20 Best Squares In Italy You Have To See

This post on the best squares in Italy was first published on May 15th, 2023.

Italy is not only known for its delicious food and landscapes but also for the picturesque squares that you can find in any small village and big city alike. But what are squares called in Italy? Squares in Italy are better known as piazze, a focal space around which the life of the community revolves around.

Therefore, this space is not essential only for its architectural meaning. Squares are the pulsing heart of the town, as much as in the past as nowadays, they are a space to hold meetings, buy essentials, attend festivals and listen to music. As well as where you can find the most important political and religious buildings.

In the past, in particular, squares used to be the place where news was announced and where assemblies were held. Each piazza has its own unique history and culture. The term ‘piazza’ itself has its origin in the Greek agora and Roman forum. Both were seen as the centre of religious and commercial power as well as the symbol of democracy.

But rest assured that whether you are interested in art, or history, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of these beautiful cities, there is an Italian public square for everyone.

How were piazzas born?

Squares in Italy have a long history and were first formed in Roman times, where the grid system of the roads used during that time, called for an intersection of two main roads. The meeting point was the focal point of the town where the temple was housed. (Walks Of Italy)

Over time, piazzas became important meeting places for merchants, artisans, and other members of Italian society. Today, piazzas continue to serve as important gathering places for locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of Italy.

From the most famous piazza della signoria and Piazza Navona to the lesser known ones around Italy, let’s check the best squares in Italy to add to your travel list!

North of Italy – squares in Italy you should check out

PRATO DELLA VALLE – PADUA

Prato della Valle is one of the largest squares in Italy and Europe, counting 90,000 square metres alone. It has an elliptical shape instead of the usual shape. Prato della Valle is surrounded by a canal and 78 statues of important people from Tito Livio, founder of the city of Padua to Petrarca, Mantegna, Gallileo, Canova and Ariosto to mention a few.

All statues honour citizens, artists, scientists and political leaders from Padua and some that contributed to it. The elliptical square is circled by a canal and four bridges that give access to the middle of the ellipsis with a statue of Garibaldi. Nowadays it’s a place that locals use to socialize and relax as well as being a must-see for any tourists.

PIAZZA DEL DUOMO – MILAN

Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s main square located at the heart of the city and also one of the most famous piazzas in Milan. You will always find a bustling hub of activity and visitors. What you can’t miss as the main actor of this square is the Milan Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It has a façade with over 3,00 statues and ornate decorations and artworks inside. Just on the side of the cathedral stands Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls that nowadays houses the most luxurious designer boutiques and restaurants. The gallery has a distinctive iron and glass roof and mosaic flooring.

On the Easter side, stands the Royal Palace a neoclassical building which nowadays houses museums and exhibitions. Other important buildings around the square are the Palazzo Carminati and the Palazzo dei Portici.

Canva Pro by Claudio Divizia

PIAZZA CASTELLO – TORINO

Piazza Castello is one of the most popular squares in Turin. The large square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Royal Palace of Turin, Palazzo Madama and the Teatro Regio. These buildings are not only historic but are also architectural masterpieces that reflect the rich history and culture of the city.

The Royal Palace used to be the residence of the Savoy family, which nowadays hosts a museum with an amazing collection of Italian art from the 15th to 20th century. Palazzo Madama, is a beautiful baroque palace that is home to the civic Museum of ancient art, with a vast collection of ancient art from around the world.

Teatro Regio is a historic theatre that has hosted famous operas and ballets that set scene in an amazing building. You can also find in the same square the Biblioteca Reale, a library that houses some of the oldest and rarest books in the world. The square is also home to several shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy the view and relax.

PIAZZA UNITÀ D’ITALIA – TRIESTE

Piazza Unità d’Italia is one of the main squares in Trieste and is located on the waterfront. It is the largest seafront square in Europe and is surrounded by historical buildings, including Palazzo del Municipio and Palazzo Pitteri.

In 1751, the Fountain of the Four Continents was installed, which features four statues representing the continents and has become one of the best landmarks in the city. This square doesn’t only hold an amazing view of the Adriatic Sea but also has historical significance and a vital role for the development of Trieste. As in every piazza, you will find plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to admire the waterfront view and relax.

PIAZZA SAN MARCO – VENICE

Piazza San Marco is one of the most famous squares in Italy and around the world. Located in the heart of the city. It has been the political and social life hub of Venice for centuries. The square is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the city, like St Mark’s Basilica – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with the famous golden mosaics – the Doge’s Palace, an example of Gothic architecture, once residence to the Doge, ruler of Venice – and the Campanile, the bell tower that offers a panoramic view of the city and the lagoon.

Piazza San Marco also offers plenty of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and shops where you will find the typical lace items, jewellery, glass items and Carnival masks.

PIAZZA DELLE ERBE – VERONA

Piazza delle Erbe is a picturesque square located in the heart of Verona. This square has been a famous centre since Roman times and still holds a lot of its characteristics today. Known also as the ‘market square’, piazza delle Erbe was the hub for merchants and locals to buy and sell goods. The markets are still a popular activity that the square hosts, as well as being a blend of history, architecture and atmosphere.

Surrounded by colorful medieval buildings with frescoed facades, the square is a feast for the eyes. At its center stands a remarkable fountain adorned with a statue known as Madonna Verona, which adds a touch of elegance to the vibrant atmosphere.

The square is now a charming space filled with outdoor cafes, market stalls, and lively activity. Visitors can enjoy exploring the local produce market, browse through quaint shops, and soak in the unique charm of this historical square in Verona.

PIAZZA MAGGIORE – BOLOGNA

Piazza Maggiore is a stunning square located in the heart of Bologna. The square is surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings, each with its own unique history and architectural style. The focal point is the Basilica of San Petronio, a breathtaking church that boasts an amazing Gothic façade and an interior with intricate frescoes and artwork.

Another notable landmark in Piazza Maggiore is the Palazzo d’Accursio, an impressive building that served as the city’s town hall for centuries. The square is often bustling with activity, with street performers, vendors, and cafes lining the perimeter. If you have a chance, while in Emilia Romagna, check out gnocco fritto before you leave!

PIAZZA DEGLI SCACCHI – MAROSTICA

Piazza degli Scacchi is in a unique square located in Marostica, a small town in the province of Vicenza. This picturesque square is one of the most fascinating squares in Italy and also very unusual as it hosts an annual live chess game that is known worldwide and which is played by customed characters on the square chessboard in the second week of September every couple of years.

The square dates back to the Middle Ages and it’s surrounded by medieval buildings, to the south you will see the Castello Inferione, and to the North, you will find the Palace of Doglione and plenty of ornated façades of palaces and porticoes on the other sides.

All these buildings, give a great view of the chess game and its strategies, as well as hosting a variety of cultural events like music concerts, food festivals and art exhibitions. Moreover, from the square, you can have an amazing view of the Medieval walls. You can also opt for a panoramic walk from the walls to admire the landscape too.

In addition to everything, Marostica is well known for its production of cherries that you can taste all around town. This square is one of the closest to us and also one of the spaces that we visited when we first moved to northern Italy as kids.

Central Italy – squares IN ITALY you should check out

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA – FLORENCE

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most important squares in Florence and was also considered one of the most influential political centres during the Renaissance. It is surrounded by some ionic buildings like the Palazzo Vecchio, one of the Medicis hubs of power, the Uffizi Gallery, the Fountains of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi to mention some.

Piazza Signoria wasn’t only a political centre, but also a cultural one. You will find plenty of world-famous sculptures around including Michelangelo’s David, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women, the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I and Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa.

PIAZZA NAVONA – ROME

Piazza Navona is one of Italy’s most famous squares in Italy and one of the best piazzas in Rome. We already mentioned it among the best squares in Rome to check out, so you might have already heard of it.

This Baroque square located in the centre of Rome is home to three fountains: the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, the fountain depicts four river gods, each representing one of the world’s four major rivers, and is a masterpiece of Baroque art. The other two fountains are the Fontana Del Moro and Fountain of Neptune designed by Giacomo Della Porta.

You will also admire the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone – a stunning example of Baroque architecture and famous for its elaborate facade and interior decoration. You will also find Palazzo Pamphili – a palace that was built in the 17th century by the noble Pamphili family – and Palazzo Braschi, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Rome.

Piazza Navona is also known for its lively atmosphere, with street performers and artists entertaining visitors throughout the day and into the night.

Canva Pro by Emicristea

PIAZZA SAN PIETRO – VATICAN

Piazza San Pietro is one of the most famous squares in Italy, mostly for its importance to the Christian religion and the centrepiece that is St Peter’s Basilica. This square has a peculiar elliptical shape with a colonnade commissioned by Pope Alexander VII to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The colonnade made of 248 columns arranged in four rows, was thought by the artist to make the Basilica embrace its faithful as well as play with optical illusions to obtain a scenic result: if you cross the square, you can see the columns come together and move apart

The Basilica is of course the centre of attention in the square and with its stunning dome designed by Michelangelo, you couldn’t expect less. The basilica and the nearby Vatican Museum are places that hold masterpieces from Michelangelo’s work, but also other artists like Bernini, Giotto, Titian, Caravaggio, Berning, Borromini and Canova to name a few. As well as housing many Greek, Roman and Egyptian pieces, on top of the many frescoes of different artists.

The Vatican Obelisk is also part of this square, placed in the centre of it by Sixtus V, one of the many brought to Rome from Egypt during the time of Caligula. Of course, there is so much just in this square, you’ll have to see them all for yourself.

PIAZZA DEL CAMPO – SIENA

Piazza del Campo is in the heart of Siena, Tuscany. Also known as one of the most famous medieval squares in Europe. It’s one of the most particular squares in Italy thanks to its shell shape and surrounding historical buildings. You can find Medieval buildings like the Palazzo Comunale, Torre del Mangia and Cappella di Piazza, as well as the later addition of Fonte Gaia.

Piazza del Campo serves as the vibrant focal point for social, cultural, and civic events in Siena. The red brick pavement, known as “Il Campo,” is divided into nine sections, symbolizing the Council of Nine who governed the city in the 14th century. This square also hosts the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race held in the piazza.

PIAZZA NAVONA – ROME

One of the most famous squares in Italy and in Rome, Piazza Navona hosts one of the biggest markets in the city. As well as featuring three fountains, a Roman obelisk, few churches, a palace and a lot of art scattered through the whole piazza and its buildings.

The fountains that are placed in Piazza Navona are: The Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian. Then you have the Fontana Del Moro by Giacomo Della Porta and the Fountain of Neptune also by Giacomo Della Porta. You will also be able to admire the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphili.

It was built by the Pamphili family, by appointment of Pope Innocent X and it sits where the site of the Stadium of Domitian was initially built in the 1st Century AD. This is where ancient Romans went to watch the agones (games!) and as a result, it was also known as Circus Agonalis – the competition arena.

PIAZZA DEL POPOLO – ROME

Piazza del Popolo is located in the northern part of Rome. It’s a hub of culture, history and beauty. It’s home to the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, an elegant building with beautiful gardens, rich in history and beauty.

Piazza del Popolo is a tranquil space in a hectic city. It is a great spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the city while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding area. The square is also home to a number of other landmarks, including the Porta del Popolo, a gate that once marked the entrance to the city, marking a rich history of the city.

PIAZZA DI SPAGNA – ROME

Piazza di Spagna is located at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. It’s another of the famous Rome piazzas, this square is surrounded by high-end shops and restaurants. The square is also home to the famous Trinità dei Monti church, which sits at the top of the Spanish Steps and offers stunning views of the city, as well as Fontana della Barcaccia – a Baroque style fountain that Pope Urban VIII commissioner dit to Pietro Bernini in 1623.

PIAZZA DEI MIRACOLI – PISA

Piazza dei Miracoli is yet another very peculiar square in Italy. The particularity about it is that it’s walled in, partly paved and partly with grass, which makes it look like a private garden. Moreover, this square hosts some famous buildings, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa’s Cathedral, the Baptistry and the Monumental Cemetery.

In 1987, Piazza dei Miracoli was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All the buildings on site are characterized by distinctive grey marble and white stone, while inside, you will find unique mosaics and paintings from different artists.

South of Italy – squares IN ITALY you should check out

PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO – NAPLES

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest and most impressive squares in Italy. Located in the heart of Naples, this space is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola.

The Royal Palace is a neoclassical building that was once the seat of government during the Bourbon era. Nowadays, it houses several museums and art exhibitions, as well as the National Archeological Museum of Naples, which holds artefacts from Herculaneum and Pompeii as well as having a vast collection of statues, frescoes and mosaics.

The Basilica di San Francesco di Paola is one of the other buildings that dominates the square. It was built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Pantheon in Rome. It features a massive dome and colonnade that add grandeur to the square itself.

At the centre of Piazza del Plebiscito, stands the Obelisk of San Gennaro, a monument to honour Naples’ patron saint. It stands over 30 metres tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Moreover, around the piazza, you can find Palazzo Salerno and Palazzo della Prefettura.

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PIAZZA DUOMO – AMALFI

It might be one of the smallest squares in Italy and maybe not that known, but if you happen to visit Amalfi, this piazza is as stunning and charming as it can be, bringing history and the Mediterranean atmosphere all in the same space for tourists and local alike to enjoy.

Piazza Dumo is famous for its historical architecture and the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral as its centerpiece. Dedicated to Saint Andrew, the cathedral has a stunning façade and a grand staircase that dominates the square. This cathedral is the work of different styles from baroque to touches of Neo Moorish style, which makes the place even more stunning.

When visiting Piazza Duomo, you can explore the cathedral, marvel at the impressive architecture, and enjoy the lively ambiance of the surrounding cafes and shops. The square is not only a hub of cultural and historical significance but also a place to enjoy the magnificent coast that Amalfi is famous. If you have a chance also enjoy some typical drinks or make limoncello at home!

PIAZZA PRETORIA – PALERMO

Piazza Pretoria is a stunning square located in the heart of Palermo. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. This square is home to the famous Fontana Pretoria, which is a massive fountain with intricate sculptures and water features that are sure to leave you speechless.

The Fontana Pretoria is one of the most iconic landmarks in Palermo, and it is an excellent representation of the city’s rich history and culture. The fountain was first realised by a Florentin sculptor for the Toledo family and later on, sold to the government of Palermo in 1574.

Around it, you can find more unique buildings like Palazzo delle Aquile or also known as Palazzo Pretorio – a stunning building that houses the administration of the city – Palazzo Senatoria – another beautiful building that is home to the city municipal library.

In addition to the Fontana Pretoria and the beautiful buildings surrounding it, the square is also home to several cafes, bars, and restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. There are also street performers and vendors selling souvenirs and snacks, making this square a bustling hub of activity.

PIAZZA DEL MUNICIPIO – NOTO

Piazza del Municipio is one of the most beautiful Baroque squares in Sicily and it’s located in the heart of Noto. In the square, you can find Palazzo Ducezio, an impressive Baroque building built in the 18th century. Named after the Duke of Camastra, who played a role in the reconstruction of Noto after the earthquake of 1693. It nowadays homes the town hall and it is also a popular venue for cultural events and exhibitions.

Another important building facing the square is the Chiesa di San Francesco all’Immacolata. A splendid Baroque church that was built between 1704 and 1745. The church features a stunning façade decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, and its interior is richly adorned with frescoes and stucco work. The church has an annexed convent as well as an imposing three flight of stairs, flanked by Baroque columns. Chiesa San Francesco is a popular destination for anyone that loves the Baroque period and architecture.

Moreover, this square is also home to several other buildings like Palazzo Landolina and Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, among other amazing examples of Baroque architecture. Around you can find plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops where you can taste delicious gelato and typical Sicilian food and wine, like pistachio liqueur and biancomangiare.

Hope you have enjoyed this post on the most famous squares in Italy and that you will have a chance to visit some of them soon!

Have you visited any of these squares in Italy? Will you add any of them to your travel list? Let me know in the comments and keep following for more travel tips!

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