Quattro Fontane (Four Fountains)

Quattro Fontane (Four Fountains) Review

The intersection takes its name from its four baroque fountains, representing the Tiber (on the San Carlo corner), the Arno, Juno, and Diana. Despite the traffic, it's worthwhile taking in the views from this point in all four directions: to the southwest as far as the obelisk in Piazza del Quirinale; to the northeast along Via XX Settembre to the Porta Pia; to the northwest across Piazza Barberini to the obelisk of Trinità dei Monti; and to the southeast as far as the obelisk and apse of Santa Maria Maggiore. The prospect is a highlight of Pope Sixtus V's campaign of urban beautification and an example of the baroque influence on city planning.