Piazza Colonna owes its name to the Column of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It has been standing here since ancient times and is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in Rome.

The Column was built to celebrate the victories of the Roman emperor, who fought against the Germanic populations of the Marcomanns, the Sarmatians and the Quadians, who used to live north of the river Danube.

Palazzo Chigi, which today is the headquarters of the Council of Ministers, is situated in front of the Column.

Close to the church of Saints Bartolomeo and Alessandro dei Bergamaschi you can find Palazzo Ferraioli.

The Palazzo Colonna Gallery, now called the Galleria Alberto Sordi, overlooks both the square and Via del Corso.

There is an elegant fountain, designed by Giacomo Della Porta not too far from the column.