Located near to the Pantheon, Minerva square rises up on the spot of an old temple dedicated to Minerva, roman goddess of wisdom. At one side of the square, you can admire the church of Saint Mary on Minerva, one of the few examples of gothic architecture in Rome, that holds the remains of the doctor of the Church Catherine of Siena as well as some important works of art. Adjacent to the church, the convent where the astronomer Galileo Galilei was host and rejected his thesis.
Next to this building it is possible to read some plates sticked up to prove the height the river Tiber touched during different floods. This area can be considered among the lowest in town, being consequently one of the most affected during the floods of the river. The Grand Hotel de la Minerve is referred as memorabile in Rome for having important people as hosts as the french writer Stendhal. At the centre of the square, there is a little egyptian obelisk supported by an elephant designed by the famous italian artist Bernini.
