Rome trip: Campo de Fiori
During our visit to Rome, students took on the role of tour guides. Each student introduced a specific monument to the group, focusing on three key areas:
- The history of the monument
- The monument’s relevance today (its influence on current culture, language, architecture, etc.)
- A fun fact or an interesting story
In this blog post, we share Maksym’s take on the Campo de Fiori.
Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori: A Historic Square in the Heart of Rome
Campo de’ Fiori, which translates to “Field of Flowers,” is a lively square in the heart of Rome with a rich and varied history. The area was initially a meadow in the Middle Ages. By the 15th century, it had transformed into a bustling marketplace. One of the most significant historical events associated with Campo de’ Fiori is the execution of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was burned at the stake here in 1600 for his heretical ideas. A monument erected in 1889, stands at the center of the square.
Campo de’ Fiori remains a vital part of Roman culture. Today, it serves as a bustling marketplace during the day, offering fresh produce, flowers, and local goods, reflecting Rome’s vibrant daily life. In the evenings, the square transforms into a social hub, filled with locals and tourists enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and bars. The monument to Giordano Bruno is a reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom and the ongoing struggle against censorship and oppression.
Statue of Giordano Bruno was erected in 1889, it was a controversial act. History of it is that The Vatican strongly opposed the monument, given Bruno’s status as a heretic. However, the statue was a symbol of defiance and a celebration of free thought, becoming a rallying point for various liberal movements in Italy. Even today, the statue of Bruno is often adorned with wreaths and flowers, particularly on the anniversary of his execution, symbolizing the enduring respect for his ideas and the values of intellectual freedom he represents.
Interesting Fact:
Every morning before dawn, a group of local bakers gathers in the square to carry out a centuries-old tradition of baking bread in a wood-fired oven. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when Campo de Fiori was a thriving marketplace. As the sun rises, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, enticing early risers and passersby to start their day with a warm, delicious treat straight from the heart of Rome’s culinary heritage.
Resources:
- Rome.net – Campo de Fiori
- Wikipedia – Campo de Fiori
- ItalyGuides.it – Campo de Fiori
