Piazza della Repubblica

The basics

Piazza della Repubblica is one of Rome’s major squares and is frequented by both locals and visitors. Starting at the piazza, Via Nazionale is a busy street that runs through an area with hotels, shops, and restaurants. Near the piazza is the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma (the opera house), as well as several churches, galleries, and the National Roman Museum - the Baths of Diocletian.

The piazza sits just outside Rome’s historical core where many of the city’s top attractions are found — such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain — so it’s not usually included on walking tours of those sites. However, night tours, Vespa tours, and other activities with motorized transport often stop at Repubblica.

Things to know before you go

*Piazza della Repubblica was formerly known as Piazza Esedra and is still referred to that way by some locals. *Unlike other squares in Rome’s more pedestrian-friendly areas, Repubblica has a lot of vehicle traffic. *You can find many visitor services near the piazza due to its proximity to Rome’s main train station, Termini.

How to get there

Take the Metro to the Repubblica station on Line A; alternatively, the Termini train station is a 10-minute walk.

When to get there

Night is the most popular time for many visitors who wish to admire the fountain and surrounding buildings illuminated after dark.

Churches to Check Out

Catholic churches abound in Rome, of course — two worth checking out near Piazza Repubblica include Santa Maria della Vittoria, home to a work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini known as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, and the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, originally designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

Ways to explore

Thousands of Romans rush through the Piazza della Repubblica on their way to the station, but it’s also a pleasant place to while away an hour or so. In addition to the fountain and basilica, its attractions include a cinema, a few historic cafés, and—just off the piazza itself—several small museums. The central location and impressive basilica mean that Piazza della Repubblica is also included on some guided tours of the city, with options that range from tours by Vespa sidecar to hop-on hop-off bus routes.

Accessibility

The Piazza della Repubblica is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cell phone, Metrebus card

What to wear

Exploring Rome on foot can mean lots of walking—sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must.

Not allowed

Visiting a café on the Piazza della Repubblica? Know that few Italians drink milky coffee—such as a latte or cappuccino—in the afternoon.

Amenities

Pharmacy, taxi stand

Address

The Piazza della Repubblica is located on Viminal Hill, near Roma Termini, and it’s the starting point for the thoroughfare Via Nazionale.

Driving

The adjacent train station means there’s ample parking near the Piazza della Repubblica, with garages on Via Modena, Via del Viminale, and Via Parigi.

Public transportation

To reach the Repubblica metro station at the piazza’s southwestern corner, take the A line—it’s one stop in the Battistini direction from Roma Termini, the hub where all three of Rome’s metro lines converge.

Best times to visit

The piazza is thronged by locals on their morning and evening commutes—come in the early afternoon or late morning for fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

The quietest days at Rome’s attractions tend to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so midweek sightseeing is ideal.

Best months to visit

You’ll find fewer crowds and milder temperatures in Rome’s beautiful shoulder seasons of spring and fall—April, May, September, and October are all great times to visit.

Special events

Glowing lights deck the Piazza della Repubblica in soft colors during the winter holiday season, generally beginning in November.