Rome’s great palaces were the grand residences of its famous noble families, but in many ways more important to their display of power were several of the most beautiful and famous piazze, or squares, of the Eternal City, which were created as theatrical scenery for the staging of power in public outside these luxurious palaces.

The power of these noble families was almost nearly unlimited and very often it was used to appoint a family member to become the Pope!

Many of these celebrated squares, such as Piazza Barberini, Piazza Navona, and Piazza Farnese were designed precisely for the purpose of staging displays of power.

Other squares, such as the Piazza del Pantheon, the Campo de Fiori, and the Piazza Navona, have served in ancient and modern times as outdoor food markets.

These Piazze were also locations for various games and celebrations, which often centered around special food and drink, as holidays and festivals often do.

This is a relaxing walking tour which not only explores the beauty of these locations, but will also examine more closely the gastronomical customs of Renaissance and Baroque Rome.