The new Piazza Pia in Rome: what it is like and how it has changed over time

The new Piazza Pia in Rome, inaugurated on 23 December 2024, represents one of the most significant interventions ever carried out in the capital. The project, promoted for the Jubilee, required an enormous organisational effort: 450 days of continuous work, over 35,000 cubic metres of excavation and the use of 600,000 foundation pillars.

The result is an entirely pedestrian square that symbolically connects two iconic points of the city: Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Piazza Pia through the centuries

Piazza Pia is the epilogue of a long urban evolution that has marked the centuries. Originally a simple mediaeval crossroads, the square evolved with the addition of a portico that offered shelter to pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Already in the 15th century, with the Jubilee of 1450, the first urban planning interventions were made, then continued by Alexander VI, who created Via Alessandrina, a central artery between Borgo Vecchio and Borgo Nuovo, separated by the Spina dei Borghi.

In the 17th century, Bernini gave the nearby Piazza San Pietro its definitive shape, while Piazza Pia remained a modest passageway, embellished only by the Fontana del Mascherone. The 19th century saw the neoclassical project of Luigi Poletti, but the Tiber embankments and the Lungotevere further distorted the landscape. The demolition of the Spina di Borgo, begun in 1936 after the Lateran Pacts, opened up the way for the Via della Conciliazione, transforming Piazza Pia into a monumental gateway to the Vatican.

The transformation of urban traffic

The creation of Via della Conciliazione, a majestic avenue connecting St. Peter’s Square with Castel Sant’Angelo, symbolised the reconciliation between the Italian State and the Catholic Church established by the Lateran Pacts of 1929.

However, the expansion of vehicular traffic transformed Piazza Pia into a congested hub, sacrificing pedestrian space in favour of infrastructure for cars and buses. This imbalance is still evident to this day, necessitating a redesign to return the space to pedestrians.

The new Piazza Pia

The recent redevelopment project of Piazza Pia in Rome is a model of institutional collaboration, carried out in view of the Jubilee 2025. The project involved the participation of the City of Rome, the Italian Government and the Holy See, with a total investment of 85.3 million euros.

The works, which began in August 2023, have resulted in the creation of a large pedestrian area of ​​7,000 square metres, enriched by two large fountains and shaded staircases, improving the use of the public space and connecting Castel Sant’Angelo to the Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square. The construction of a 130-metre long vehicle underpass has made it possible to divert car traffic below the surface, freeing up the square for pedestrian use.

Archaeological finds in Piazza Pia

During the excavations for the construction of the underpass in Piazza Pia, archaeological finds were found that testify to the rich history of the area. Among them was a fullonica, an ancient Roman laundry dating back to the 2nd century AD, used for the treatment of fabrics. The fullonica has tanks for washing and ironing, as well as large underground vases for immersing the clothes in detergent, usually consisting of urine.

The remains of a residential building from the early imperial age were also found, with rooms paved with palombino mosaic tiles, bordered by a black tile frame. The findings have on the one hand slowed down the work, while on the other they have allowed us to enrich the historical heritage available to citizens and tourists. The finds will be exhibited in the Gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, to ensure that they are properly appreciated.

Other interventions planned for the Jubilee 2025

The Jubilee of 2025 represents an important opportunity for Rome, which is preparing to welcome millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. To ensure adequate hospitality and improve the city’s quality of life, several infrastructure and redevelopment works have been launched. Here is a list of the main works in progress:

• Redevelopment of Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza Risorgimento: the two squares are undergoing redevelopment works to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the public spaces, making them more welcoming to visitors.
• Renovation of the A and B metro lines: maintenance and modernisation work is underway to ensure a more efficient and safe service, capable of handling the increase in passengers expected during the Jubilee.
• Creation of new cycle paths: in order to promote sustainable mobility, the creation of new cycle paths is planned, including the connection between Monte Ciocci and San Pietro, facilitating ecological travel in the city.
• Improving services for pilgrims: The Municipality of Rome has planned the installation of four temporary shelters for the homeless during the winter months, ensuring adequate accommodation in view of the influx of pilgrims.
• Renewal of road and transport infrastructure: work is underway on roads, squares and infrastructure, including Ponte Risorgimento and Piazza della Repubblica, to improve urban traffic and accessibility.
• Restoration of historical monuments and fountains: Several monuments and fountains, such as those in Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, will be restored to their former glory, offering visitors an enriched cultural experience.

The aim is to prepare the city for the religious event and also to leave a lasting legacy, improving mobility, accessibility and quality of life in Rome, even beyond the Jubilee.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

Tag

Curiosities

Transport and Mobility

Subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox

Subscribe