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CampoDFiori_1

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Campo de Fiori is a large piazza that for centuries now has been a food and flower market with a very appropriate name that in translation means ?field of flowers.? When you are here, you can imagine medieval Romans walking from one merchant to another, and you are following in their steps. The square is surrounded by buildings, small restaurants, and cafes. Also nearby is the French embassy-?Palazzo Farnese-?and if you cross the square you can get a good view of its façade from the entrance to the building right behind the statue of Giordano Bruno. This statue is here because this square has also been in those long gone medieval times the place of mass executions, and Giordano Bruno was burnt at the stake here over 400 years ago for his philosophical views that clashed with the religious teachings. Palazzo Farnese is one of the amazing buildings in Rome. It has a very imposing light-colored façade and its design has become the prototype for a lot of palaces built in Rome afterwards. A lot of famous artists worked on the building, including Michelangelo, who added the third floor and had plans to connect this palace with Villa Farnesina in Trastevere by a bridge, but that was never realized. It has been the French Embassy for over 350 years. Unfortunately, you are not allowed inside, but in front of the embassy you can see pictures of the restoration efforts taking place inside. They show the original frescoes and how the restoration effort uncovers the original colors that sometimes are so bright that nobody expects that (very much like Michelangelo?s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel). Campo de? Fiori is a great place to stop for lunch (it is cheaper here), to practice your Italian and bargaining skills, and to do some people-watching while you are at it.

Album last updated on 12/4/07 2:48 AM