The Largest Squares in Italy

 

Which are the largest squares in Italy? Finding a specific answer to this question is, unfortunately, much more difficult than one might think. Actually, there’s no official study with accurate data on the subject to date. Hence, it’s no surprise that many of the rankings online differ from each other and the report numbers are inaccurate or outdated.

We’ve tried to put some order, crossing and verifying data taken from various sources. In our list, we have included, both, squares (urban portions whose perimeter is bordered by buildings on each side), and large squares (urban portions not completely surrounded by buildings). And, here’s what we’ve found!

NOTE: The following ranking is not based on official data, therefore, it’s subject to continuous revisions and updates. We invite you to tell us of any changes and corrections in the comments, attaching your sources. We will be happy to evaluate possible additions. Thanks to all for the valuable contribution.

36. Piazza Aurelio Saffi, Forlì

Area: 11,136 sqm

The Aurelio Saffi square is the heart of the town and consists of the point where the four main courses intersect.

35. Piazza San Marco, Venice

Area: 12,128 sqm
Year of construction: 1156

St. Mark’s square is one of the most important in Venice. It houses the Basilica, from which it takes its name, and the Bell Tower.

34. Piazza Unita d’Italia, Trieste

Area: 12,280 sqm

Heart of the Julian capital, the Unity of Italy square is located at the foot of the San Giusto hill, between Borgo Teresiano and Borgo Giuseppino. It houses several representative buildings including the Town Hall.

33. Piazza della Repubblica, Naples

Area: 16,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1897

In the Republic square overlooking the seafront, we can find the monument of the four days of Naples. To the southwest of the square is the US consulate building.

32. Piazza dei Martiri, Carpi

Area: 16,560 sqm
Year of construction: 1400

On the eastern side of the square of the Martyrs, the Castle or Palazzo Pio, a building in the medieval style, was built.

31. Piazza della Vittoria, Naples

Area: 17,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1646

In front of the square is the Church of Victory, from which it takes its name. In fact, the name “victory” derives from the victory of the Christians in the battle of Lepanto, which was fought against the Turks.

30. Piazzale Loreto, Milan

Area: over 17,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1500

Near the square, in Monza street, the Palazzo di Fuoco (eng. Palace of Fire), built by Giulio Minoletti in 1959, is located. The square is sadly known for the exhibition of the corpses of Mussolini, his mistress Claretta Petacci, and some fascist hierarchs.

29. Piazza del Popolo, Rome

Area: 17,100 sqm
Year of construction: 1818

Near the square, we can find the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Montesanto, and the Chruch of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

28. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Monopoli

Area: about 18,000 sqm

Vittorio Emanuele II square is the main square of the city which was used as a meeting place of Monopoli for years. It was built in the late 1700s from the project of the architect De Simone. It was called “Borgo” (eng. village) by the inhabitants because it was the square of the “new village” built beyond the walls of the old city until it was named after King Vittorio Emanuele II.

27. Piazza Castello, Benevento

Area: 18,200 sqm
Year of construction: 1842

Inside the Castel square, there is a monument of the fallen of the First World War.

26. Piazza Nazionale, Naples

Area: 18,500 sqm
Year of construction: 1885

In the vicinity of the square, we can see buildings built towards the end of the 19th century.

25. Piazza della Repubblica, Livorno

Area: 19,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1850

On the south side of the square, there is a monument of the Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Tuscany. Originally it was named Piazza dei Granduchi (eng. Grand Dukes square). After the unification of Italy, it was dedicated to Carlo Alberto of Savoy, and after the referendum of ’46, it was named Piazza della Repubblica (eng. Republic square).

24. Piazza della Magione, Palermo

Area: 22,200 sqm
Year of construction: 1191

On the southeast side of the church, there’s the homonymous Basilica from which the square takes its name.

23. Piazza Duccio Galimberti, Cuneo

Area: 24,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1800

This square was named after Tancredi (Duccio) Galimberti, a hero of the resistance during the fascist period.

22. Piazza Bra, Verona

Area: about 25,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1550

On the western side of the square is the Honorij Palace.

21. Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples

Area: over 25,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1602

Inside the square, there are two palaces: Palazzo Salerno and Palazzo della Prefettura. Although built in 1602, it was finally called Piazza del Plebiscito in 1860.

20. Piazza del Mercato, Naples

Area: 28,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1268

Market Square is the home of the fountain of the Dolphins. This place was famous for the beginning of the Neapolitan revolt led by Masaniello.

19. Piazza Duomo, Milan

Area: 28,500 sqm
Year of construction: 1330

In this square, the famous Duomo, from which it takes its name, and the equestrian monument of Vittorio Emanuele II are located.

18. Piazza d’Azeglio, Florence

Area: 30,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1860

Here, in addition to a small playground, a monument to the memory of three partisans killed by the fascists is also found. The square was named after the writer and politician Massimo D’Azeglio in 1866.

17. Piazza della Liberta, Salerno

Area: 31,000 sqm
Year of construction: 2012

Near the square, we can find the Maritime Station and Santa Teresa Beach.

16. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin

Area: 31,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1333

The square is the meeting place for young people from Turin, hence, there are no buildings or historical monuments, only bars and clubs.

16. Piazza Mercatale, Prato

Area: 32,294 sqm

Located in the center of the city, it was the place where the city market was located until the 1970s. In the Middle Ages, it was considered one of the largest squares in Europe.

15. Piazza San Giovanni In Laterano, Rome

Area: 33,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1732

In the square, we find the famous Basilica from which it takes its name. Inside the Basilica of San Giovanni, the Lateran pacts between Mussolini and the church were signed in 1929.

14. Piazza Castello, Turin

Area: 35,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1583

Inside the Castel square, we find the Palazzo della Prefettura and the royal armory.

13. Piazza del Municipio, Naples

Area: 42,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1300

In the square, we find the Town Hall, from which it takes its name (Piazza del Municipio – eng. Town Hall square).

12. Piazza dei Cinquecento, Rome

Area: 45,000 sq m
Year of construction: 1550

This square is located in front of Termini Station. Inside of it, you can see the monument of John Paul II. There is also the Gambrinus Bar where the meeting between Pasolini and Pino Pelosi, who killed him a few hours later, took place.

11. Piazza Del Colosseo, Rome

Area: 45,500 sqm 
Year of construction: 1000

The square is famous for the Colosseum, one of the most visited attractions in the world.

10. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome

Area: 54.954 sqm
Year of construction: 1871

In the square, you can see a market and a garden where the Magic Door is located. The door is the entrance to the house of an alchemist.

9. Piazza Dante, Livorno

 

Area: 59,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1911

Near the square, the central station of Livorno is located.

8. Spianata del Foro Italico, Palermo

Area: 62,500 sqm
Year of construction: 1846

At the Foro Italico esplanade, we can see the music box at the Marina which initially hosted Sunday concerts.

7. Piazza Campo del Palio, Asti

Area: 66,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1382

The rear part of the prefecture building overlooks the square. Its name derives from the Palio that has been taking place in this square until 1988.

6. Piazza Garibaldi, Naples

Area: 70,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1870

The square’s name derives from the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi which is located in it. In ancient times, Garibaldi square was called Station or Railways square. Even today, the Neapolitans usually call it “a ‘Ferrovia” (eng. of Railway).

5. Piazza della Repubblica, Milan

Area: 73,500 sqm
Year of construction: 1865

In the square, you can see the Breda Tower and the monument of Giuseppe Mazzini.

4. Largo Marinai d’Italia, Milan

Area: 78,500 sqm
Year of construction: 1911

The wide area also includes the Vittorio Formentano Park and the Liberty Building.

3. Piazza Prato della Valle, Padua

Area: 88,620 sqm
Year of construction: 1784

In this square, we find the elliptical island called Memmia island.

2. Piazza Castello, Milan

Area: 95,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1400

The name of the square comes from the Castello Sforzesco, one of the most important monuments in Milan.

1. Piazza Carlo III di Borbone, Caserta

Area: over 130,000 sqm
Year of construction: 1750

In the first place, we find Piazza Carlo III di Borbone. This square is famous for housing the Royal Palace of Caserta.