One thing that gets overlooked when stepping into Piazza della Rotunda is the fountain directly across from the Pantheon. Although I wasn't able to find it's exact name, the fountain was designed and built in 1575 by Giacomo Della Porta under the commissioning of Pope Gregory XIII.
In 1711, Pope Clement XI had the vase that stood in the middle replaced by an obelisk. This obelisk was another Egyptian one, in honor of Pharaoh Ramses II and taken from the Temple of Isis.
Today, many people can be seen lounging on the stairs leading up to it while waiting on their companions or when taking a break from all of the walking around in hot Rome. It is a nice place to relax and people watch, and even splash yourself with the cool water when the temperature creeps toward unbearable.
1. "Picturesque Piazza della Rotonda at the Pantheon in Rome �." Bed and Breakfast Little Italy and Chaplin Hostel in Rome. 16 Apr. 2009. 25 May 2009
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