Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, celebrated for its elegant Baroque architecture, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of the historic centre, it occupies the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. Piazza Navona retains the elongated, oval shape of the original stadium, once used for athletic competitions.

During the 17th century, Piazza Navona was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque urban design under Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, faces the square. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), created by the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This dramatic fountain features representations of four major rivers from four continents—the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata—symbolizing the reach of papal authority across the world.

Opposite Bernini’s fountain stands Sant’Agnese in Agone, a beautiful Baroque church designed by Francesco Borromini. The church marks the traditional site of the martyrdom of Saint Agnes and adds to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the square.

At either end of the piazza are two additional fountains: the Fontana del Moro and the Fontana del Nettuno, both adorned with dynamic sculptures. Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant social hub, filled with street artists, musicians, and open-air cafes. Visitors flock here to enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the art and architecture, and soak in the charm of Rome’s past and present.

Whether visited by day or lit by lamplight at night, Piazza Navona remains a captivating symbol of Rome’s enduring beauty and cultural richness.

 

North Head Lighthouse on the Washington Coast

The North Head Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque beacon located near Ilwaco, Washington, within Cape Disappointment State Park. Overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, it stands on a high cliff, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby Columbia River Bar, a treacherous maritime area nicknamed the "Graveyard of the Pacific" due to its history of shipwrecks.

Constructed in 1898, the North Head Lighthouse was built to complement the nearby Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which could not adequately warn ships approaching from the north. The new lighthouse provided critical guidance to vessels navigating the hazardous waters at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The lighthouse tower itself stands 65 feet tall and is made of brick with a white stucco finish. Inside, a spiral cast-iron staircase leads up to the lantern room, which originally housed a powerful first-order Fresnel lens. Although the original lens has been replaced with a modern beacon, the lighthouse continues to function as an aid to navigation.

Surrounding the lighthouse are historic structures, including the keeper’s quarters, oil houses, and storage buildings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked in isolation to ensure maritime safety.

Today, the North Head Lighthouse is open to the public and has undergone careful restoration. Visitors can climb the tower, enjoy panoramic coastal views, and learn about the region's maritime history. The location is especially popular for photography, whale watching, and experiencing the powerful natural beauty of the Washington coast.

As one of the windiest places in the United States, North Head is not only a working lighthouse but also a symbol of resilience and guidance, standing watch over some of the most dangerous waters in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.

Inside the North Head Lighthouse in Washington

The North Head Lighthouse, located near Ilwaco in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of coastal keepers and maritime history. Built in 1898, it was designed to aid navigation along the notoriously dangerous waters of the Columbia River Bar, known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."

Inside the lighthouse, visitors encounter a narrow, winding iron staircase with 69 steps leading up to the lantern room. The interior is simple yet sturdy, reflecting the functional design of late 19th-century lighthouses. The tower’s brick walls and original cast-iron staircase have been preserved and restored to maintain historical accuracy.

The lantern room at the top once housed a first-order Fresnel lens, which projected a powerful beam out to sea. Today, the original lens has been removed, but a modern beacon continues to operate, maintaining the lighthouse’s role in maritime safety.

Adjacent to the lighthouse, the restored keeper’s quarters and other outbuildings illustrate the isolated, disciplined life of lighthouse keepers. The interior of the North Head Lighthouse is not only an architectural gem but also a tribute to those who ensured safe passage through one of America’s most treacherous coastal regions.