Piazza in Piscinula is one of Rome‘s most historical squares. The name refers to some ancient Roman baths which existed in the spot where the square is located (piscina is the Italian word for swimming pool). The piazza is more of a widening of the Via della Lungarina than a real square.
A brief history of the Piazza in Piscinula in Rome
The Chiesa di San Benedetto in Piazza in Piscinula has the smallest bell-tower of all Roman churches. The 18th century facade of this church is fairly misleading, since it was actually built in the 4th century.
The medieval building on the other side of the square is known as Case dei Mattei, or Palazzetto Mattei, which used to be the dwelling of one of Rome’s richest families. In the 16th century, after a murder had been committed in the house, the Mattei left it and built a magnificent palazzo in the Ghetto on the other side of the Tiber.
The Mattei had always been very influential and when, in the 15th century, they chose the side of the pope in a conflict, that temporarily signified the end of a secular city council.
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