Piazza Barberini

The Basics

Piazza Barberini is one of the main transport hubs in central Rome, but look past the bustle of passing traffic and pedestrians to appreciate Bernini’s baroque masterpieces. The square is also home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica) in Palazzo Barberini, which contains one of the most important painting collections in Italy, including works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Guercino.

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks stop at the square, as do city highlights tours, which may include sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. You can opt for a walking or golf-cart tour to explore the square and other top attractions, or see the piazza as part of a food tour with a gelato tasting. The square is especially lovely at night when Bernini’s famous fountains are dramatically lit, so opt for a sunset or twilight tour for unforgettable photos.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The square is pedestrian-only in the center, but busy with passing cars and buses around the periphery.

• If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Barberini, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• Piazza Barberini is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.

• There are plenty of cafés around the square, perfect for a quick snack or drink.

How to Get There

Piazza Barberini is located in the historical city center of Rome at the bottom of Via Veneto and is one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square.

When to Get There

Since the piazza can be busy with traffic during the day, the best time to visit is later in the evening when Bernini’s fountains are beautifully lit and the urban chaos somewhat limited.

Highlights of the National Gallery of Ancient Art

Piazza Barberini is named for Palazzo Barberini, once residence of the powerful Barberini family and now home to the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica. Don’t be fooled by the name, however, as the collection focuses on paintings from the 13th to the 18th century and not ancient Roman art. Some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome are gathered here, including Raphael's La Fornarina and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his striking Judith Beheading Holofernes (Giuditta e Oloferne).

Ways to explore

It’s easy to hit Piazza Barberini on a scenic walk through Rome’s historic center. Once you’ve admired Bernini’s baroque fountains, don’t miss the square’s other highlight: paintings by Caravaggio, Guercino, and Fra Bartolomeo inside Palazzo Barberini. To learn about the square’s long history while seeing more of Rome, join a tuk-tuk, golf cart, or hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city’s famous landmarks, which may include sights such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. If you’re a fan of underground wonders, some walking tours combine Piazza Barberini with a visit to the nearby Capuchin Crypt.

Accessibility

Piazza Barberini is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though cobblestones make some parts a bit bumpy.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunglasses

What to wear

Piazza Barberini has little shade, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the surrounding sights on foot.

Not allowed

Rome may be hot in the summer, but don’t try to cool off in Piazza Barberini’s fountains—the city of Rome is known to fine those caught wading in its water-filled monuments.

Amenities

You’ll find plenty of dining and luggage storage options around the square.

Address

Located in central Rome, Piazza Barberini is a short walk from attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps—though it’s also one of the city’s most convenient squares to reach with public transportation.

Driving

It’s not recommended for visitors to self-navigate in central Rome due to hectic traffic and difficult-to-find parking, but taxis and rideshares are widely available to get you to the piazza.

Public transportation

Just off the square is Rome Metro’s Barberini station, which you can reach on line A from Piazza di Spagna or the Roma Termini train station. Several bus lines stop in the piazza, too.

Best times to visit

The square is especially lovely (and cool) at night when Bernini’s famous fountains are dramatically lit, so opt for a sunset or twilight tour for the best photos.

Best days to visit

The National Galleries of Ancient Art are closed on Mondays and see the most crowds on weekends; visit the square and museum from Tuesday–Friday for a calmer experience.

Best months to visit

For the best weather while enjoying the piazza’s fountains and outdoor eateries, visit Rome from March–May or September–October.