Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important squares in Rome. Located few steps from the Termini (train) station gives the beginning to via Nazionale – one of the main streets of Rome, full of chic bars and shops. If instead of going via Nazionale, you decide to cross the square in direction north-west you’ll find yourself in famous and glamorous via Veneto! The centre of so called “the sweet life” of celebrities and movie stars in 60′.

Looking around the Republic Square itself, known till 1960 as Piazza Esedra and still called so by locals, we’ll find many fascinating sights. The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs attached to Baths of Diocletian, both cover the ancient part. Then elegant and modern semicircular hotel palace with beautiful colonnade and the tasteful fountain in the centre might seem insignificant during the day… but saw by night with the splendid illumination will enchant you.

If you bother to spend some time and take a closer look at the fountain it will tell you its story. Supplied by the antique Roman aqueduct “Acqua Marcia” was reconstructed by Pope Pio IX in 1868, then in 1888 due to relocation once more rebuilt. Here is when the mess started to occur. Since the fountain was supposed to be built for the visit of Wilhelm the II (German Emperor) the project was important. First designer disappointed the Pope’s expectations so he let the other realise his idea. Mario Rutelli (this was his name) surprised the whole Eternal City with the fountain that was for those years… prurient and obscene. On the opening day the Pope and his city saw 4 nude aquatic nymphs in suggestive positions. The fountain finished even in some songs of Romans storytellers as a joke made on Pope.

Two times you need to visit Roman Republic Square, once during the day to get to know its stories and during the night to fully delight the view. And I promise you won’t regret it.

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