Best Statues and Sculptures in Rome: Complete Guide to Masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini

Walking through Rome often feels like moving through an open-air museum - every street, square, or church hides precious works of art. In this guide you'll discover a selection of the most impressive and significant sculptures in Rome – from Michelangelo's emotional "Pietà" to Bernini's daring angels and the mystical Mouth of Truth. Whether you're here for a few days or planning an in-depth exploration of the capital, these statues will reveal the soul of the Eternal City.

Alberto Sordi, a famous Italian actor from Rome, once said (quote): "Rome is not like any other city. It is one big museum, a living room to be crossed on tiptoe."

Indeed, Rome has so many statues and sculptures that walking its streets and squares often feels like being in a museum.

Some of Rome's most famous statues are in the capital's museums, but many are scattered throughout the city - sometimes in churches, sometimes in public places, and can be enjoyed by both art lovers and passersby.

Rome's sculptures are too numerous to list all of them: this is a curated selection of the best statues in Rome and tips on how to go see them.

Pietà by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica - free
Moses by Michelangelo in San Pietro in Vincoli church - free
Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini in Santa Maria della Vittoria church - free
Small elephant sculpture by Bernini at Piazza della Minerva - free
Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini at Piazza Navona - free
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius - Roman statue at Piazza del Campidoglio - free
Statues of the Dioscuri (two naked men taming two horses) - Roman statue at Piazza del Campidoglio - free
Statue of Pasquino at Pasquino Square - free
Statue of Giordano Bruno by Ettore Ferrari (1885) at Piazza Campo de' Fiori - free
Statues on Sant'Angelo Bridge by Bernini and students at Ponte Sant'Angelo - free
Statue of Julius Caesar - Roman statue on Via dei Fori Imperiali - free
Sculptures at Trevi Fountain by Nicola Salvi (1732) at Piazza Fontana di Trevi - free
Sculptures on Trajan's Column - Roman statue at Piazza Venezia - free
Sculptures at Ara Pacis - Roman statue at Piazza Augusto Imperatore - paid access
Statues at Foro Italico by several authors, 1928-1932 at Stadio dei Marmi - free
Angel of Grief by William Wetmore Story (1894) at Protestant Cemetery in Rome - free
Apollo and Daphne by Bernini in Galleria Borghese - paid access
The Rape of Proserpina by Bernini in Galleria Borghese - paid access
Mouth of Truth - Roman statue in Santa Maria in Cosmedin basilica - paid access
Boy with Goose - Roman statue in Capitoline Museums - paid access
Dying Gaul - Roman statue in Capitoline Museums - paid access
Laocoön (priest) - Roman statue in Vatican Museums - paid access
Statue of St. Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in St. Peter's Basilica - free
Capitoline Wolf by unknown author in Capitoline Museums - paid access

Statues in Rome Not to Be Missed

1. "Pietà" by Michelangelo - Rome's most famous statue. One of the most famous, if not the most famous statue in Rome is Michelangelo's "Pietà" - a world-renowned sculpture located in St. Peter's Basilica. The statue depicts Mary holding the body of the dying Jesus and is carved from white Carrara marble - a work Michelangelo declared to be "the most perfect" he had ever seen. The statue is located in St. Peter's Basilica immediately to the right as you enter through the main door. The sculpture is now protected by glass. Because of its beauty, mastery of creation, and impressive power, this is the statue in Rome you shouldn't miss. Where it's located: in St. Peter's Basilica. Access is free. Find all the information needed to view Michelangelo's Pietà here.
2. Another famous statue in Rome by Michelangelo is Moses in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). The statue is part of the large funerary monument to Pope Julius II and was carved by Michelangelo over many years - from 1513 to 1542. Now it's located in the upper right chapel of the church, right next to the main altar, and is a remarkable work of art. The statue is carved with such precision and attention that Moses seems ready to leave his place and jump forward - a dynamism Michelangelo achieves through the precise outlining of the legs and veins of this marble giant. The statue is undoubtedly a masterpiece and attracts many people's attention for its beauty, but also for one particular detail - at the top of Moses' head Michelangelo placed two small horns and they're so surprising and unique that this sculpture is often called Michelangelo's "Moses with horns"! Why Michelangelo depicted his Moses with horns and how to see this beautiful statue can be read in this guide to visiting the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.
3. Ecstasy of St. Teresa - The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini. The Ecstasy of St. Teresa is one of Rome's most famous sculptures, the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini - one of Rome's most talented and prolific artists. The statue is located in a side chapel in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria and depicts St. Teresa in a moment of mystical rapture, in the presence of an angel and surrounded by rays of light. The statue is very detailed, and this is one reason it never stops impressing visitors. Address: Santa Maria della Vittoria, Largo di Santa Susanna, Rome. You can learn how to visit this statue and other works by Bernini in Rome here.
4. Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius - Rome's best-preserved bronze statue. The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius rises at Piazza del Campidoglio - the beautiful Renaissance square designed by Michelangelo, at the top of Capitoline Hill. The statue is one of Rome's most important sculptures, as it's the only fully preserved Roman bronze equestrian statue we have, and is so significant to Italy that it's on the first page of Italian passports and on the Italian 50-cent coin! The statue we now see at Campidoglio square is a copy of the original, which is now in the Capitoline Museums, but is completely analogous to the real one in size and placement. In the same square are other beautiful statues worth seeing, namely: a. The statues of the rivers Tiber and Nile, represented as two bearded men, on either side of a statue of Minerva: the ensemble forms the Renaissance Fountain of the Goddess Roma. b. The statues of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, sons of the Sun, represented as two young men standing at the top of the Cordonata, the monumental staircase leading to the square. Address: Piazza del Campidoglio. Learn how to visit Capitoline Hill and all its treasures here.

The statue of Pasquino and Rome's talking statues. The statue of Pasquino is located at Pasquino Square in Rome's center and is the most famous of a group of 6 statues scattered throughout the city known as "Rome's talking statues." Rome's talking statues are called this because they were used during the papal era to show discontent with Rome's government. At a time when expressing dissent wasn't allowed, at night people went to these statues and left pamphlets and complaints, so the statues "spoke" for them. The six statues are called Pasquino, Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Abbot Luigi, Il Babuino (The Baboon), and Il Facchino (The Porter), with the last two being not just statues but fountains.
Fontana dei 4 fiumi - the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the most famous sculpture at Rome's Piazza Navona. The fountain adorns the center of Piazza Navona, Rome's most famous square, and was designed and created by Bernini. The statue represents the 4 great rivers of the then-known world, each represented as a person with details symbolizing the river they represent.
Nile - the statue of the Nile River is represented as a male figure with a veiled head turned away from the observer to symbolize that the Nile's source was unknown.
Rio de la Plata - this river is represented as a man with small coins symbolizing the silver that gives the river its name. Fun fact: the statue is depicted in a moment of horror, with raised hand as if to protect from danger. Inspired by the well-known rivalry between Bernini, author of the fountain, and Borromini, author of the church in front, a rumor spread that the statue covers its eye in fear the church will fall on it! However, this is just legend, as the church was built after the statue. More likely the horror symbolizes the fear of the wealthy of losing their wealth - a danger represented on the fountain through the inclusion of a small snake.
Danube - represented by powerful horses and flowers symbolizing the large and fertile Danube plains
Ganges - represented with an oar to emphasize ease of navigation. The fountain is crowned with an ancient obelisk - one of 13 ancient obelisks in Rome. Address: Piazza Navona. You can learn more about Piazza Navona and its fountains here.
Bernini's little elephant statue: Rome's most unexpected statue. One of Rome's most beautiful and quirky sculptures is Bernini's little elephant. The statue is located in the center of Piazza Minerva and depicts a small elephant with an obelisk on its back. The statue was made by Bernini in 1667 and caused huge controversy. Bernini was criticized for making a statue that critics said was ugly and unstable, so Bernini took revenge by adding the obelisk to show his contempt for critics! Address: Piazza della Minerva. Read the full story and what detail he hid in our Piazza della Minerva guide here.
The statue of Giordano Bruno - perhaps Rome's darkest statue. In the center of Campo de' Fiori rises the dark statue of Giordano Bruno - a hooded figure looking down. The statue is here in memory of Giordano Bruno's death at the stake, which happened at this exact spot in 1600, and was erected in the square in 1885. The statue is considered a reminder of what happens with repression of people of science, although the atmosphere around the statue is anything but dark! Piazza Campo de' Fiori is one of Rome's liveliest squares with many eating places! Nevertheless, the sculpture is one of Rome's most important and significant statues and is worth seeing. Address: Piazza Campo de' Fiori. You can learn how to visit Campo de' Fiori here.
The statue of Julius Caesar. You'd expect Rome to have a statue of Julius Caesar and indeed it does! The statue is located on Via dei Fori Imperiali, the large road that surrounds the Roman Forum, and is one of many emperor statues on this road. Unexpectedly for many, the statue doesn't get much attention. With so much competition for attention in Rome, even Caesar doesn't stand out! Fun fact: many people miss this statue and mistakenly photograph themselves under another statue - that of Emperor Nerva! Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali
Mouth of Truth - one of Rome's strangest statues, with Hollywood fame! The Mouth of Truth is a very special sculpture in Rome, depicting a large round monster face with a hole for a mouth. The statue is located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and is famous for several facts: the legend that the monster will bite off your hand if you lie while holding your hand in its mouth, and its role in many films set in Rome, especially the famous "Roman Holiday." The statue is unique and fun and although not worth standing in line to put your hand in it, it's definitely worth seeing even just from outside the fence. Address: Piazza Santa Maria in Cosmedin
The statues of Ponte Sant'Angelo. Several beautiful statues are located on Ponte Sant'Angelo - the bridge leading to the entrance of Castel Sant'Angelo, along the banks of the Tiber River. The statues are part of a large city project by Bernini, who also designed nearby St. Peter's Square, and represent 10 angels, two of which are the work of Bernini himself, and 8 by his students. Good to know: Bernini's two angels are now in the church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, and those on the bridge are replicas (although so good most people wouldn't even know!)
The statues of Trevi Fountain in Rome. Trevi Fountain is a large fountain in the city and one of Rome's most famous monuments. The fountain is huge and full of statues and sculptures: among the most notable are Oceanus' chariot pulled by horses, personifications of abundance and health. Address: Piazza di Trevi. You can read about Trevi Fountain and how to visit it here.
The statue of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica. Inside St. Peter's Basilica is a statue depicting St. Peter himself dating from the Middle Ages. The statue is made of bronze and is attributed to artist Arnolfo di Cambio, who would have created it in the 13th century. The statue has one peculiarity - for centuries pilgrims passed by it and kissed one of its feet to receive blessings. This happened so often that St. Peter's foot is now worn down!
The statues at Foro Italico. The statues at Foro Italico in Rome are very different from others on this list, as they're neither ancient nor Baroque, but contemporary, made in the 1930s. The statues are part of a Fascist project that created a "modern Roman forum" - a sports venue meant to symbolize the importance Fascism placed on physical strength and masculinity. The statues are huge and depict young athletes in poses similar to those depicted in classical sculptures. Foro Italico is located just outside the city center and you need to specifically head there to see the statues: if you have more than one day in Rome and are interested in something a bit different, this is a good place to visit!
Angel of Grief. Another beautiful contemporary statue in Rome I recommend you go see is the Angel of Grief - a funerary statue in Rome's non-Catholic cemetery. The statue depicts a weeping angel and was made in 1894 by William Wetmore Story upon his wife's death. Visiting the statue and cemetery is free, but a donation is appreciated. You can read more about Rome's non-Catholic cemetery and how to visit it here.

Statues in Rome's Museums You Can't Miss

So far I've listed statues you can see while walking through Rome, but some of Rome's most important sculptures are in museums.

Some worth seeing are:

Boy with Goose (Bambino che strozza un'oca). The Boy with Goose is a famous statue in Rome depicting a child trying to catch a goose. The statue is made of marble and is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic statue from the 3rd century BC, work of Boethus of Chalcedon.
Dying Gaul. This is one of the most famous statues in the Capitoline Museums in Rome and depicts a Roman copy of a Hellenistic statue portraying a dying gladiator. You can buy tickets for the Capitoline Museums here (direct link to museums)
The statue of Apollo and Daphne by Bernini. A wonderful marble statue by Bernini now located in Galleria Borghese, capturing the movement when Daphne, fleeing from Apollo, begins transforming into a laurel tree. Remarkable in this statue, as in others of transformation, is the part of the protagonist's body that forces the observer to move around the statue to capture all its sides, deepening the connection between observer and observed.
The Rape of Proserpina, Bernini - one of Rome's most famous statues. Another Baroque masterpiece by Bernini in Galleria Borghese is "The Rape of Proserpina," depicting the moment when Proserpina is abducted by Pluto, god of the underworld. The statue is one of several by Bernini carved with reference to Roman gods and epic tales, and uses the same technique as mentioned above: induced movement in the statue body's arrangement that forces observers to "move" with it.
Pauline Bonaparte, Antonio Canova. Lovers of neoclassical sculptures and Antonio Canova shouldn't miss the statue of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix in Galleria Borghese. Commissioned by Pauline's husband - Camillo Borghese, the statue presents Pauline in the image of the goddess Venus, lying calmly and holding an apple - a hint at Venus' victory in the beauty contest that ultimately caused the Trojan War.
David by Bernini. Again in Galleria Borghese you'll find the famous David by Bernini - one of the most famous Renaissance statues in Rome. The sculpture dates from 1623-24 and depicts young David preparing to deliver the fatal blow. The statue conveys incredible physical strength and dynamism and uses a technique already seen in other Bernini statues: torsion in the protagonist's body that forces the observer to move with it and perceive it from more than one place.
The statue of Laocoön in the Vatican Museums. One of my favorite statues in Rome is the beautiful statue of Laocoön in the Vatican Museum. The statue dates from Hellenistic times and depicts Laocoön and his sons with bodies entwined by a sea serpent, as described in Virgil's "Aeneid." You can buy Vatican Museums tickets here (official site).
The statue of the She-Wolf of Rome. Rome has many animal statues, but none is more significant than the statue of the she-wolf - symbol of Rome. Legends tell that the she-wolf saved the twins Romulus and Remus and nursed them, thus ensuring the survival of Rome's founder: Romulus. Her maternal role is immortalized several times in statues, carvings, and images throughout the city, and the best place to see her is the Capitoline Museum, where you can see her sculpted in bronze with the two small twins suckling from her. You can read all about the Capitoline Wolf and the legend of Rome's birth here. Good to know! It's possible to see a smaller copy of the Roman she-wolf atop a column on Capitoline Hill, outside the museum. Due to its location it's not as easy to appreciate, but it's a good option if you're visiting Rome on a limited budget and want to see free attractions.

Other Important Sculptures in Rome

Sculpture on Trajan's Column. Trajan's Column at Piazza Venezia is a tall Roman column entirely decorated with sculptures telling of the Roman campaign against Dacia during Emperor Trajan's time (2nd century AD). The column is considered the first "movie" in history and as such is a particularly significant sculpture in Rome. You can read all about Trajan's Column here.
Sculptures of Ara Pacis. Ara Pacis Augustae is a massive altar from the 1st century AD honoring the new period of peace that began with Augustus. Ara Pacis has stunning sculptures on its sides and has been restored to its former glory, making it one of Rome's most interesting ancient monuments for history lovers.
Sculptures of the Vittoriano. The Vittoriano is the large white building rising above Piazza Venezia, and a treasury of sculptures. Here is the main equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, but there are also many others depicting symbols of values and virtues, and even a statue of the goddess Roma herself. You can read all about the Vittoriano and its symbols here.
The Barcaccia Fountain by Bernini. Barcaccia is the name of one of Bernini's most famous fountains in Rome. Located at Piazza di Spagna, it depicts a sinking ship and is a beautiful sculptural work as well as one of Rome's most famous fountains. You can read about it and Piazza di Spagna here.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of the best statues and sculptures in Rome and it helped you choose the ones you most want to see.