The
Piazza Farnese in Rome is home to the French Embassy
and scenes of great jubiliation whenever France win
anything at sport. The embassy is housed within the
impressive walls of the Palazzo Farnese which was the
first piece of renaissance architecture ever to be built
in Rome - notice the perfectly symetrical facade designed
by Michelangelo who was particularly proud of his first
piece of work in Rome which was heavily influenced by
his orphanage in Florence which he designed a few years
earlier...As recently as 2000 the building was completely
cleaned up in preperation for the Vatican's 2000 jubilee
celebrations. The square is empty apart from two 17
century fountains, one on either side of the Piazza.
The marble used to make these fountains dates back to
Roman times and was taken from the marble taken from
the baths of Caracalla. The fountains are decorated
with Lillies the emblem of the old noble Roman family
Farnese. Nearby in the adjacent square to Piazza Farnese
you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling
street market in Campo dei Fiori - go early though as
the market finishes at 2 pm after which there is a big
clean up operation to prepare the square for the evening's
festivities and night life.
Did You Know?
Campo di Fiori is the adjacent piazza to Piazza Farnese
and is the best place in Rome to go out for good nightlife
- The Vineria , Drunken Ship and Sloppy Sams are 3 excellent
bars and all conveniently located in the same Piazza.
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