Piazza Navona is the most characteristic and spectacular example of the Roman baroque, and certainly the most popular. Far off the traffic, it is all surrounded by its peculiar palaces, repeating size and shape of the Domiziano Stadium, of which it occupies the site. The heart of the Piazza is obviously the hollow facade of Santa Agnese in Agone, the twin steepled church genially designed by Borromini, and the three alligned fountains, animating the space and increasing the sense of baroque perspective. The southern one and the more famous Fountain of the Rivers in the middle, have been shaped and created by Bernini's art and passion. The Piazza has been the centre of games, circuses and several celebrations, through the centuries, and nowadays the popular festivity of the "Befana" culminating on January 5th and 6th, is a colorful popular street party, market for toys and sweets carried on by the sound of trumpets and street musicians.
