I just had to have a quick look on Goeggel walkthroughs - hasn't changed much, except they concreted over what used to be gardens in the centre. And that giornalaio has been there for 50 plus years - was probably there 80 years ago!
Good for you - hope it works out!
I actually miscalculated there! Didn't remember how long Francis has been in power. Pre-Francis was so different. Way less security here. You could just walk up the steps and walk into the Basilica. At most, security might ask you to take your hat off. 🤣 Now they have the steps blocked off, and airport security scanners. And on Sunday, when Francis speaks, there are bus loads of Polizia & Carabinieri encircling the square!
I started reading up on why they redesigned Piazza Risorgimento, and for all the waffle, it looks more like a "security op". Yes, it was a dangerous piazza - my school was like 200m away yet had to cross 5 very busy roads! Now, looks like a good place for a rally - or a hangin! oops! No protection from either the sun or the rain. Most of the area looks the same but some palazzi have been rebuilt to be shorter - which is also odd given it's prime real estate.
Not sure how it is during the night, but during the day it is always empty, with only the tourists passing through all day to get to the Vatican. They tell that at night it fills up with the homeless because of the wide marble sitting areas.
Maybe they should erect a big circus tent in the middle!
Knowing how homeless people behave in Rome, that would be a really bad idea! 🤣