Le piazze

Padua, particularly its historic center, is a city teeming with squares, squares and courtyards. Just think of the marvelous setting of Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe. However, don’t be caught off guard: when someone arranges to meet you “in piazza”, know that it is a very specific area, namely that located around the Palazzo della Ragione. Here we find what was for centuries the vital center of the city of Padua, between Piazza della Frutta, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.

Piazza della Frutta
The Piazza della Frutta, or Fruit Square, is located north of the Palazzo della Ragione. It is a historic place of trade and commerce, according to some since the imperial era, although its current conformation dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Eggs, poultry, fish and roast meats were sold there, as well as vegetables and birds. Since the end of the 12th century, the daily fruit and vegetable market (but not only that) has still been held there, with wooden stalls.

Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe was called “Della Biada” and later “Del Vino” because of the markets held there. Worked iron, vegetables, wheat, legumes and wheat were also traded there. The square was considered a place of exchange for low-value goods and often used for demonstrations and popular festivals. It was, for example, the finishing point of the city’s Palio race. The fruit and vegetable market is always held there from Monday to Saturday.

Piazza dei Signori
While the Piazza delle Erbe was the scene of popular festivals, the noble Piazza dei Signori was the setting for civic celebrations. It owes its name to the Palazzo della Signoria, the palace of the Carraresi, lords of Padua from 1318 to 1405. The square is dominated by the Clock Tower, which dates back to the 16th century, embellished by the famous astronomical clock, one firsts made in Italy.