|
|
 |
|
Piazza Della Repubblica |
|
written
by Lesley Everett / 07.12.2004 |
|
|
| |
Piazza |
| |
Piazza Della Repubblica
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Reason for Selection |
| |
This piazza is very different from most others we've seen because it's actually a big, hectic traffic circle stuck right in the middle of the huge city blocks. The "Piazza" is a huge circular area with a towering fountain in the center, surrounded by several concentric lanes of traffic and bordered on all sides by tall business buildings, the brick facade of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, and four other roads which radiate out from the circle like spokes. Whereas many other piazzas are quiet and charming little squares dotted with cafes and musicians, Piazza Della Repubblica is noisy and active with a very "downtown" atmosphere. I like to sit on the fountain and watch all the traffic and tourists go by- the drivers honk and dart around one another, neglecting the pedestrians and intimidated pedestrian tourists in the roadway. The fountain itself is a very social place. Tourists flock there by day to take pictures and cool off in its mist, and a dependable set of Roman guys hangs out there every night to relax and people-watch. I enjoy this piazza so much because there's nothing like it in Seattle- it's loud and chaotic, yet beautifully well laid out and perfectly designed as a central meeting place (both for people and for traffic). At night, the fountain is even more impressive and grand as its illuminating lights cast a sparkling glow over the glittering water and marble. Piazza Della Repubblica is a great place to come hang out with friends, chat with the friendly locals, and enjoy a delicious cup of gelato.
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Comparison |
| |
Piazza Della Repubblica is most different than other piazzas because of its unusual layout and the constant flow of traffic running through it. Pedestrians have to walk around the exterior edge on the sidewalks or they're forced to congregate in the center at the fountain, and there aren't any bars or other traditional gathering points around the piazza. Far fewer people come there than the throngs who descend upon the Campo every night, for instance, but they're an entertaining group of Italians who love to banter with the tourists. As for the traffic, it's noisy and distracting and entertaining all at once, and it gives the piazza a very metropolitan feel. Most piazzas are enclosed little squares accessible only on foot or through alleyway, but Piazza Della Repubblica is an unusually large and open space that serves as a major traffic hub.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
