Republic Square is next to Termini Central Station. It is worth visiting only for the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri and the fountain of Naiad.
Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica)
Former Exedra Square
Today's Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica - Piazza della Republika) in Rome is formed on the site of the ancient buildings of the Diocletian term that existed from the 3rd to 6th centuries, namely, on the place where the baths exedra was located - a semicircular deep niche with a semicupole. Therefore, the area until the 50s of the XIX century was called - Exedra Square. Locals still often call her that.
Built in 1887-1898. according to the project of architect Gayetano Koch, two wings of the same arched palazzo with arched galleries formed a wide semicircle around the square, repeating the outline of the exedra. This architectural ensemble creates an atmosphere of comfort and completeness of planning. It houses the five-star Boscolo Exedra Hotel, shops and boutiques.
Fountain Naiad
The Round Fountain Naiad (Fontana delle Naiadi) is the center and dominant of the majestic ensemble. Around him busy traffic. Mythological sculptures were sculpted in 1901 by Mario Rutelli. Beautiful nymphs, according to the bold plan of the master, were made naked. At first, it caused public outrage. The bodies of the sea goddesses even wanted to be "covered up", but, fortunately, it worked out.
The sculptural composition in the center of the fountain symbolizes the unity of man and nature. Each conqueror of the water element has its own pet: the river mollusk sits on the fish, the lake mollusk on the swan, the ocean mantle on the seahorse, and the nymph of the underground waters on the dragon.
The Baths of Diocletian
Terme diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano)
The oldest object in the square is the Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano). Large-scale public baths, built in the III century, once housed three thousand Romans. They were not just terms, but a social and cultural complex. To our time, therms survived in ruins, and their central hall was used for another building.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was erected on the site of the central hall of the Thermal Diocletian
In the 16th century, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was built, dedicated to the Virgin, angels and martyrs. She organically blended into the central hall of ancient terms. The project of unusual construction was created by Michelangelo himself.
There are many sculptures in the basilica - classical and very abstract. Several bronze statues are housed in a cloister. The interior of the temple is decorated with antique columns of red marble, ornamentation and luxurious painting of vaults in golden colors. There are absolutely no church artifacts here: meridian floors, Foucault’s large pendulum and mechanical legs.
Attractions nearby
One of the round halls of the term rebuilt in the church of San Bernardo alle Terme
Planetarium
In the former terms, several more objects are now located: the National Roman Museum, the temple of San Bernardo alle Terme, the planetarium.
How to get there
Take the MEA metro line to Repubblica Station.
