Things to Do in Italy

Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is the beating heart of Mantua’s elegant Renaissance historic center. It is also home to three of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city’s most famous monuments: the 13th-century civic hall, Palazzo della Ragione; Bartolomeo Manfredi’s 15th-century clock tower; and the 11th-century Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church.

The Basics

As its name suggests, Piazza delle Erbe was once Mantua’s marketplace, and today it is both the cultural and social center of the city. Visit its sights or simply relax with a cappuccino at one of the many cafés that line the square to enjoy the local flavor. Walking tours of Mantua include an in-depth visit to this historic square, and Mantua’s proximity to Verona means that you can easily combine a visit to both landmark cities in one day.

Things to Know Before You Go

The historic center of Mantua is quite compact and easily walkable, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes to tour the sights.
Most of the square is closed to traffic, so it is relatively kid-friendly.
Many of the streets in the historic center are lined with arcades and porticoes, protecting pedestrians from sun and rain.
Piazza delle Erbe is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Mantua is located just south of Lake Garda, about halfway between Milan and Venice. Piazza delle Erbe is in the city center, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.

When to Get There

Like many cities in northern Italy, Mantua can be cold and wet in the winter months. Plan to visit in the summer, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear so you can enjoy a stroll through the center.

Sights in Verona

If you combine your Mantua visit with a tour of Verona—where Shakespeare's tale of Romeo and Juliet is set—you can explore sites including Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s former Roman Forum and now home to Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti), the Mazzanti Houses, and the Madonna Verona Fountain (Fontana Madonna Verona); the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona); Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta); Piazza dei Signori; Palazzo Maffei; and Castelvecchio.

Piazza delle Erbe, Mantua, Italy

From $ 127

Piazza della Bocca della Verita

By far the most famous attraction in this square set between the Forum Boarium and the Tiber River is the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), located beneath the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, this massive ancient marble mask is one of Rome’s top attractions.

The Basics

Legend holds that the Bocca della Verità, probably originally a 1st-century drain cover from the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor, will bite off the hand of anyone who dares speak an untruth while inserting a hand in the mask’s open mouth. Audiences were charmed by Audrey Hepburn’s reaction when Gregory Peck feigned having his hand devoured in their iconic romantic comedy, and today visitors in Rome line up in droves to put the legend to the test.

The Bocca della Verità is one of the most beloved and whimsical attractions in Rome, and Piazza della Bocca della Verità is included in many walking, bike, and Vespa tours of the city’s highlights. Visit the legendary sculpted mask as part of a classic Fiat 500 tour of the Eternal City, or combine a visit with skip-the-line tickets for the nearby Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can view the mask from outside the church gates, but to take a picture with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, you’ll have to wait in line to access the enclosed portico.
Visitors are urged to snap their pictures quickly to keep the long line moving along, so have your camera ready.
This is a fun stop for kids, but remember that you only have a few seconds to pose them with their hands in the mask’s mouth.
The church portico and Bocca della Verità is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Piazza della Bocca della Verità is along the Tiber River just across the Ponte Palatino bridge from the Trastevere neighborhood. A number of city buses from the Termini train station and across the city stop in or near the square.

When to Get There

The marble mask is only accessible when the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is open, as it is located under the portico behind the church gates. Plan to get there first thing in the morning when the portico opens to avoid the long lines that form later in the day.

Other Sights in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

After your snapshot of the Bocca della Verità, take a few minutes to visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin, one of the most important medieval churches in Rome. The church has the tallest medieval bell tower in the city and beautiful Cosmatesque floors, and is home to what many believe to be the skull of Saint Valentine.

Piazza della Bocca della Verita, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 25

Piazza Farnese

The Piazza Farnese in the historic center of Rome is named for the huge Palazzo Farnese on one side of it, and is one of the nicest public spaces in this busy city. The Palazzo Farnese was begun in the early 16th century by a cardinal in the Farnese family who would eventually become Pope Paul III in 1534. No expense was spared – in fact, when he became the pope, the size of his still-under-construction palace actually grew. It remains the city's largest Renaissance palace, today serving as the French Embassy, and the dominant building on the eponymous piazza.

Other attractions on the Piazza Farnese include the Chiesa di Santa Brigida, a former house of the Swedish saint that was converted into a church upon her death in the 1370s, and two fountains that look like bathtubs – because they are. Each has as its base a bathtub from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

Practical Info

Piazza Farnese is located between the popular square Campo de Fiori and the Tiber River. If you leave the Campo di Fiori from its western corner and walk along the Via dei Baullari toward the river, you'll reach the Piazza Farnese.

Rome, Italy

From $ 24

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is a square in Rome not far from Termini train station. The square was the original site of the Baths of Diocletian. It was known as Piazza Esedra until the 1950s, and many older locals still refer to it by its old name. In the center of the square is the large Fountain of the Naiads, or water nymphs. Figures of the four water nymphs adorn the sides of the fountain representing oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground water. When the fountain was unveiled in 1901, it was considered too provocative due to the nudity of the statues.

One of Rome's most well known streets, Via Nazionale, starts at Piazza della Repubblica. On this street and in the surrounding area you'll find upscale hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Near the piazza is the Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma, a lavish 19th century opera house. There are also several churches and ornate buildings in the area.

Practical Info

Piazza della Repubblica is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. To get there take metro line A to the Repubblica – Teatro Opera station.

Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Lazio 00185, Italy

From $ 31

Piazza Grande

The oldest square in the Tuscan city of Arezzo has the appropriate name of Piazza Grande, or Great Square. Dating back to the Medieval era, the piazza was once the site of the city's main market. Today, it plays host to the monthly antiques market that is one of the largest in Italy. It's also where the annual Joust of the Saracen is held.

Notable buildings surrounding the Piazza Grande include the 14th-century Fraternita dei Laici palazzo, a loggia designed by Giogio Vasari, a 13th-century Episcopal Palace, and part of the 13th-century Romanesque Apse of Santa Maria della Pieve.

Practical Info

Piazza Grande is located in the historic center of Arezzo.

Piazza Grande, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy 52100, Italy

From $ 139

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata

Florence is a city filled with quaint squares, picturesque landscapes and plenty of old-world architecture that’s ripe with European charm. This is particularly true amid its famous squares, and travelers agree that few are as beautiful as Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

A massive bronze statue of Ferdinando I de’Medici on horseback stands at the center of the square, with two notably strange fountains on either side. Visitors can relax in the sun and lounge as locals wind through the square on a busy afternoon, or duck into the Santissima Annunziata church, which was built in the 15th century and gave the square its name. Ospedale deli Innocenti—the oldest orphanage on the continent—also flanks the square and offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s past. Ceramic glazed reliefs of swaddled newborns line the façade and visitors can check out the circular stone where women could leave their unwanted newborns without fear of repercussion.

Practical Info

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is located off of Via della Colonna and accessible via the number 6 and 31 buses.

Via della Colonna, Florence, Italy

From $ 37

Piazza del Gesu

One of Naples' more interesting religious sites is the church of Gesù Nuovo in the city's historic center. Its spiky stone facade overlooks the wide open Piazza del Gesu, a popular spot for Neapolitans to meet, mingle and enjoy the fine Mediterranean weather.

The piazza used to be one of the main entrances to the city of Naples, while today it is notable for the two churches that face onto the square and the spire at its center. The 15th-century church of Gesù Nuovo, as mentioned, has an intimidating stone facade that belies its ornately decorated interior. The 14th-century church of Santa Chiara is a monastery and also houses an archaeological museum.

The center of the Piazza del Gesu is marked by an ornate statue called the “Guglia dell'Immacolata,” or Spire of the Immaculate Virgin. It was commissioned in the 17th century to ask the Virgin Mary to protect the city from the plague.

Practical Info

This piazza is great for people-watching during the day, but it really comes alive at night when many of the citizens of Naples use it as their personal drawing room after their typically late dinners.

Naples, Italy

From $ 29

Piazza del Plebiscito

In a city that can be as overwhelming as Naples, it’s nice to have the expanse of a public square like the enormous Piazza del Plebiscito. This is one of the biggest public piazzas in Naples, and it sits right next to the bay on the edge of the city’s historic center.

The Piazza del Plebiscito and the church of San Francesco di Paola, which borders the square to the west, were both planned in the early 19th century as monuments in honor of then-emperor Napoleon - his brother-in-law being the King of Naples at the time. Construction of both the piazza and the church were completed in 1816, after Napoleon had been exiled.

On the opposite side of the Piazza del Plebiscito, you’ll find the Royal Palace of Naples, a former residence of the Bourbon Kings who ruled in the 18th-19th centuries. The side of the palace that faces the piazza contains niches where the statues of major rulers over the Kingdom of Naples are displayed. One of the statues is of Gioacchino Murat, Napoleon’s brother-in-law who first began the planning and construction for the piazza over which his statue now looks.

Today, the Piazza del Plebiscito is used for everything from outdoor concerts protest gatherings to to impromptu soccer games among children. The wide, colonnaded arms that emanate from either side of San Francesco di Paola are reminiscent of the arms encircling St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, while the broad dome of the church itself reminds you of Rome’s Pantheon. The scene at the heart of the Piazza del Plebiscito, however, is entirely Naples.

Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Italy

From $ 27

Piazza IX Aprile

Italy’s public squares come in all shapes and sizes, and some are decidedly more beautiful than others. Taormina’s main square, Piazza IX Aprile, is both popular and gorgeous - which is why it features so prominently in many Taormina photographs.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Piazza IX Aprile is the paving - rather than a simple gray stone surface, the piazza looks a bit like a giant chessboard with its oversized alternating black and white marble squares. The impact is striking, especially on a sunny day.

The ornate Church of St. Joseph, built in the 17th century, overlooks the square, and its bright pink and white facade gleams against the black and white squares. Another building on the piazza is the 15th century St. Augustine, a former church that now serves as Taormina’s library. The passageway in the 12th century clock tower on one side of the piazza leads to the Borgo Medievale, one of Taormina’s oldest districts.

Many streets and piazzas in Italy are named after important dates in Italian history, which is where the name Piazza IX Aprile comes in. Although Giuseppe Garibaldi, a leader in the unification efforts, didn’t actually land on Sicily until early May in 1860, a rumor spread through Taormina on April 9 that Garibaldi had landed at Marsala. The rumor may have been a month early, but the locals still preserve the news of that April date in the name of their main square.

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

From $ 64

Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s many large public squares. This piazza is in the northern part of central Rome. The architect of the present-day piazza, built in the early 19th century, removed some existing structures to alter the shape from a trapezoid to a larger circular shape. While the piazza used to be a thoroughfare for cars, it is now a pedestrian-only zone.

The center of the Piazza del Popolo is marked by an Ancient Egyptian obelisk, and on one side of the piazza are two matching churches - Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto - one on each side of one of the streets leading from the piazza. The two churches are not exact copies of one another, but their features are so similar that they provide a symmetrical anchor to that end of the piazza.

A third church on the Piazza del Popolo is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is one of the main tourist draws on the piazza. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a 15th century church that is home to several works of art by masters - Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio among them.

Piazza del Poplo, Tome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 21

Piazza del Campo

Siena’s central Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Tuscany. This sweeping, shell-shaped space is anchored by the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico (home to the Museo Civico) and soaring Torre del Mangia tower, and hosts the historic Palio di Siena festival each July and August.

The Basics

The 14th-century Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the medieval town hall and bell tower, the square is home to the Fonte Gaia, a 15th-century white-marble fountain that is both a focal point and meeting place at the top end of the piazza. The square is ringed by late Gothic buildings and palaces, once residences of the most powerful families in Siena and now filled with bustling restaurants and cafés.

Appreciate the beauty and history of Piazza del Campo by joining a walking or Segway tour of Siena’s historic center. Many small-group and private tours also include skip-the-line access to Siena’s cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the city’s most impressive sights. Siena is a popular day trip from Florence and Rome, and many tours also include stops in Pisa or San Gimignano.

Things to Know Before You Go

Piazza del Campo is one of the most striking squares in Tuscany and makes for memorable photos, so be sure to bring your camera.
The square is accessible to wheelchair users, but has a slight slope down towards the Palazzo del Pubblico.
Kids love to play in the traffic-free square, though the fountain is closed off with protective fencing.
There are a number of cafés and restaurants along the perimeter of the square, perfect for a snack or meal with a view.

How to Get There

Piazza del Campo is in the very center of Siena’s old town, and you can walk or take a city bus to the square from the train station. The most convenient way to visit, however, is with a small-group or private tour that includes transportation so you can also explore nearby Tuscan villages.

When to Get There

Home to one of the most famous and popular medieval festivals in Italy, Piazza del Campo is off limits to anyone who hasn’t come specifically to see the biannual Palio, held in July and August. The square offers little shade so is best explored in early morning or late afternoon in summer, or in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder.

Siena’s Palio Festivities

Piazza del Campo is one of the most recognized public squares in Italy thanks to the popular Palio di Siena, the historical festival held there each year on one day in July and one day in August. Festivities focus around a bareback horse race among 10 horses and riders representing 10 of the 17 contrade, or historical town districts. The horses race along a track encircling the square surrounded by screaming crowds, and the celebrations also include religious services, pageants, and banquets.

Piazza Il Campo, 1, Siena, Tuscany 53100, Italy

From $ 35

Piazza Duomo

The square in front of Taormina’s cathedral may have an obvious name - the Piazza del Duomo - but its primary decoration is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser.

The Duomo and the piazza are just off Taormina’s main street, the Corso Umberto I. The Duomo dates from the 13th century, although the main doorway was rebuilt in the 1630s. That’s also when the Baroque-style fountain was placed in the center of the Piazza del Duomo. The fountain was added to the square in 1635, and at the very top is a sculpture representing Taormina’s city symbol.

The symbol of Taormina is a centaur - half man, half horse - but for some reason the statue atop the fountain in the Piazza del Duomo isn’t a straightforward centaur. Not only is the figure female rather than male, it also only has two legs (the back two) rather than four. No one knows why the centaur isn’t quite “normal,” but the people of Taormina have adopted the statue as the town symbol.

Besides the fortified-looking Duomo, other buildings on the Piazza del Duomo include the Palazzo Ciampoli (now a hotel), the 15th century Floresta House, and the 17th century Palazzo Municipale - Taormina’s town hall.

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

From $ 115

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is a large square in the center of historic Lucca. As the name suggests, it was once the site of a Roman amphitheatre, one that was built in the first century and could hold up to 10,000 people. The remains of that structure now lie more than nine feet underground, but the oval shape of the piazza is a direct result of the outline of the amphitheatre.

The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro was built in 1830 by demolishing some buildings that had been constructed in the space. It became the site of the town's market, and is the heart of the old city today.

Practical Info

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in the northeast area of the historic walled city of Lucca. Some elements of the ancient amphitheatre are still visible in the area, including along Via dell'Anfiteatro.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Lucca, Tuscany 55100, Italy

From $ 12

Piazza Fontana

A short walk from the Duomo, Piazza Fontana is one of the prettiest squares in Milan’s center, a quiet respite from the hubbub of nearby Piazza della Scala and Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is named for its 18th-century neoclassical central fountain, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and is encircled by trees and benches.

The Basics

Milan is known for its urban hustle and bustle, but there are a number peaceful corners of the city worth exploring. If you need a few minutes to regroup during your walking or Segway tour of Milan's most famous sights like the Cathedral (Duomo) and Sforza Castle, take a quick detour to this lovely square where the pace is slower and the crowds thinner.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is a short walk from the Duomo and there is a wide pedestrian area encircling the center fountain, so perfect for cooling off in the shade for a few minutes with kids.
There is a high curb around the central fountain area that may be hard to manage with a wheelchair or stroller.
There are a number of cafés along the outside of the square that serve snacks and coffee.

How to Get There

Piazza Fontana is located just behind Milan’s Duomo, less than a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo.

When to Get There

The central fountain in Piazza Fontana has a number of water jets that are street level, ideal for cooling off hands and feet on a hot summer day.

A Violent Past

Piazza Fontana has a violent history that belies its peaceful atmosphere. In 1969, the square was the site of the bombing of the National Agrarian Bank, a domestic terrorist attack that resulted in 17 people killed and scores more injured. A plaque stands in the square in their honor.

Milan, Italy

From $ 70

Piazza del Ferrarese

Piazza del Ferrarese is a public square in the historic part of Bari, not far from the city's waterfront. There are two large squares in Bari's Old Town, known as Barivecchia: Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile, which connect to one another. The former was named for a 17th-century merchant from Ferrara who once lived there.

This part of Bari is newly redeveloped, making it more enticing for visitors, and the businesses lining both squares are part of that effort. Piazza del Ferrarese is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops, not to mention that there is part of an ancient Roman road in the middle of the square.

Practical Info

Piazza del Ferrarese is located in the eastern part of Bari, not far from the Teatro Margherita along the Lugomare Augusto Imperatore.

Piazza del Ferrarese, Bari, Puglia 70122, Italy

From $ 22

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

With its beautiful grassy expanses and Renaissance basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is beloved by Florentines and visitors alike. The centrally located square, lined with historic townhouses, restaurants, and cafés, has been a popular gathering place for 800 years.

The Basics

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella was built in the late 13th century and quickly became a center of Florentine life. Over the centuries, a number of festivals and tournaments were held here, and the two large obelisks sitting atop four bronze turtles by Giambologna that still decorate the square’s center were erected in the 1500s as marks for chariot races. One of Florence’s most beautiful churches, Santa Maria Novella, dominates this busy square, which is also home to the former Hospital of San Paolo, famous for its loggia decorated with majolica reliefs by Andrea della Robbia.

Many private or small-group Florence walking tours and tours by Segway or electric bike include a stop in Piazza di Santa Maria Novella along with visits to highlights like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), Piazzale Michelangelo, the Florence Duomo, and Santa Croce (Basilica di Santa Croce). Another unique way to experience the piazza is by joining a street-food tour that stops at the cafés and gelato shops around the square.

Things to Know Before You Go

With its large open spaces, gelato shops, and public benches, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is a convenient stop for kids.
Santa Maria Novella also has a pretty cloister and historic pharmacy selling herbal teas, perfumes, and soaps just off the square.
Most cultural and food tours of the historic center of Florence and Piazza di Santa Maria Novella are on foot, so choose comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat.
This public square is pedestrian only and perfectly flat, so easy to access with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is in the historic center of Florence, just across the street from the city’s main train station that shares its name.

When to Get There

The square is particularly lovely at night, when Florentines gather for an evening stroll with their gelato against the backdrop of the illuminated church facade.

The Santa Maria Novella Church

In addition to its magnificent 15th-century facade designed by Leon Battista Alberti, this Renaissance monument is home to artistic masterpieces by Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, Brunelleschi, and Giotto in addition to Domenico Ghirlandaio’s beautiful Tornabuoni Chapel.

Florence, Tuscany, Italy, Italy

From $ 16

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome's best-known meeting places, thanks to a stunning statue, the iconic Fontana della Barcaccia and an attractive square that lies at the foot of the famed Spanish Steps. The landmark's central location grants travelers easy access to top attractions like nearby Trinita dei Monti, Keats-Shelley Memorial House and the Column of the Immaculate Conception.

Piazza di Spagna is also a prime destination for people-watching, thanks to the large number of visitors and locals who gather in the public garden and scenic space to celebrate sunshine when there's warmer weather.

Practical Info

Piazza di Spagna is easily accessible from the Spagna metro stop.

Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

From $ 22

Piazza della Signoria

Home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria is the most important public square in Florence. The political heart of the city for centuries, today the square is also a vibrant social hub, where locals and tourists gather at the Loggia dei Lanzi and Neptune fountain to soak up the elegant atmosphere.

The Basics

Piazza della Signoria is best known as site of 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio, the crenellated fortresslike city hall and museum that anchors one side of the L-shaped square and was once seat of the Florentine Republic. The square is also home to the sculpture collection housed under the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi, the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune, a replica of Michelangelo’s David where the original once stood, and a number of important Renaissance palaces. The Uffizi Gallery is just off the square.

A stroll through Piazza della Signoria is one of the highlights of Florence walking tours and sightseeing tours by Segway or bike. Most private and small-group tours also include skip-the-line tickets to top attractions including the Duomo, the Uffizi, and Accademia Gallery. Kid-friendly Florence tours stop in Piazza della Signoria, and food tours pair a visit with beer, wine, or gelato tastings.

Things to Know Before You Go

Piazza della Signoria is lined with restaurants and bars, including the historic Café Rivoire, perfect for a snack or drink.
The square is flat and paved, easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers.
Wear a hat and sunscreen if visiting in summer, as the square has little shade.
Be sure to bring your camera to Piazza della Signoria, as it is one of the most picturesque spots in central Florence.

How to Get There

Piazza della Signoria marks the heart of Florence’s historical center and is a short walk from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Maria Novella train station.

When to Get There

Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for day trips and shore excursions, and Piazza della Signoria is particularly hot and crowded in summer. Visit in spring or fall to enjoy the square with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. A number of important historical and religious processions pass through the square each year, including the Cavalcade of the Three Kings on January 6 and the Carnival parade in February.

Savonarola

Piazza della Signoria was the site of the 1497 bonfire of the vanities, a Catholic reformist uprising led by the Dominican monk Savonarola who preached against the excesses of secular culture and urged his followers to burn works of art and literature. After defying Pope Alexander VI, Savonarola was hanged in the square, and today there is a plaque marking the spot of his execution.

Italy

From $ 3

Piazza della Rotonda

One of the liveliest squares in the heart of Rome, Piazza della Rotonda is lined with bustling bars, historical cafés, and alfresco restaurant tables. The piazza was built around the Pantheon, one of the city’s most famous ancient monuments, which predates the square by about a thousand years.

The Basics

Piazza della Rotonda was created in the mid-15th century when Pope Eugenius IV decided to clear the mass of market stalls and urban hovels that were spoiling the view of the Pantheon. The fanciful marble fountain was built in 1575 by Giacomo della Porta, to which a baroque Egyptian-style obelisk was added in 1711.

Private or small-group tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks generally include a stop in Piazza della Rotonda, as do themed tours highlighting classical Roman or baroque sights. In addition to this important square, skip-the-line Rome highlights tours may include the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). You can opt for a walking tour or see the piazza by luxury van, scooter, or golf cart. For a more romantic visit, join a tour at sunset or by night, when the Pantheon is dramatically lit and the square is particularly beautiful.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is pedestrian only and crowded with street performers, so a nice stop for families with young children.
If joining a tour of the historical center of Rome and Piazza della Rotonda on foot, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The public square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones can make crossing a bit bumpy.
A number of Rome’s most beloved cafés and gelato shops are in or near the square, making this the perfect spot for a quick espresso or cone.

How to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is located in the historical city center of Rome, about halfway between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. To reach the square from the Termini train station, take one of several buses to the Argentina stop on Largo di Torre Argentina, a quick walk away.

When to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is a lively spot to visit year-round. To get a comprehensive feel for the square, come during the day and again at night, when the Pantheon is lit. On summer evenings the space is crowded with buskers and street musicians, making it especially magical.

The Pantheon

The square is named for Santa Maria Rotonda, the official name of the Pantheon. This remarkable building dates from 27 BC, but was entirely reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the early second century AD. It is almost completely intact, and the interior is illuminated by a shaft of sunlight peeping through the round oculus in the dome. The building is the resting place of Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as the artist Raphael.

Piazza della Rotonda, Sant’Eustachio, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

From $ 37

Piazza Gae Aulenti

One of the newest areas of construction in Milan is north of the city center near the Garibaldi train station, including the futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti. The piazza, which opened in 2012 and is named after the Italian architect who designed Paris’ Musee d’Orsay, is surrounded by three new towers, including one that has the distinction of being Italy's tallest building. The piazza is circular in shape, and elevated above the surrounding ground level, with walkways running around and across its central pool and dancing water fountain displays.

A footbridge connects the piazza to the trendy Corso Como and its many restaurants and bars, making it a popular meeting place for locals, as well as a location for photo shoots. Take a photo walking tour of Milan to expertly capture Piazza Gae Aulenti's reflective surfaces and bring home a beautiful souvenir—or opt to visit as part of a city highlights tour, including admission to Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Last Supper,' as well as the Duomo.

Practical Info

The piazza is located in Milan's financial district, near the Garibaldi and Gioia metro stops. To get there, take the green or purple line to either stop, and walk toward Corso Como. The square is located below the huge Torre UniCredit skyscraper.

Look out for the nearby Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, which consists of two apartment towers with trees growing on every balcony all the way to the top.

Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan, Lombardy 20124, Italy

From $ 46