Piazza Colonna takes its name from the towering column at its center. This elegant square in the heart of Rome was laid out in the late 16th century, halfway along Via del Corso, the 1,500-meter street linking Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo, and it is ringed by Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
The 30-meter column honors Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180), the philosopher-emperor behind the Meditations, and was raised in 176 AD to celebrate his victories. Its spiral reliefs tell the story of his wars against the Germanic tribes. The statue on top was originally the emperor himself and was later replaced by St. Paul.
Just behind the column stands the office of the Italian prime minister, and the parliament building sits right on the square, which gives Piazza Colonna a solemn air.
I took a few photos by the fountain in front of the square. Funnily enough, I spent ages trying to remember exactly where that fountain stood until a quick search set me straight.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in January 2008 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.