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Piazza Farnese
The main attraction of the Piazza Farnese is the Palazzo Farnese, which now houses the French embassy. The piazza also sports two fountains, the huge stone basins of which, made of Egyptian granite, came from the baths of Caracalla.
In the middle of the 16th century Pope Paolo III Farnese had one of the basins transported to the piazza, which was then known as the Piazza del Duca. During that period, there was not enough water to supply the fountain and for many years the large basin remained in the piazza as an ornamental piece. During this period merry-go-rounds and festivals frequently took place in many areas of Rome, including the piazza, and the basin served as a safe grandstand for noblemen to enjoy the shows. The other basin had been placed in Piazza Venezia, but when the Acqua Vergine’s flow increased, Cardinal Odoardo Farnese obtained the other basin from Pope Gregorio XIII. The Pope had wanted to transform them into twin fountains, but his wish only came true many years later when Pope Paolo VI had the aqueduct built which now carries his name.
The Piazza Farnese is right off Via Giulia, an ancient and picturesque street that has some of the finest antique stores in the city.
