Piazza del Campo, Siena
Must-SeeThe shell-shaped piazza — Italy's most beautiful public space. The Palio horse race runs here twice yearly. Sit at the bottom and let the space embrace you.
Piazza San Marco, Venice
Must-SeeNapoleon called it "Europe's drawing room." The Basilica, Campanile, Doge's Palace, and Procuratie form an incomparable ensemble. Visit at dawn.
Piazza Navona, Rome
Must-SeeBuilt on Domitian's stadium — Bernini's Four Rivers fountain, Borromini's Sant'Agnese church, and Rome's best street performers.
Piazza del Duomo, Lecce
Must-SeeA Baroque stage set — the cathedral, bishop's palace, and seminary form an enclosed golden stone theatre.
Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca
Must-SeeBuilt on a Roman amphitheatre — the oval shape of the arena is perfectly preserved in the surrounding buildings. A natural gathering place.
Where to start
Italy has the world's greatest concentration of most beautiful piazzas in italy. Use this guide to find the masterpieces — then let yourself be surprised by what you discover on your own.