Campo Dei Fiori translated from Italian means “field of flowers”. The square is famous for a number of reasons, it’s namesake flowers among them, but the piazza has a lesser-known dark history as well.
In the year 1600 Giordano Bruno was burnt at the stake in the piazza for saying the world revolved around the sun. A statue of him was erected in 1887, with his back facing the Vatican in symbolism of their persecution.
Three years later, the Vatican turned the statue of Giordano Bruno in Campo dei Fiori around, so he has been facing towards the Church since 1890.
Julius Ceasar was assasinated in 44B.C at the bottom of Campo Dei Fiori. He died on his way to Senate meeting and the location of the Senate buliding at the time was at the back of Campo Dei Fiori. He was stabbed 23 times in total, once by Brutus and once by every senator.
Campo Dei Fiori is also one of Romes oldest markets. Every morning until around 2 o clock in the afternoon you will find the best fish, fresh vegetables, spices and fruit in the city. This tradition began in 1869 and still continues daily. The square comes alive again at night after the vendors have closed up shop. It’s a popular place to grab a pre-dinner drink known as an ‘aperitivo.’
Campo dei Fiori is just one stop on our Rome City Tour. Join us for a sunset stroll of the Eternal City to learn more about the piazza and other famous Roman landmarks.