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Piazza di Corte (modern-day Piazza della Repubblica): the square Bernini designed for a pope
Piazza di Corte — today Piazza della Repubblica — is right in the centre of Ariccia, in the Castelli Romani area. Situated close to the famous Bridge, three buildings face onto it that make a visit more than worthwhile: Palazzo Chigi, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the historic Locanda Martorelli. It's the perfect starting point for a visit to the town.
A project commissioned by a pope
It all began with the vision of Pope Alexander VII Chigi, who between the late 17th and early 18th century decided to completely revamp Ariccia. The task was entrusted to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, along with Carlo Fontana, Mattia de Rossi, Luigi Bernini, and Giovan Battista Contini.
Bernini didn't stop at the square
The intervention encompassed the entire city: new roads, new infrastructure, renovation of the Church of San Nicola (St Nicholas) and of the Sanctuary of Galloro (Madonna of Galloro), construction of Porta Romana, Porta Napoletana, and the "Stalloni" — the former stables of the Chigi family.
