 Piazza
Barberini lies at the foot of several Roman streets including Via
Barberini, Via Sistina and Via Vittorio Veneto. It is situated north
of Giardini di Quirinale. It completes a loose triangle with the
Spanish Steps to the northwest and the Trevi Fountain to the southwest.
The famous Fontana del Tritone is found in this piazza. It is one
of Bernini’s masterpieces and a famous tourist spot. It was
built in 1640 to honour his great patron Pope Urban VIII who was
perhaps the most illustrious member of the Barberini family.  It
is one of his most imaginative designs and is his last major commission
for the Pope. A triton is seated on two valves, which are supported
by four dolphins. From the past three centuries the triton has been
blowing water through a shell held in his hands. Behind the triton
fountain there is another fountain by Bernini. It is called the
fountain of Barberini Bees or Fontana delle Api. It was constructed
between 1642-44. The bees form the crest of the powerful Barberini
family. Initially it was placed at the Via Macelli but was later
moved to its current location at piazza Barberini when the Via del
Tritone was enlarged.
 Carlo
Maderno began the construction of the Palazzo Barberini for the
famous Barberini family. Bernini completed it with the help of Borromini.
Bernini constructed the central block but the windows and Borromini
completed the coat of arms. The ceiling of the main hall has valuable
frescoes by Pietro Da Cortona. Inside the palazzo we can find the
National gallery of Ancient Art. This gallery houses the works of
many famous artists including Raphael, Simone Martini, Tintoretto,
Beato Angelico, and Pierre della Francesca. El Greco, Carravagio,
Reuben and many others.
 In
the palazzo gardens there is a giant coat of arms of a Barberini
cardinal. There is also a large Roman statue of Apollo Citaredo.
The original name of this square was Piazza Grimana. It was named
after cardinal Grimani who had his villa and vineyards in this area.
When the powerful Barberini family built their Palazzo in this area
the name of the square was changed and it was called Piazza Barberini
and it retains this name to date.
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