Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most iconic and bustling squares, known for its fountains, street artists, and lively cafés. Yet just steps away lie hidden gems that few tourists ever discover. Kirba Tours invites you to explore three remarkable sites near Piazza Navona: Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, the Stadium of Domitian, and Palazzo Pamphilj. These treasures offer an extraordinary journey through Baroque architecture, ancient Roman history, and artistic masterpieces.
1. Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza: Borromini’s Baroque Masterpiece
Tucked inside the small courtyard of the Palazzo della Sapienza, the church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza is a Baroque marvel. Built between 1642 and 1660 by the legendary architect Francesco Borromini, it was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini.
Borromini enhanced the existing façade with a delicate attic, adorned with Chigi family symbols, including eight-pointed stars and six mountains, in honor of Pope Alexander VII. The polylobed dome and daring spiral lantern rise above, topped with a flaming crown, a sphere, a cross, and a dove holding an olive branch — all in wrought iron.
Inside, the centralized six-pointed star plan creates a unique sense of movement, with elegant pilasters and a dome segmented into six parts. Symbolic motifs, including the Barberini bees representing charity, prudence, and diligence, are repeated throughout the church. The main altar features a painting of Saint Ivo, patron saint of lawyers. Borromini’s intricate marble floor, with its black-and-white inlays, completes this masterpiece, making it a must-visit for lovers of art and architecture.
2. Stadium of Domitian: Rome’s Ancient Athletic Arena
Hidden 4.5 meters below Piazza Navona, the Stadium of Domitian is one of Rome’s most impressive ancient structures. Built in 86 AD, it was the first masonry stadium in the city, hosting the Certamen Capitolino Iovi, athletic games in honor of Jupiter.
The stadium hosted a variety of events, including running, wrestling, boxing, pankration, and the pentathlon, alongside music and poetry contests held in the nearby Odeon. Athletes, often professional Greeks or Easterners, competed for monetary prizes, honors, and even Roman citizenship or tax exemptions. Unlike gladiatorial games, these competitions emphasized non-violent sports in the Greek tradition, though spectators often preferred the more brutal contests.
The stadium measures 275 meters in length and 106 meters wide, accommodating around 30,000 spectators. Constructed of brick covered in stucco with travertine pillars, it remains a testament to Roman engineering hidden beneath one of the city’s busiest squares.
For a deeper exploration of Rome’s underground history, you can join our Rome Underground Tour, which includes the Stadium of Domitian and other hidden subterranean treasures.
Visitor Information:
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: Adults €10; free under 18 years old
3. Palazzo Pamphilj: Baroque Splendor in the Heart of Rome
Built under Pope Innocent X (Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, 1644–1655), Palazzo Pamphilj unified several pre-existing properties on Piazza Pasquino. Designed by Girolamo Rainaldi, the palace was part of a larger urban plan including Piazza Navona and Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Inside, visitors will find 17th-century frescoes by Pietro da Cortona, Agostino Tassi, Giacinto Brandi, and others. Highlights include the Salone Palestrina, used for concerts and events, and the Borromini-designed gallery, adorned with scenes from the life of Aeneas. Recent restorations have returned the façade to its soft pastel blue from the 18th century. Today, Palazzo Pamphilj houses the Brazilian Embassy, but its artistic and architectural treasures remain open to visitors seeking Baroque elegance.
Discover Rome’s Hidden Gems with Kirba Tours
From Borromini’s architectural brilliance to ancient Roman sporting arenas and luxurious Baroque palaces, these hidden gems near Piazza Navona reveal a side of Rome that most tourists miss. With a private walking tour by Kirba Tours, you can explore some of these treasures at your own pace, uncovering the secrets of the Eternal City.
Book your Kirba Tours experience today and discover Rome beyond the crowds.
