Rome neighborhoods: Campo de' Fiori - description of the Campo dei Fiori area of Rome and market

Rome Neighborhoods:

Rome's historic center (centro storico) is the part of the city within the Aurelian walls and comprises the areas of Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, the Jewish Quarter, Trastevere, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Barberini, Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter's. Within the historic center are the ancient attractions of the Colosseum in the Monti neighborhood, Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, Imperial Forums, and Circus Maximus near the Aventine Hill.

Rome's center is small compared to other major European cities, so most attractions can be easily reached by foot or a short bus ride. Below are some brief notes on some of the main parts of Rome's historic center.

Campo dei Fiori

Today it's filled with people and activity round the clock, but centuries ago Campo dei Fiori was just a flowery meadow (as suggested by its name, which literally means “field of flowers”) and an execution spot during the Inquisition. Here, the philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for heresy in 1600, allegedly for daring to opine that the earth revolved around the sun. His statue now stands at the centre of this square.

During the day, Campo dei Fiori hosts an open-air food market from Monday to Saturday. Stalls set up around 07.00 and pack up around 13.30. Here you can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh meat and fish. Lining the square are food shops, restaurants and plenty of outdoor cafes.

Many of the narrow and winding side-streets near Campo dei Fiori are named after the artisans who traditionally kept shop there, for example Via dei Cappellari (hatters street), Via dei Chiavari (locksmiths street), Via dei Giubbonari (jacket makers street) and Via dei Baullari (trunk makers street).

Take Via dei Baullari south of Campo dei Fiori and you'll find yourself on Piazza Farnese. There's a dramatic contrast in style and atmosphere between these two squares despite their vicinity to one another. Piazza Farnese is the site of the magnificent "Palazzo Farnese", which was built between 1514-1589 and designed by Sangallo and Michelangelo, among others. Since 1630 it has been home to the French Embassy.

Between Piazza Farnese and the Tiber River is Via Giulia, undoubtedly one of the most elegant Renaissance streets in Rome. It was laid out during the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, and the aristocratic palazzi lining this street used to be the homes of such artists as Raphael, Cellini, Borromini and Sangallo. Today, Via Giulia abounds in high-end antique shops and modern art galleries.

Walking south from Piazza Farnese past Piazza della Quercia you'll see Palazzo Spada, located on Via Capo di Ferro. This Palazzo houses Galleria Spada, which holds a fine collection of 17th century paintings, including works by Guido Reni, Tiziano, Guercino, Jan Bruegel the Old.