is a circular open space, adorned with fountains, and surrounded with
foliage. From this circle Rome spreads itself out like a fan
southwards. The four principal lines of thoroughfare diverge from this
spot--the Pincio, the Via Sistina, and the Via Quattro Fontane,
leading to the Esquiline, on the extreme left, along the hills; the
Via Babuino, leading into the Piazza di Spagna, on the left; the
Corso, leading into the Forum, in the centre; and the Via Ripetta,
leading into the oldest part of the present city, on the right: at the
corners of the three latter are the twin churches S. MARIA IN MONTE
SANTO, and S. MARIA DEI MIRACOLI, with domes and vestibules designed
by Rinaldi, and completed by Bernini and Fontana. In the centre of the
Piazza is an Egyptian obelisk, supported by a fountain with four
lionesses at the corners spouting water. _On the right_, under the
Terraces of the Pincio, are the statue of Rome by Ceccarini, of
Neptune between two Tritons, and statues of Spring and Summer, by
Laboureur. _On the left_ are the statues of Autumn, by Stocchi, and
Winter, by Baini.