city centre and can also be found in quieter places in the city's neighborhoods, often with ancient ruins in the middle. Rome is of course a city where one can enjoy a walk through time discovering vestiges of Roman villas, markets, palaces and baths among others.

While ancient buildings have either been mostly destroyed, preserved for touristic purposes, re-constructed for other uses or virtually disappeared, Roman Piazzas have remained intact in both their existence and function. They have continued being aesthetically elegant in their urban environment and represent a genuine social phenomenon. Piazzas are alive day and night. And what is interesting is that although they are known to be highly touristic places, they are still overcrowded with Italians.

One can find there animated markets, pizzerias, gelato parlors, café bars, restaurants - among many other places related to Italian food - as well as jewelry, artisanal, souvenir and other shops. Tourists take pictures and dine in restaurants, artists ponder in the artistic landscape and Italians meet in groups, smoking, drinking, chatting and observing life passing by.

Whether it is Piazza Trilussa with its narrow streets; Piazza Venezia with its Roman ruins and the majestic Il Vittoriano; Piazza Navona with its series of fabulous Baroque fountains; Piazza del Popolo with its astonishing view of the city; or the celebrated Fontana di Trevi with its gigantic and brilliant Baroque fountain, among yet others, one will find this multifaceted social life with nearly the same vibrancy in each. While we go to nightclubs, they go to Piazzas: rich and poor, young and old, Italian and not. It is a true pleasure of social life.

Name *
Location
E-mail
Comment *