Piazza della Repubblica in Rome
Piazza della Repubblica: right after Italian unification in 1870, when Italy overthrew the monarchy, this circular plaza was built to commemorate unification. The western half is surrounded by a colonnade, and from the semicircular arcade on the southwest it is also called Piazza dell’Esedra.
The arcade building was built in the architectural style of Turin in northern Italy, and even has a bar and a cinema inside. In the center of the plaza stands the Fountain of the Naiads, built in 1885, and the four bronze nymphs sculpted on the fountain are especially beautiful under lights at night.
This was part of the Baths of Diocletian, a plaza with an unusual semicircular shape. In the middle of the plaza is the Fountain of the Naiads, showing four nymphs leaning on sea monsters. When first unveiled, the Roman authorities covered these embarrassing scenes with planks.
Personally, I recommend visiting at night. It is charming for its wonderful night view, just a 3-minute walk from Termini station. Next to it is the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
We took a group photo, but it had already gotten dark so you cannot make out the shapes.
I took one alone at Piazza della Repubblica too, with the fountain behind me, quite pretty. As always, you cannot recognize my face…
Near Roma Termini station stands the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It was originally the site of Emperor Diocletian’s baths, and the church was built preserving part of the baths.
The baths had been left untouched for over 1,200 years until, under Michelangelo’s design, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was first built there. Construction began in 1515 and it was not consecrated until 1561. The church is dedicated to the angels and the early Christians martyred while building the baths. Later, Pope Pius IV built a monastery called Michelangelo’s cloister.
It is the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
After taking photos at the church across the plaza, we headed to Termini station to go home. That ended our second night in Rome.
In front of Roma Termini station there was a bus stop with plenty of taxis… proof that we went to Rome… that we were here…
Inside Termini station, a fast food place. Honestly I did not want fast food, so we decided to buy food at the mart in the basement. So we all sat and waited… These eateries do not charge for seats or make you feel watched, so we could sit comfortably.
The drink I had… an orange-flavored soda. It tasted similar to Korea’s Oransi.
The ticket stamping place… In Rome they do not check tickets; you just stamp your ticket here and ride on your conscience. And then, truly home…
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in February 2008 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.