Neptune statue in Piazza Navona

The "Centro Storico" is a continuation of the "Ancient Center" along the Tiber. There are not as many ancient Roman communal places like the many forums or the Colosseum, but then again it served a different purpose. During the 15th century the Centro Storico section the Popes and Cardinals commissioned the artisans of Rome to give the area a new look and removed many of the Roman buildings and monuments. Because of the heavy influences from both the Roman and papal backgrounds the Centro Storico is filled to the brim with sites to choose from.

Pantheon

Despite the makeover the important Roman structures still remain. The Pantheon, undoubtedly the most well preserved monument from Roman antiquity, lies in the Piazza della Rotonda. About two blocks from the Pantheon to the west is the highlight of the "Centro Storico" the Piazza Navona. The elliptical Piazza was built over a Roman stadium the Circus Agonalis in the 17th century. The fountains in the piazza are reminders of the Roman influence and were all designed by Bernini.

Piazza Navona

The area around Piazza Navona includes many churches worth noting. Sant’Agnese in Agone overlooks Piazza Navona. Sant’Agostino, Sant’Andrea della Valle, San Luigi dei Francesci, Santa Maria della Pace and Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza are all within walking distance from Piazza Navona. This section around the Pantheon also has La Maddalena, Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and La Chiesa Gesu. This section of Roma may be the most heavily "church" concentrated area in all of Rome.

Palazzo Bufalo

Aside from the many churches the Centro Storico area is loaded with beautiful piazzas othe. The Piazza Colonna is a very pleasant piazza, with the Column of Marcus Aurelius and the Palazzos Bufalo and Wedekind. Towards the north side of the Piazza Colonna on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the Museo Doria Pamphili is located. It houses a very impressive private art collection with artists like Titian and Caravaggio. At the corner of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Arenula is the Largo di Torre Argentina, an interesting area with a 15th century building and 4 uncovered Roman temples. On the south side of the street there is the Campo dei Fiori, the Palazzo Farnese and the Palazzo Spada.