Piazza Navona is arguably Rome's greatest square or piazza, as well as being home to Rome's best Christmas market each December.
The spot was originally a stadium built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD. Athletes competed here in honor of Jupiter and you can still visit the ruins under street level.
It has been tinkered with for centuries but you don't need much imagination for a feel of the Eternal city at its Renaissance best. And they can't stop tinkering with it.
The latest proposal by the Comune is to remove the step on which the fountains and central portion stand and level out the whole square as it was originally. Christmas offers another view of Piazza Navona for visitors to Rome.
For all of December until the 6th January of the following year, you can purchase the whole range of Roman festive items. Sweets, candies, chestnuts, sugared apples, the famous torrone, liquorice and much more.
The Befana arrives on the 6th January. This is the day those children who have broken their promises or behaved naughtily receive a present of coal in a stocking. Or worse; onions, soot or garlic. Buy your own from Piazza Navona.
More about the tradition of the Befana in this fabulous video below.
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