Piazza Campo de' Fiori is a public square in Rome where you'll find a thriving marketplace alongside several terraces, restaurants and cafes. It dates back to the Middle Ages, which is also where the name comes from, as the only flowers you'll find here these days are ones for sale in the market. Keep in mind, however, that flowers are just the beginning of what the market has on offer.
The whole family can find fun at Campo de' Fiori, thanks to the sheer variety of items on offer at the local market. If you're interested in the local nightlife, however, you can visit after dark to check out one of the local cocktail bars. People typically spend a few hours here depending on what they're visiting for. You can spend an hour grabbing something to eat or several hours perusing the market. Doing it all can easily take up a good portion of the day.
Piazza Campo de' Fiori in Rome - one of the highlights of 10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Rome and 10 Best Markets in Rome (Read all about Rome here)
What are the highlights of Piazza Campo de' Fiori in Rome?
The most prominent feature of Campo de' Fiori is the open-air market that's set up every morning from Monday through Saturday. At this market, you'll be able to get a variety of fresh fruit and fish that are all provided and sold by local farmers and fishmongers. You can find fresh, delicious ingredients as well as some completely prepared meals.
You can enjoy a bustling nightlife at Campo de' Fiori when visiting during the evening. The square is lined with historic buildings on all sides, and they often include bars and pubs. Drinking on local terraces is common, so consider staying after sunset to get in on the fun. While the drink selection around the square is quite comprehensive, you'll find plenty of delicious food as well. It tends to be held to a higher standard than what you'd normally find in a bar.
A brief history of Piazza Campo de' Fiori in Rome
Campo de' Fiori dates back centuries to when it was once a field of flowers, hence the name. It was paved over in 1456 under the order of Pope Callistus III, but the name stuck, with flowers always being a part of the square's decor at the least. With the popularity of the square being bolstered by prominent nearby locations like Palazzo Orsini, businesses began taking advantage of the traffic.
One of the most important historical aspects of Campo de' Fiori is represented by the statue of Giordano Bruno that you'll find in the centre. He was a philosopher that was executed here in 1600 by being burned at the stake for heresy. Centuries after his death, he's remembered as a martyr for science, though his conviction was for his unorthodox pantheistic beliefs. Regardless, you can see his statue to this day standing tall facing the Vatican in defiance.
photo by Anthony Majanlahti (CC BY 2.0) modified
What else is good to know about Piazza Campo de' Fiori in Rome?
Your experience at Campo de' Fiori can vary quite a bit depending on what time of day you visit. You'll need to arrive in the morning to check out the market, as it shuts down in the afternoon the days it's being held at all. Additionally, don't expect Roman authenticity for every item at the market. While you still can find plenty of genuine Roman items, some of the stuff available, like limoncello, is brought in from far outside of the city.
While you're visiting this square, you may want to check out a few other attractions near Campo de' Fiori. The Pantheon is just a short walk to the northwest from the piazza. Head south, and you can see the picturesque Ponte Sisto, a centuries' old footbridge that crosses the Tiber.
Piazza Campo de' Fiori in Rome
Location: Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: 24/7
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