piazza del popolo is one of the largest squares in rome. the "People's Square" was historically the main entry point to the the city and the first view travelers would have of the city.

the egyptian obelisk stands in the center of the square, the obelisco flamino was moved from the circus maximus to popolo as part of the urban plan of Sixtus V. When the obelisk was moved it was surrounded with a fountain depicting egyptian style lions.

the via di ripetta leads to the tiber and the ripetta column, which uses the names of reigning popes to show flood heights.