Italy is home to some of the most beautiful squares in the world. When we asked our team which they thought were the best piazzas in Italy, we had plenty to choose from. Some people loved the piazzas with fascinating history, others chose theirs based on the atmosphere or the artworks on display. After some tough deliberating, we whittled the list down to the top 20. Read on to find which ones made it onto our shortlist – if you’ve got any other suggestions, be sure to leave us a comment.
Best for history
Piazza San Marco, Venice
“Part of the UNESCO-listed city of Venice, Piazza San Marco (or St. Mark’s Squre), is the quintessential symbol of Venice, and has been for centuries now. It’s here you’ll find St. Mark’s Basilica, Clocktower and Campanile, as well as the Doge’s Palace in one corner. Around the piazza’s edges are historic cafes – they’re expensive, but can’t be beaten for atmosphere.” Adrian, Italy Expert
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
“This central piazza is home to Florence’s most famous treasures: the 13th-century Duomo, campanile and baptistery. View the square from above by climbing to the top of the cathedral’s dome – if the queues are too long, climb the campanile instead, where you’ll usually find fewer crowds.” Gianni, Citalia Concierge
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Lucca
“This piazza’s unusual shape (an oval) is a result of being built on the site of Lucca’s Roman amphitheatre – hence the name. Follow the road outside the piazza (Via dell’Anfiteatro) and you can still see some of the ruins of the ancient amphitheatre.” Stefano, Purchasing Manager
Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
“You can’t visit Pisa without stopping in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Not only is this huge, grassy square the location of the famous Leaning Tower, but it also houses the city’s beautiful cathedral and baptistery, too. The buildings date back to the 11th century, so there’s a lot of history here.” Miranda, Italy Expert
Best for architecture
Piazza della Signoria, Florence
“Piazza della Signoria is a perfect example of the Renaissance art and architecture that Florence is famous for, from the grand Palazzo Vecchio to the marble statues beneath the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi.” Iulia, Italy Expert
Piazza Cavour, Rimini
“Located in Rimini’s old town, Piazza Cavour is a great example of medieval architecture. It’s a popular meeting place for locals, so it’s bustling day and night.” Gianni, Citalia Concierge
Piazza del Duomo, Lecce
“Lecce is filled with amazing Baroque buildings, but the best place to appreciate the architecture is the Piazza del Duomo. The facades of the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace here are incredibly ornate, and carved from the local stone (Pietra Leccese).” Alex, Senior Content Manager
Piazza Mincio, Rome
“This piazza offers a fantastic mixture of art nouveau and art deco, with infiltration of Greek art, and Gothic, Baroque and even medieval architecture.” Davide, Citalia Concierge
Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna
“Named after the nearby Basilica of Santo Stefano, this is possibly my favourite piazza in all of Italy. It’s a triangular shape, completely pedestrianised and surrounded by the beautiful porticoes that Bologna is so famous for.” Gianni, Citalia Concierge
Best hidden gem
Piazza Mattei, Rome
“Rome has some incredibly grand piazzas, but this little one just off Via dei Funari gets my vote for the typically Roman townhouses around its edge and its lovely fountain, which features bronze turtles added by Bernini years after the fountain was first built. There’s a great pizza place just around the corner, so I always get a slice and come and eat it here.” Laura, Content Manager
Piazza Grande, Gubbio
“Gubbio isn’t one of Umbria’s better-known towns – but it should be. Its huge main square, Piazza Grande, offers fantastic views over the rooftops and the surrounding countryside, and to one side is the impressive 14th-century Palazzo dei Consoli.” Anna, Content Editor
Best for an evening out
Piazza Umberto I, Capri
“Known to most as the Piazzetta, this square is the heart and soul of Capri Town. There are cafes on every corner, so there’s no better spot for an aperitivo in the evening.” Geraldine, Italy Expert
Campo Santa Margherita, Venice
“This vibrant and typically Venetian square is perfect for a night out – full of bars and traditional bacari (Venetian tapas bars).” Gianni, Citalia Concierge
Piazza Navona, Rome
“I always come to Piazza Navona when I’m in Rome. In the evenings it fills up with both locals and tourists, there are street entertainers and live music, and the gorgeous buildings and fountains are all lit up. Very atmospheric!” Christina, Content Editor
Best for atmosphere
Piazza delle Erbe, Verona
“Come to this square any time for a real flavour of Verona. During the day, come for a coffee and a browse of the market stalls; at night, come for the trendy bar scene.” Claire, Purchasing Manager
Campo dei Fiori, Rome
“This medieval square in the historical centre of Rome hosts a daily market each morning, with lots of local produce and fresh flowers on sale. It’s just as lively at night, thanks to the bars and restaurants here too.” Davide, Citalia Concierge
Piazza Marconi, Vernazza
“This small square in the Cinque Terre village of Vernazza is a hub of activity during the day, when day-trippers fill its cafes. I love it most in the evenings though, when locals come out to play cards and drink espressos together, and you can watch spectacular sunsets over the water.” Laura, Product Manager
Piazza del Campo, Siena
“Siena’s magnificent main piazza is fantastic to visit all year round. Head here for Il Palio, though, and you’ll get to experience one of the most exciting events in the Italian calendar. Thousands of cheering spectators, parades, and the race itself – it’s a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Linda, Italy Expert
Best for views
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
“Piazzale Michelangelo, in Florence’s Oltrarno district, offers up probably the best views in the entire city. It’s great at sunset, when people bring bottles of Prosecco and there’s sometimes live music.” Artan, Italy Expert
Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
“For some of Taormina’s best sea views, head for the lively central square, Piazza IX Aprile.” Heather Green, Purchasing Manager
Which do you think are the best piazzas in Italy?
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