Rome's most outspoken statue

Beside Palazzo Braschi, in Piazza di Pasquino (just steps from Piazza Navona), stands a worn, battered old statue: this is Pasquino, the most famous of Rome's "talking statues." For more than five hundred years, Romans have pinned notes at its base carrying satire, criticism, and sharp jokes aimed at the powerful: the celebrated "pasquinate" (anonymous satirical verses). Humble in appearance, it carries an extraordinary story of grassroots free speech.

What the statue really is

Pasquino is actually a badly damaged fragment of a Hellenistic sculptural group from the Roman era, most likely depicting Menelaus holding the body of Patroclus. Unearthed in the 16th century, it was set on the corner of the palazzo, where it still stands today. Don't let its worn look fool you: this is an ancient work of great value, turned into a symbol of the people's voice.

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The "pasquinate" and grassroots satire

From the 16th century on, citizens began attaching short anonymous texts to the statue — often in verse and in Roman dialect — to mock popes, rulers, and injustice without putting themselves at risk. These satires came to be known as "pasquinate," and Pasquino became the anonymous, biting voice of working-class Rome. Even today you'll still find notes and messages pinned at its base: the tradition never died.

The other talking statues

Pasquino heads a small "guild" of Rome's talking statues, which traded satirical barbs with one another. Among the others:

  • Marforio (now at the Musei Capitolini, the Capitoline Museums), who often "answered" Pasquino.
  • Madama Lucrezia (near Piazza Venezia).
  • The Abate Luigi, the Babuino (which gave its name to via del Babuino), and the Facchino.

Together they formed a true open-air "satirical newspaper."

How to find it

Pasquino stands in Piazza di Pasquino, on the corner of Palazzo Braschi, just a few steps from Piazza Navona. The visit is free and open, outdoors, at any hour: it's a short but intriguing stop, perfect to pair with the Museo di Roma (Museum of Rome) and a stroll through the center.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pasquino? An ancient, weathered statue beside Palazzo Braschi, known as Rome's leading "talking statue": for five centuries Romans have pinned satire and criticism to it, the "pasquinate."

What are the pasquinate? Short anonymous satirical texts, often in verse and in Roman dialect, pinned to the statue to criticize popes and the powerful without exposing oneself: a grassroots form of free speech.

What does the statue depict? It's a badly damaged fragment of a Hellenistic sculptural group from the Roman era, most likely showing Menelaus holding the body of Patroclus.

What are the other talking statues? Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, the Abate Luigi, the Babuino, and the Facchino: together with Pasquino they formed a "satirical newspaper" of working-class Rome.

Where is Pasquino, and how much does it cost? In Piazza di Pasquino, on the corner of Palazzo Braschi, very close to Piazza Navona. It's outdoors, and the visit is free and open.

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Article #471 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026